Black is India’s best chance at winning an Oscar for Best Foreign film, not just at being nominated next year. I know smart alecs would crib that it is melodramatic but ASSHOLES, melodrama is at the heart and soul of Indian cinema… you take that away from Indian cinema and it’s no longer Indian cinema. We Indians are emotional people and we do react dramatically. But actually, Black isn’t melodrama, it’s mellow drama, considering that it is from Bhansali!
Black is among the best films ever made in the world. Since it’s Indian, it’s closer to my heart and will be right at top of my list. YES, I WOULD RATE IT AS MY MOST FAVOURITE FILM.
Black is a film that not just strikes a chord but plays an entire orchestra … a … a … a symphony in your heart. It’s a painting that brings out the richness of the vibrant hues of black. Yes, vibrant.
Black is a story of a bratty, disillusioned deaf, dumb and blind girl (Rani) who is introduced to the beauty of the world through her teacher (Bachchan), a tale of a unique bond and a beautiful relationship and an epic saga of the triumph of perseverance and compassion. Life is beautiful? More than Benigni’s I would dare to say!
Black has proved for once and for all that good cinema does not need running around trees (oh, she does run around plants but for different reasons) or songs or item numbers or any kind of comic relief or a love story or action and stunt sequences and that serious cinema could be entertaining and for the masses. Not one person in a hall of 1200 people hooted or seemed even slightly distracted. That’s how absorbing the film is. It sucks people into its emotional core. In fact, they didn’t speak a word till it was over and once it was over, they clapped. Some gave it a standing ovation.
Black has proved that we have an amazing pool of actors whose potential has so far remained largely untapped. The girl who plays little Rani Mukherjee is better than Rani herself. Not to say Rani is bad, it’s her career best and she breathes so much life into the role just as Bachchan does in his career best.
Black has also proved we have technicians who are as good as the best in the world. Cinematographer Ravi K Chandran and Art Director Omung Kumar and Director Bhansali have put together a contemporary classic of great aesthetic quality and cinematic finesse to compliment its literary and non-verbal content.
Black has Bhansali bring a rare brand of serious feel-good cinema.
Black makes you smile, makes you cry, makes you think, makes you dream, makes you admire and worship Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who has just attained God status in my eyes!
Black gives the dark colour a whole new connotation, a whole new meaning.
Black is pure magic.
(I just can’t wait to watch the film again and again and again and again!)
MADRAS INK. 