Fellow Members

Just wanted to share this small excerpt of Amitabhs voice on Black and ofcourse Black.

Black to me is truly one of the best things which has happened lately to Indian Cinema, I am sure all of guys would completely agree to this.
Those of you who haven't had the experience of black till date, I request you to go to your nearest theatre and experience it for yourself, watching it on small screen wouldn't be fare to such an elegant expression of this medium.

Last weekend I was fortunate enough to see black ......... Agar aaj tak koi hindi cinema mein achchi cheez bani hai to wo Black hai.......... Is se jyada broad statement mai nahin de sakta........ If you talk about......... Cinematography, sound mixing, background score, slick editing, exemplary lighting, cut to cut direction, strong script, engaging & taut screenplay,powerful storyline, towering performances.. By one and all........ Agar kisi ko kuch seekhna ho ke ek cinema medium mein ideal film kaise banti hai to uska ek jawaab hai .. Black..

Jisko jo seekhna hai bas us cheez par dhyaan de aur wo test mein paas ho jaayegaa......... If a person is even a little bit sensible then Black is a treat for him/her.. Maine nahin dekhi itne dil se bani hui film abhi tak.............. Phillum bahut dekhi achchi achchi par iske nazdeek koi naa pahuchi.. The sense, the orientation, the message, whatever best use one can take of this medium.. Sanjay Leela Bhansali has taken that..... All kudos to him..... Film dekh kar jab mai bahar nikla to bas ek mann tha ke SLB ke .......... Paao pakad loon aur kahun ke tu khuda hai bas........ Aur kuch nahin........

If you ask me then next years all oscars I would give to Black........ And am pretty sure that next years all of our own Bollywood awards would be dominated by Mukherjee/Amitabh Bachchan/Sanjay Leela Bhansali trio ............ AB is just awesome in his role of a mentor to the physically disabled and is complimented quite well by RM..

I am still not able to recover from the hangover of this awesome addition to world cinema, and it has top potential and a universal appeal and I am sure SLB would be making sure to dub it in intl languages and making it avaialble to world audience...... Mai aur kuch jyada nahin keh sakta bas............. Black ke baarein mein......... just wanted to share all of this with you.

I am sure you all must also be having your experiences about Black.. would request you to share all of them..

cheers.. Mudit

Hi Mudit, I saw the movie a couple of week ago and it is an excellent
movie all the way round to say the least. If possible please u/l
the whole interview.


Ramesh.

My review...





Your world is not A.B.C.D.E your world is - be, ell, aye, see, cay .. Black*
........................................................................................Amitabh Bachchan

BLACK

The review - .......................................................no spoilers



Expectations

Like most I too held many an expectation. Not just because here was a product that seemed too good to be true. A film that brings together my favourite actor and favorite director. And an actress who has gradually but surely found her way through to my heart with performance oriented roles.
I've been following 'Black' and only 'Black' closely throughout making. From the announcement to the release its only been this one film. So much so that I had blanked out just about all other films and actually stopped watching films from early 2004 as we were being spun one film after another that was either easily forgoten or wasn't worth the time.
It didn't help in that with very little information leaking out from the sets my interest grew tenfold over the months ahead.
And now having watched Sanjay L. Bhansali's latest film I'm happy to say that my expectations have been met.


A film that Indian cinema has never seen before -

Looking at the big picture lets say this - There are always going to be an audience reaction that is split somewhere down the line. That line may run down the centre or alittle to the left but, a film with so much passion and pain not just whats seen onscreen but for those sad/happy moments behind the scenes in my eyes lives with you for so much longer.
And here we have something that I'm sure will live with us forever.




Ayesha Kapoor

An explosive talent no less and her first screen outing couldn't have been more memorable.
She really is the Amitabh Bachchan of acting of child artistes.
Her look was sad and scary at the same time... Her walk and body language was fabulous.
I liked how Sanjay L. Bhansali incorporated Rani's mannerisms into Ayesha's body language right down to the skin tone ... and vice versa... Rani Mukherji took on the mannerisms of the young Ayesha Kapoor.


Nandana Deb Sen

Nandana Deb Sen leaves a touching and lasting impression upon the viewer whenever she is on screen. She is a very beautiful young lady, a dedicated artiste and has to her credit some great cinema ... Long before 'Black' came to her. Here too she gives her all and shines, in one particular scene central to the story.


Dhritiman (father)

He certainly had the look . ... The strictness and later melting of his demoneur was well liad out in the context of the story...
A not so pleasant character to begin with but one that is brought closer to the audience as the story unfolds.


Shernaz Patel (mother)

Shernaz had quite a dominance in the first half of the film and still a central and well crafted performance in the latter half of the film. She was perfect ... just right and brought out the right emotional conflict going on within herself at the right times.... She acted really well with her eyes.. Especially in those scenes with Amitabh Bachchan.


Costumes

Perfection is Sanjay's middle name I believe. Once again he dosn't let the the clothes of his characters detach in anyway from the script. And neither are any of the characters left with something that is out of place at any place - anyone moment. Each character is given that authentic feel that is timeless yet somewhere in the past.


Set Design

The film has a certain mood, a definite mood and atmosphere. 'Black' has its own world, and kudus to the set designer/s. Sanjay designs and directs all of his films on sets and his eye for detail is praise worthy in 'Black'



Direction

Who am I to question a genius who is just starting out. But one thing that my heart has always felt and that is Sanjay Leela Bhansali is the only link to the great directors of past.
He really is a complete film-maker in every department and I mean on all levels.
'Black' he says was supposed to be a small film... Yeah right Mr. Bhansali - I'm sure like me, you too are laughing at such a statement. Its obvious that Sanjay has put his life into this film like no other. Even dedicating the film to his father... like always. But one cannot ignore the fact that the darkness of 'Black' and its on going struggle to see the light is a line that routes itself heavily into his own personal but well guarded life.


Background score

What can be said about music of such scale and emotion. You really have to live the music ... Watching 'Black' gives you a love for the operatic style of film music.
As said before on a few occasions Sanjay is music mad .. And I'm music mad also .. Watching a film is important only if the music connects with me.
There is a instrumental tune on the 'Devdas' album that was by Monty... If you loved that at the time then your really going to cherish the background score here in 'Black'
Songs were not an issue here... Each and every scene was like a painting in motion with operatic music adding to the characters moments throughout... Now thats perfection at its best*



Stand Out Scenes

I've watched the film today and have booked myself in for tommorrow but... there are a few scenes that I am living with in my thoughts right now. I'm thinking should I or should I not share with you people.... Thats a decision I'm conteplating.
But I'm afraid I don't advocate the notion that writng a review should be spoiled by giving away those special moments that may take away from their impact upon viewing for the first time. Every scene is a masterpiece
But still -

Rani's introduction scene I have to class as one of the greatest ever seen.
That music. omg that background score and her eyes and smile really brings a lump to the throught... It is this moment that it finally dawns on you that here you are finally sitting and watching the film that you have so much looked forward to. I'm sure the tears will start there and then its vitually guaranteed... The darkness of the cinema hall and that flash of Blue sky and snow falling is just too perfect a visual treat and unbelief that is hard to describe or understand.

I've mentioned the above scene.. but each and every scene is a favourite of mine and will change from time to time as the more times I watch the film and search for a better understanding of whats being shown and what it is that Sanjay was trying to convey through his thoughts to screen plan.

Some other scenes that I can only recall now...
Intimacy scene between Rani and Amitabh.
If there were any doubt that two master actors were peaking in their performances together then here it is.
The range of emotions that Amitabh Bachchan's facial expressions go through in this one scene is mind boggling to say the least. His expressions go through shock, pity, sacrifice, warmth, sadness, anger, forgiving, cunfusion and a hundred other expressions that words are yet to be introduced for.
Here was a moment that Debraj was delt one of lifes tough decisions that he alone could not answer to as it wasn't in his hands to do so.. And here was a lady who may not come to know the form of physical love due to the confines of the life she has to lead.

Rani's last scene.. One of her last standalone scenes, I'm sure you'll know which one when the scene is played out. The scene brings tears to ones eyes just thinking about it.. its that good. Her body language and expressions are to die for ... The music the sadness really reach some sort of crescendo here...



Amitabh Bachchan

We've heard the story about how Amitabh broke down on the sets after canning a shot..
I too wondered which scene that may have been... as there are many tender and emotional moments throughout the film that its very difficult to pick one.
But I feel that scene may have been when he was left sitting alone at the water fountain after the first breakthrough with the young Rani's character. So much pain and happiness comes to him together in that one moment that he breaks down... And all we see is the back and side view of him sitting and crying.
Its at these moments I liked how Sanjay didn't give us much of a background to Debraj's character so that we could come to our own conclusions on what kind of a life he led in the past and why he used to drink and was alone... I liked that mysterious element to his role. We don't need to be shown that he had a wife .. we don't need to be told why Debraj never takes off his hat/cap.. If we had.. then our minds would unconsciously be happy with that thought alone. No Sanjay has mastered the technigue ... Of not showing something to add even more depth to a character and more mystery.. To get the viewer to think more and find more aspects of Debraj's character on repeat viewings.
There was one thought that I was worried about . and didn't really believe upon first hearing and that was people saying that 'Black' was Amitabh Bachchan's best performance. I mean come on... now that is an impossible thought for even the greatest of fans of Amitabh. But after having watched the film... There is a truth that can only be best understood once the film has come to an end.
It depends how you look at it.. Sanjay really does get out of an actor some damn hard work.... As if by magic he gets the best out of every actor he works with.
I believe Amitabh Bachchan has put in so much hard work into this role even though he has in the past. But here each and every scene is so powerfully implemented with no deterrent of songs or anything else that takes away from the performance... It is probably Amitabh's most complete performance to date and I'd go as far as to say it may be his best yet as a performer.



Rani Mukherji

If there was one thing that I was adament on before 'Black' released - then that was Rani Mukherji may never surpass her performance in 'Black' in any future project.
I'm afraid and also happy to say that, that is indeed true.
Its damn impossible for her to touch the passion and heights and to get the central role all in one place ever again.
To make things possible and the only way I feel is that if she works with Sanjay L. Bhansali again.
He alone can surpass his own brilliance. That said... There also needs to be an actor of Amitabh Bachchan's calibre who can raise here extraordinary performance even more so.. by being in the same frame...
Sanjay L. Bhansali by the time he has lived his life and we have lived ours through his films will be remembered for bringing out the maximam of great and career best performances from any artiste from any where in the world. That is my belief and that is Sanjay's gift.
This isn't Rani Mukherji its a complete transformation... Her sounds emanating from her mouth.. Her walk - I loved her walk... are all part of the talent and hardwork on the actress and directors part.
Theres so much I want to add about Rani's performance .. We see here happy and sad, comedic and tragic and we are all touched and happy that Rani was given a role such as Michelle McNally.
Performancewise this role is right up there with the greats from Indian cinema. I havn't seen a better performance from an actress from any previous decade that I can remember.



Mood of Black

There is definitely a tone to 'Black' that loses you in its own world. A mark of a great film, you stay rivited to the screen for each and every scene.
The sound design is exemplary and honest to the proceeding going on screen. Right from the title sequence.. The mood is set that flows throughout the story perfectly.


Cinematography

As with many points this too is of a very high calibre and I was truly left spellbound on how the setting of Shimla was filmed anf many a moment are now imprinted on my mind and heart due to the worldclass camerawork.


The Future is Black

In my eyes 'Black' transcends Box-Office here is a film that other movie makers can look upto, not just in India but abroad also. 'Black' is a textbook, a complete package from a director who has finally left his mark and such a mark that sits comfortably alongside other masterpieces from directors of past.



The Kiss

The much speculated first kiss for Amitabh Bachchan. This scene couldn't have been done more tastefully.. It was perfect... But to understand that perfection you need to watch the scenes leading upto this intimate moment. You need to live with those two characters onscreen.
This is the best intimate scene I've seen in Indian Cinema as yet. Its easy on the senses and its not embarrassing in the least... But very very sad... So you forget everything else and just go with the flow.



Their onscreen chemistry

This is what perfect communication between two talented performers is all about.
We really feel for these two lost souls - the're as if one person at times but in two different places.
If there were two characters that were meant to be on screen ... then these are the ones.
Rani's character dotes so much on Amitabh's that its too sad to watch sometimes...
The're best moments are when they share the company of each other.



The Movie* (no spoilers)

A movie of such magnitude and depth can only come from the heart and mind of Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

He has really put alot of blood and sweat into the whole movie that is 'Black'. I now understand what he meant by stating that a good film can be noticed no matter... how less the interviews you give.. You can't keep a good film from the prying eyes of the world. Such confidence and such attitude are going to become Sanjay's trademarks in the future (If not already) if he keeps up the good cinema he's introducing the world to.

I'm not going to talk about the story as most know the setting and rough gist of the plot.
And what you don't know will leave you spellbound, especially the visuals and scenery.
I for one had only watched one trailer one week before the movie hit the big-screen... I'm sure there are a few more trailers to cherish in the weeks to come - hopefully the long overdue song trailer.

A film is conceived as a small project but a film that gos onto become this big in the hearts of true cinema lovers is very difficult to put into words so soon and after only watching the once its damn impossible to remember everything that one has felt and seen in one viewing. 'Black' has many layers of emotional depth not witnessed in our cinema before. There are hidden moments and meanings that only Sanjay and his production team can decipher. As for us the audience I believe a minimum of three viewings is a must to give us a better understanding of what Bhansali's vision is and what and where the future lies for Indain cinema on a world spectrum...

But first you have have an uphill task of stealing a few precious moments of life through watery eyes and heavy hearts.



Direction *****
Performances *****
Background Score *****
Story *****
Production *****

Pros -
A milestone in Indian cinema.
Amitabh' and Rani's best performances.
The background music & Production of the film.
Touching story with career best performances from one and all.
The direction by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Cons -
We don't get to see Amitabh Bachchan's hairstyle
Some viewers may find some scenes long.
The film leaves you exausted after the first viewing feeling as
though you have sat through a 4 hour film instead of a 2 hour 4 min one.

I saw it on Saturday night. Excellent movie..

Three ppl who impressed me the best are

1. Big B
2. Rani
and 3. Shehnaz Patel

Seeing a good movie after a real long time!

N *smile*
ps: the only disappointing bit was that, Big B's makeup as an old man was not upto mark

Raj

Thanks a ton for such an extensive review of the classy.. 'Black', its just superb.
And the movie deserves every bit & inch of it and even more.. I didn't went inside the theatre with so many expectations as you did, but when
I came out I was just speechless & spellbound and to me now every johars,akhtars,yash chopras and their candyfloss flicks seemed to be really really small with no meaning whatsoever.. I was awed with one and everything depicted in 'Black'.

It is a true winner, and the real winner is Cinema with such a fine presentation..

Just luv it.. thanks once again..

cheers.. Mudit