Just as we were despairing about the lack of quality Bollywood films, comes along Black to lift us out of our gloom.

Putting together an ensemble of top notch actors including Amitabh Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Shernaz Patel and Dhritiman Chatterjee, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has delivered that almost-extinct Bollywood phenomenon - a fine, original movie.

Black is young Michelle McNally's (Ayesha Kapoor) world. Daughter of Paul and Catherine McNally, Michelle has the double misfortune and indignity of going both blind and deaf at a very early age.

Her parents are shattered but their anguish is amplified as the child grows into a very indisciplined girl.

At their wits end over how to handle Michelle's unruly behavior, her parents appoint an alcoholic and seemingly eccentric elderly teacher Debraj Sahai (Amitabh Bachchan) in hopes of reining in the eight-year-old girl.

The appointment marks a turning point in the lives of both Debraj and Michelle.

The two embark on a journey like no other. It's a long journey marked by new discoveries, triumphs and, of course, many disappointments.

Rani Mukerji plays the grown-up Michelle in an award-winning performance that'll likely be talked about for a long time.

As Michelle gains some some measure of independence, fate plays its trick dealing the ageing Debraj the cruel hand of Alzheimer's.

With the tables now turned, it's Michelle's turn to bring some light into Debraj's Black world.

Although all the actors in Black have delivered strong performances, it's Rani Mukerji who steals the show with her extraordinary performance.

As the young Michelle, Ayesha Kapoor has delivered a performance that should surely embarrass many of her older Bollywood peers.

The photography is a sight to behold. ... More ... Collapse

Watch this if you want to cry and feel sorry for yourself and the rest of the world. Depressing Flick Man! ... Collapse

A beautiful picture ... Collapse