I went and saw BLACK on Sunday night. I had heard so much about the film. Rave reviews from just about everybody who is anybody. Indian cinema had finally come of age. Whoa! That’s a big statement to make.
So I went, walked into screen 5 at Fame Adlabs without any expectations on what I was soon to witness. I have always been highly skeptical of hindi mainstream cinema, the supposed talent that resides and the powers that shape and control its destiny, barring a few exceptions however.
The interval was a welcome relief. I had struggled through the first half. What I had seen left me wondering, searching and groping for answers. It had been too loud and typical bollywood balderdash. Where was the sensitive treatment I had hoped to see? A serious subject demanded appropriate handling. What was portrayed was way off. What I found especially amusing was SLB?s penchant for the gloss. Glossy, picture perfect art directed sets and lighting, which was all so unreal, set in the world of the handicapped. A world that is dark and suffocating but never was in the film.
The film lacked the mood, which it so desperately tried to create. Amitabh’s acting was loud and over the top. Little Ayesha acted well to the brief she must have been given by the director. I wonder if deaf and blind people act the way Ayesha did. It bordered on autistic behaviour.
The screenplay had focused a lot on the outside, than the inside of the handicapped world. The inner world shapes the outer. SLB would have struck gold had he stressed on this ? a world of pain, anger, frustration, desire, longing, happiness, hope ? instead of focusing solely on the physical manifestations.
The second half was comparatively better. It attempted to give me an insight into the struggle that was Michelle’s inner world and I got to know her better, but it just wasn?t enough. Melodrama took precedence. It left me asking for more.
Amitabh?s Alzheimer?s was the catalyst. Its onset and its subsequent growth were beautifully captured however. Amitabh came into his own in the 2nd half and was impressive. The ending was a big let down. In his attempt to give the viewer the obligatory payoff, SLB defaulted. It would have been a lot more powerful and aching if Amitabh hadn’t recognised Michelle in her graduation robes. Life’s unfair and cruel when it has to be. This was one such moment. One could feel her pain and despair when she hoped he would recognise her. And lo behold ? he did. It all fell flat. It was melodrama at its height. When will Indian cinema rid itself of this curse? Why can’t we be realistic?
So once again it was a case of so near yet so far. SLB decided to indulge in his creative passions as a filmmaker keeping the Oscars in mind. He attempted the home run, but fell short. And the last I read was he agreeing to a commercial venture. I think he should stick to them.
How I wish I had known Michelle a lot more than I did. But my wish will never see the light of day. It?s all BLACK out there, isn?t it?