Black
Michelle, a disabled girl who can't see, hear, or speak, suffering in a world that has given up on her. But when the teacher Debraj enters her life, he becomes a ray of hope that she might pursue her passions and have a normal life.
Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali · Drama · 122 min · 2005
Trailer
Director
Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Studio
Applause Entertainment / SLB Films
Release
04 Feb 2005
Runtime
122 min
Genres
Drama
Full Plot
The McNallys of Simla are an Anglo-Indian family consisting of Paul, his wife Catherine, and finally their baby daughter Michelle. Their joy evaporates when they are told that she cannot see or hear. They attempt to bring her up in their own protective way, sheltering her from the real world, so she becomes increasingly volatile and violent. Things get worse when Catherine gives birth to Sara; Paul even considers sending Michelle to an asylum. Then Debraj Sahay enters their lives. Through his eager involvement Michelle blossoms, grows, gives up her violence, and even gets admitted to a school with 'normal' children. Years pass, Michelle does not succeed in getting her graduation, and it is time for Debraj to bid adieu as he is having his own health problems. 12 years later, at age 40, Michelle does succeed in graduating in Arts, and shortly thereafter she is reunited with her teacher, who is no longer the same eccentric alcoholic but a bent older man who cannot even remember speech, let alone what he taught. Watch what happens when Michelle attempts to re-enter his 'blank' life.
Cast & Characters
Debraj Sahai
Amitabh Bachchan
Michelle McNally
Rani Mukerji
Catherine "Kathy" McNally
Shernaz Patel
young Michelle
Ayesha Kapur
Paul McNally
Dhritiman Chatterjee
Sarah McNally
Nandana Sen
Mrs. Gomes
Sillo Mahava
Mrs. Nair
Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal
Dr. Mehta
Kenny Desai
a pianist at Sarah's wedding
Khursheed Khurody
a teacher
Shehnaz Anand
Did You Know?
Made on an estimated budget of $2.7M, Black has grossed $8.0M worldwide — about 3.0x its budget.
Source: TMDb API · verified 2026-08-02
Amitabh Bachchan appears in 8 films in our catalog, including Chupke Chupke, Deewaar.
Source: theIReview.com catalog · verified 2026-08-02
Black was successful at the box office in India and overseas; trade analysts believed that it was influenced by its positive critical reviews.
Source: Wikipedia · verified 2026-08-03
Critical Assessment
Black holds 8.1/10 on IMDb (37,159 votes), 71% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Not enough independent critic/audience score breakdown available.
Ratings as of August 3, 2026
Where to Watch
United States
United Kingdom
India
Streaming data from JustWatch via TMDb. Availability changes often — confirm on the provider before watching.
AI Verdict
AI-generatedBased on aggregated scores (8.1/10 on IMDb (37,159 votes), 71% on Rotten Tomatoes), this is a data-driven snapshot rather than an editorial take.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Black's Rotten Tomatoes score?+
Black holds a 71% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes.
What is Black's IMDb rating?+
Black has a 8.1/10 rating on IMDb from 37,159 votes.
Is Black good? What are critics saying?+
Black holds 8.1/10 on IMDb (37,159 votes), 71% on Rotten Tomatoes.
How long is Black?+
Black has a runtime of 122 min.
Who directed Black?+
Black was directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
Where can I watch Black?+
Black is available to stream, rent, or buy on Netflix.
Fan & Critic Buzz
The public reaction to the movie "Black" is overwhelmingly positive, with praise directed at the film's themes and performances. Reviewers have commended the film for its depth and nuance, with many praising Amithabh Bachchan's performance as a mother who loves her deaf daughter. Additionally, Rani Mukherjee's portrayal of her role has received high praise, with some calling it "masterpiece" and noting that she outdid all other actresses in the industry.
From the trailer's comments
Such unseen, less known movies help in bringing out true potential of Indian Cinema
@cyber_gypsygaming7452 · 161 likesFor This Film Amithabh Bachan Deserve An Oscar Award Finest Performance of An indian Actor in World Cinema 💯
@DEVAASURAM-l1r · 26 likesRewatching 'Black' after so many years was a profoundly moving experience for me. As a teenager, I didn't fully grasp the depth of its themes, but now, as a parent to a beautiful daughter who is deaf, every scene resonated with me in a powerful way. The film's portrayal of love,…
@sanghavic · 110 likesRani Mukherjee's the best the best!!!!! Such a shame that she didn't get national award for this one She outdid every actress as per me not only that year but also for many years to come
@sudiptachakraborty6183 · 139 likesIm glad Netflix put it maybe this masterpiece would get recognised now
@nonaaa12356 · 31 likesRani Mam's one of the best roles. She is brilliant in it.
@saptarshisutradhar4044 · 29 likesJust finished watching this movie , i have never seen anything like this in Indian cinema , i was surprised to hear that its not recommended to oscars . A true marvel and an Oscar level film
@Bhairavvvv · 36 likesAmitabh bachchan & Rani Mukherjee combo 🔥 Sanjay Leela Bhansali film
@varunprakash6207 · 22 likes
