Megastar Amitabh Bachchan on Sunday said that his 2005 film "Black" has started streaming on Netflix and he hopes the critically-acclaimed drama gives strength and compassion to the viewers.
The film, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, completed 19 years of its release today. Based on the real-life story of Helen Keller, "Black" featured Rani Mukerji as a blind and deaf woman to whom Bachchan played the teacher, Debraj. It was produced by Applause Entertainment.
Bachchan made the announcement on his X page as he shared the trailer of the film.
"It's been 19 years since 'Black' released, and today we're celebrating its first ever digital release on Netflix! Debraj and Michelle's journey has been an inspiration to all of us, and we hope it instills you with strength and compassion," the 81-year-old wrote in his post.
Rani Mukerji expressed her enthusiasm saying, “Black had a profound impact on my life as an actor and as an individual. The challenges of using sign language for even the simplest tasks was a huge learning experience and a very humbling one too... Black will always remain very special to me, because it taught me a lot about life and about being grateful. Working with Amit uncle was of course one of the most memorable moments of my life.. to be able to share screen space with him and getting an opportunity to watch him delivering his best performance was in itself like a masterclass for me.. And of course, working with my favourite director Sanjay Leela Bhansali."
"Black is I believe one of Sanjay’s greatest work as a filmmaker! What he did with Black, is something that generations of actors, film enthusiasts, and audiences will be able to witness his brilliance for years to come. Black has remained one of the tent pole films for me, that will always be attached to my name forever. I’m most happy about the fact that finally it’s releasing on one of the best platforms and people who missed watching it will be able to see the magic of black now at the click of a button," she added.
For his role in "Black", Bachchan went on to receive his second National Film Award for best actor. The movie won two more National Awards in best feature film in Hindi category and costume design for Sabyasachi Mukherjee.
Bhansali's first web series "Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar" will also premiere on Netflix this year.
