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“Zero” is a romantic drama with elements of fantasy, directed by Aanand L. Rai, which graced the big screens on December 21, 2018. Featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma, and Katrina Kaif in lead roles, the movie offers an unconventional love story that blends humor, emotions, and aspirations. With its quirky premise and star-studded cast, “Zero” aims to push the boundaries of traditional Bollywood storytelling. In this review, we explore the movie’s highs and lows to help you decide whether it’s worth your time.
Plot Summary
“Zero” revolves around Bauua Singh (Shah Rukh Khan), a witty and charming man from Meerut who struggles to come to terms with his short stature. Despite his flaws, he lives life with gusto, dreaming of a grand love story. His path crosses with Aafia (Anushka Sharma), a brilliant scientist dealing with cerebral palsy, and Babita Kumari (Katrina Kaif), a troubled Bollywood superstar. The movie explores Bauua’s journey of self-discovery, love, and redemption as he navigates his relationships with these two remarkable women. Packed with surprises and a touch of fantasy, “Zero” offers a unique cinematic experience.
What’s Good?
Performances
Shah Rukh Khan steals the show with his portrayal of Bauua Singh. His charisma and impeccable comic timing make the character endearing and relatable. Anushka Sharma delivers a heartfelt performance as Aafia, skillfully capturing the nuances of her character’s physical challenges. Katrina Kaif’s portrayal of the emotionally vulnerable Babita is equally commendable, showcasing her growth as an actor.
Direction and Vision
Aanand L. Rai’s bold attempt to blend romance, comedy, and fantasy deserves applause. His unique storytelling approach adds depth to the narrative, making “Zero” stand out in the realm of Bollywood cinema.
Visual Effects
The film’s VFX deserves special mention for seamlessly transforming Shah Rukh Khan into a vertically challenged character. The visuals enhance the fantasy element without compromising the emotional core of the story.
Music
Ajay-Atul’s soundtrack is a major highlight, with songs like “Mere Naam Tu” and “Issaqbaazi” becoming instant hits. The background score complements the movie’s emotional and whimsical tone beautifully.
Emotional Depth
“Zero” explores themes of self-acceptance, love, and resilience with sensitivity. The characters’ struggles and triumphs strike a chord with the audience, making the movie more than just a visual spectacle.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Innovative Storytelling: The film’s blend of romance and fantasy is a refreshing departure from traditional Bollywood narratives.
- Stellar Performances: The lead actors’ compelling performances elevate the movie.
- Technical Excellence: From VFX to cinematography, the technical aspects are top-notch.
Weaknesses:
- Pacing Issues: The second half feels stretched, with some sequences losing momentum.
- Unfocused Narrative: The film tries to juggle too many themes, leading to occasional confusion.
- Underdeveloped Subplots: Some characters and story arcs could have been explored in more depth.
Target Audience
“Zero” caters to fans of romantic dramas and those who enjoy offbeat storytelling. Shah Rukh Khan enthusiasts will appreciate his unique avatar, while lovers of emotionally rich narratives will find much to connect with. The movie also appeals to viewers seeking a visually stunning cinematic experience with a mix of fantasy and reality.
Box Office Details
Total Budget:
“Zero” was made on a lavish budget of approximately ₹200 crore, reflecting its high production values.
Worldwide Box Office Collection:
Despite mixed reviews, the film managed to gross around ₹190 crore worldwide.
Day-Wise Earnings:
- Day 1 (India): ₹20 crore
- Day 1 (Overseas): ₹8 crore
- Day 2 (India): ₹17 crore
- Day 2 (Overseas): ₹7 crore
- Day 3 (India): ₹15 crore
- Day 3 (Overseas): ₹5 crore
- Day 4 (India): ₹12 crore
- Day 4 (Overseas): ₹4 crore
- Day 5 (India): ₹10 crore
- Day 5 (Overseas): ₹3 crore
The film’s box office performance fell short of expectations, but it managed to recover a significant portion of its budget due to its strong opening weekend.
Recommendation
“Zero” is an ambitious attempt to redefine Bollywood’s storytelling boundaries. While it’s not without flaws, the movie’s innovative approach, strong performances, and emotional depth make it worth a watch. If you’re looking for a cinematic experience that’s both heartfelt and visually captivating, “Zero” deserves a chance.
Genres:
Romance, Drama, Comedy
Rating:
5.2/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Shah Rukh Khan | Bauaa Singh |
| Katrina Kaif | Babita Kumari |
| Anushka Sharma | Aafiya Yusufzai Bhinder |
| Tigmanshu Dhulia | Ashok Singh |
| Abhay Deol | Aditya Kapoor |
| Sheeba Chaddha | Beena Singh |
| Brijendra Kala | Dikshit Pandey |
| R. Madhavan | Kartik Srinivasan |
| Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub | Guddu |
| Anshul Chauhan | Shamina Khan |
| Natašha Stanković | Sonali |
| Sushrii Shreya Mishraa | Gunjan |
| Mallika Dua | NSAR Volunteer Applicant |
| Bill Billions | NSAR Security Chief Larry Walter |
| Jermaine Duval | NSAR Security Deputy Tyler Watts |
| Spencer Allport | Street Urchin |
| Faith McCoy | Senior Scientist |
| Angie Slaughter | Hannah Maria |
| Egypt Taylor | Space Program Candidate |
| Salman Khan | Self |
| Deepika Padukone | Self |
| Alia Bhatt | Self |
| Sridevi | Self |
| Rani Mukerji | Self |
| Karisma Kapoor | Self |
| Kajol | Self |
| Juhi Chawla Mehta | Self |
| Remo D’Souza | Self |
| Javed Jaffrey | Voice |
| Ganesh Acharya | Self |
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