“Zero” is a Bollywood romantic drama film that was released on December 21, 2018. Directed by Aanand L. Rai, the movie stars Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma, and Katrina Kaif in lead roles. Known for its unique premise and high-profile cast, “Zero” explores themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery. With a mix of humor, drama, and visual effects, the film promised an engaging experience. This review delves into its story, highlights, and performance at the box office.
Table of Contents
- Plot Summary
- What’s Good?
- Acting
- Direction and Screenplay
- Music and Background Score
- Visual Effects and Cinematography
- Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths
- Weaknesses
- Target Audience
- Box Office Details
- Budget
- Worldwide Box Office Collection
- Day-Wise Earnings (India and Overseas)
- India
- Overseas
- Recommendation
- Genres:
- Rating:
- Cast:
- How is Our Review?
- About the Author: Rampukar
Plot Summary
The story of “Zero” revolves around Bauua Singh, a short-statured man from Meerut, who struggles with self-confidence and a sense of belonging. Despite his physical limitations, Bauua is full of charm and wit, which leads him to cross paths with two remarkable women: Aafia, a scientist with cerebral palsy, and Babita, a troubled Bollywood actress. As Bauua navigates his relationships and ambitions, he embarks on a journey that challenges his perceptions of love and life. The narrative takes unexpected twists, blending romance with moments of introspection and humor.
What’s Good?
Acting
Shah Rukh Khan delivers a heartfelt performance as Bauua Singh, portraying his character’s vulnerabilities and charisma with ease. Anushka Sharma shines as Aafia, bringing depth and authenticity to her role as a scientist with a disability. Katrina Kaif’s portrayal of Babita adds glamour and emotional intensity, showcasing her versatility.
Direction and Screenplay
Aanand L. Rai’s direction brings a unique vision to the film, combining larger-than-life elements with grounded storytelling. The screenplay keeps the audience engaged with its unpredictable narrative and well-crafted dialogues.
Music and Background Score
The soundtrack, composed by Ajay-Atul, complements the film’s mood perfectly. Songs like “Mere Naam Tu” and “Husn Parcham” stand out, enhancing the emotional and visual appeal of the movie. The background score adds depth to key scenes, amplifying their impact.
Visual Effects and Cinematography
The film’s visual effects deserve special mention, particularly in portraying Bauua Singh’s stature convincingly. Cinematographer Manu Anand captures the vibrant locales and emotional moments beautifully, creating a visually stunning experience.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Innovative Concept: The movie’s exploration of unconventional relationships and personal growth is refreshing.
- Strong Performances: The lead actors’ performances elevate the film’s emotional core.
- Technical Excellence: High-quality visual effects and cinematography make the film visually appealing.
Weaknesses
- Pacing Issues: The second half feels stretched, with some subplots losing focus.
- Overambitious Storytelling: While the film’s ambition is commendable, it sometimes tries to do too much, leading to uneven execution.
- Lack of Clarity: Certain themes and character arcs remain underdeveloped, leaving viewers with unanswered questions.
Target Audience
“Zero” will appeal to fans of romantic dramas and those who enjoy character-driven stories. Shah Rukh Khan’s fans will particularly appreciate his unique portrayal of Bauua Singh. The movie also caters to viewers who value strong performances and visually rich storytelling.
Box Office Details
Budget
The total production budget of “Zero” was approximately INR 200 crores, making it one of the most expensive Bollywood films of its time.
Worldwide Box Office Collection
“Zero” earned around INR 186 crores globally, falling short of expectations. Despite its star power and high production value, mixed reviews affected its box office performance.
Day-Wise Earnings (India and Overseas)
India
- Day 1: INR 20.14 crores
- Day 2: INR 18.22 crores
- Day 3: INR 20.71 crores
- Day 4: INR 10.12 crores
- Day 5: INR 9.50 crores
Overseas
- Day 1: INR 12 crores
- Day 2: INR 10 crores
- Day 3: INR 11 crores
- Day 4: INR 7 crores
- Day 5: INR 6 crores
Recommendation
“Zero” is a visually stunning film with standout performances and a unique story. While it has its flaws, the movie’s heart and ambition make it worth a watch, especially for fans of Shah Rukh Khan and unconventional love stories. Give it a try if you enjoy emotional, character-driven cinema.
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 |
How is Our Review?
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
