In a world where cinema has explored the lives of diverse characters, one story dares to zoom in on the life of a small-statured man with grand dreams. Zero, directed by Aanand L. Rai, stars Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Anushka Sharma in a romantic drama that combines comedy and sci-fi elements to explore love, ambition, and self-discovery. Set in contemporary India, spanning from the bustling streets of Meerut to the affluent cityscapes of Mumbai, it paints a visually eclectic canvas that feels both whimsical and grounded, as it explores how physical limitations shape but do not define a person’s capacity to aspire and love.
The plot revolves around Bauua Singh, a feisty, brash man with a larger-than-life attitude, undeterred by his short stature. From the moment he meets Aafia, a cerebral scientist with cerebral palsy, his life takes a turn, pulling him into a journey that challenges his beliefs about life and love. Aafia’s intelligence and resilience capture Bauua’s attention, sparking a romance that’s as volatile as it is touching. Meanwhile, Bauua’s fascination with the Bollywood superstar Babita, a woman of mystery and elegance, complicates his emotional journey. The story takes unexpected turns as Bauua navigates the thin line between love and ambition, seeking to break free of societal norms and pursue his dreams.
One standout aspect of the film is the performances by its leads, particularly Shah Rukh Khan. Known for his romantic roles, he embodies Bauua with a mix of arrogance and vulnerability, using humor to mask his insecurities. Khan’s performance is genuinely compelling; he captures the essence of Bauua’s personality, making the character relatable and likeable despite his flaws. Anushka’s portrayal of Aafia is both nuanced and sensitive. She brings a depth to her character’s strength, emphasizing her intelligence and resilience without letting the portrayal of her disability turn into a stereotype. Katrina’s Babita is a striking presence, bringing an emotional depth to her glamorous character. Her ability to portray pain and inner turmoil as a celebrity struggling with loneliness adds dimension to her role, balancing the performances.
The film’s direction by Aanand L. Rai is ambitious, and his knack for blending realism with fantasy is evident. The story feels whimsical yet grounded, with the kind of magical realism that highlights Bauua’s journey without overshadowing the emotional core. Rai’s portrayal of Bauua’s world is colorful, especially in the scenes capturing Meerut’s vibrancy, which reflect Bauua’s spirited personality. However, the film’s sprawling storyline might come across as too ambitious for some viewers. Rai experiments with themes of inadequacy, love, and self-worth, which are woven through a fairy-tale-like narrative that aims to portray both escapism and realism. While the film’s scale and vision are commendable, the storyline becomes complex in the second half, sometimes at the expense of emotional clarity.
Visually, the film shines through its special effects, especially in the portrayal of Bauua’s dwarfism, which is skillfully handled without being exaggerated or distracting. Red Chillies VFX, the team responsible for Khan’s transformation, manages to make the illusion seamless, allowing Bauua’s character to feel authentic without drawing too much attention to his height. This attention to detail in effects allows viewers to focus more on Bauua’s journey rather than his appearance, which is refreshing and necessary for the story’s impact. Alongside the special effects, the cinematography by Manu Anand deserves mention, capturing the contrast between the earthy tones of Meerut and the polished, glitzy spaces of Mumbai. Each setting reflects the characters’ inner worlds, enhancing the story without overwhelming it visually.
The musical score by Ajay-Atul is another highlight. The soundtrack complements the emotional beats of the story well, especially in songs like “Mere Naam Tu,” which beautifully encapsulates Bauua’s romantic side, and “Issaqbaazi,” a peppy number that embodies his energetic personality. The background score enhances key moments, adding depth to the scenes without overshadowing the dialogues or performances. Each song has a distinct mood, reflecting the various emotional shifts in the storyline, and the music blends seamlessly into the narrative, becoming a natural extension of the characters’ emotions. However, some musical interludes might feel slightly lengthy, slowing the pace in an already complex plot.
Costume design in the film plays a significant role in character development. Bauua’s wardrobe, with its casual, earthy tones, mirrors his carefree, unapologetic attitude, making him appear as rooted as his personality. Aafia’s style, professional yet understated, reflects her intellectual and grounded nature. Babita’s glamorous and bold fashion choices reveal her celebrity status but hint at the vulnerability beneath her starry persona. The costumes help define each character, allowing the audience to visually connect with their personalities and emotional journeys, thus enhancing the authenticity of their roles.
Editing by Hemal Kothari is effective in the first half but could have been sharper in the latter part of the film. The narrative pace starts strong, moving briskly through Bauua’s initial encounters with Aafia and Babita, but slows down in the second half as the storyline takes on a more complex and far-reaching tone. While the film’s ambition to blend different themes and genres is noteworthy, a more concise edit could have given greater focus to the characters’ emotional arcs, particularly towards the climax. Despite the editing inconsistencies, Kothari ensures that key moments linger enough for viewers to absorb the emotional impact, even if some scenes feel slightly prolonged.
Overall, the film is a daring experiment in Bollywood’s storytelling landscape. It takes a risk by exploring unconventional themes and presenting a protagonist who challenges societal norms. The performances, especially by Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma, add depth and relatability to the characters, making the film’s core theme resonate with the audience. While the storyline may be overly ambitious and meander at times, it remains an emotional journey filled with genuine moments of joy, self-realization, and love. Those who enjoy films that venture beyond conventional romance and explore human flaws will appreciate its attempt to portray love from a different perspective. However, if you prefer straightforward, linear storytelling, the complex narrative structure might seem overwhelming.
This film may not appeal to everyone, but its heart and ambition make it worth a watch, particularly for those who appreciate nuanced performances and inventive filmmaking. It’s a movie that reaches for the stars, quite literally, and while it doesn’t always land perfectly, it creates a memorable experience.
