Zero movie review: Shah Rukh Khan starrer is a psychedelic odyssey that defies gravity and logic

Shah Rukh Khan's 'Zero' has been one of most highly anticipated films this year. With so much promotion and attention, all eyes are on Aanand L Rai directorial. w, that big day has finally arrived, let's take a look at how this flick has fared. 

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Setting scene

story is that of Bauua Singh, a 39-year-old vertically challenged man from Meerut. He is a fan of Bollywood actress Babita Kumari played by Katrina Kaif and frolics around with his friends, being a fun nuisance in neighbourhood. However, it suddenly comes to light that he also has a mysterious romantic past. 

Plot

Bauua Singh, man from Meerut who makes up for his lack of height with a flair of character, meets Aafiya, a scientist with cerebral palsy played by Anushka Sharma. Initially a mismatch, two get along well and fall in love under strange circumstances. However, a wheelchair-bound girlfriend is t good eugh for Bauua, whose ego takes hold of him after a chance encounter with his on-screen dream girl Babita Kumari. Off he goes to Mumbai to get girl that entire country covets. But after a while, he comes to realise his mistake and tries to win Aafiya back. But w stakes are much much higher and Bauua must go through most gruesome physical, mental and emotional challenges to win his lady love back. Wher he succeeds in his task, what hardships does he go through and how it alters him as a person makes up for rest of tale. 

Verdict

Where to begin, film is honestly a mess, a beautiful mess in parts but still, it is a train wreck. Coming to positive first half is really well crafted with Bauua and Aafiya's love story taking centre st. Shah Rukh Khan is fantastic as Bauua Singh from start to finish, getting his dialogues and mannerisms down pat. Anushka Sharma deserves a lot of applause for playing her character, for it must have been quite a challenge but she did full justice to her role. Katrina Kaif too incredibly was stunning t only in terms of looks but performance as well. Her character of a narcissistic, heartbroken superstar on mend was one of most refreshing things about film. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub is brilliant as Guddu, Bauua's best friend and will elicit a lot of laughs. Finally, 'Zero' has a lot of emotional hook points which when combined with great performances will keep you engd and entertained. 

Coming to bad, entire second half is completely and utterly weird, to say least. It is safe to say that entire plot goes off rails in last one hour or so. Some scenes look like beginning of a bad joke, while you wait for someone to drop punchline. For a film that uses little to logic, dragging in so much of jargon was a pretty bad choice, since it could t convincingly be eir real or fantastical. Also, Bauua seems to be luckiest man in world as he meets Bollywood stars at random. At end of day, it is definitely a bold and brave attempt, although a flawed one. To conclude, 'Zero' is a film that you might really love or hate, but it will definitely stay in your mind. 

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Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma, Katrina Kaif

What works: First half, comedy, performances, emotional hook points

What doesn't: Almost entire second half

Rating: 2.5/5