ZERO MOVIE REVIEW: SCRIPT MULTIPLIED BY ZERO

For a generation that has grown up seeing the antics of a lovable dwarf in APPU RAJA (1990), ZERO was supposed to induce nostalgia. However, all it induced was a feeling of intense apathy owing to the absolute lack of logic in the film. So, the first and foremost advice to every individual who wishes to watch the movie ZERO is to keep your brain at home. You can be rest assured that you won’t miss your brain even a little bit throughout the movie.

The movie welcomes us to the universe of Bauua Singh (SRK), a vertically challenged guy, who belongs to a rich household in Meerut and is at constant loggerheads with his father Tigmanshu Dhulia. The corners of his heart are soft for Babita Kumari (Katrina Kaif) who is a famous actress staying in Mumbai. Bauua Singh does not wish to die as a bachelor; however, he has a tough time getting hitched. So, the director introduces a wheelchair-bound Aafia Yusufzai Bhinder (Anushka Sharma), who is shown to be an extremely intelligent space scientist with cerebral palsy. (Don’t ask yourself if she reminds you of Sir Stephen Hawking. Remember your brain is at home!!) Aafia’s only ambition is to witness India sending a manned spacecraft to Mars. Love at first sight phenomenon engulfs Bauua upon a chance encounter with Aafia.

Bauua’s antics, mannerisms, talks, and his charismatic stretched hand proposal, especially the one that is assisted by Holi colors and rain machine-induced showers, cast a spell over Aafia. Just when you expect that Bauua and Aafia will have a fairy tale wedding, Babita Kumari makes an appearance in the storyline. It is quite surprising that Babita Kumari actually liplocks Bauua for almost 3 seconds (the surprise is not Katrina kissing SRK but Katrina kissing SRK in a movie in which Salman has done a cameo. Times really change!!). So, what would you do if Katrina Kaif kisses you point blank before your wedding? Will you go to the marriage hall or after her? Well, Bauua does the same!!

The introduction of slapstick comedy in the film makes it more palatable. A special mention needs to be made about Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub as Bauua's best friend. (Zeeshan has slowly stabilized his position as every hero or heroine’s best pal in every second or third movie you watch). Zeeshan’s comic timing is impeccable, and he is a treat to watch. You will also get an opportunity to see Sridevi for a short while in the movie which suddenly brings an element of surprise and joy at the same time. Group of celebrities who can be seen shining in Zero also include Salman Khan, Karisma Kapoor, Kajol, Rani Mukerji, Juhi Chawla, Deepika Padukone, and Alia Bhatt.

Before you could actually make sense of the proceedings of the film, the first half is already over.

Does Bauua marry Babita or does he return back to Aafia? Does Aafia’s dream of sending a spacecraft to Mars turn into a reality? Does the spacecraft have a role to play in bringing the two estranged lovers back together? The answers to all these questions are embedded in the second half. Since you have already braved the storm in the first half, you can assimilate the second half with a pinch of salt as well.

As an actor, SRK gave his 100% to the character. Anushka has also tried her best to fit in the character etched for her (The name of Katrina hasn’t been mentioned here because her presence in this movie is same as her presence in other movies. She has not brought anything special to the table except for the oomph factor). Unfortunately the story of the movie turned out to be a metaphor to its name. As far as the music of the film is concerned, Ajay and Atul have done a fabulous job. The melodious song “Mere Naam Tu” will touch your heart for sure. Also, “Husn Parcham” and “Heer Badnaam” are hummable tracks. The music department can be considered a saving grace for the film.

Somehow, the pain experienced by the people with physical disabilities in life did not find a proper expression in the movie. The director wanted to take the audience on a journey from Meerut to Mars. Unfortunately the movie failed to hold ground even on Earth.

Our rating for the film: 2/5