Zero (2018) – Cast, Budget, IMDb Ratings – A Tale of Unconventional Love
Introduction
Released in 2018, Zero is a Bollywood romantic drama that showcases an unconventional love story. Directed by Aanand L. Rai and starring Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma, and Katrina Kaif, the film explores themes of self-acceptance, love, and resilience. With a unique concept and high production values, Zero aimed to break new ground in Indian cinema.
Key Details of Zero
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Zero |
| Release Year | 2018 |
| Genre | Romance, Drama |
| Director | Aanand L. Rai |
| Producers | Gauri Khan, Aanand L. Rai |
| Writers | Himanshu Sharma |
| Music Composer | Ajay-Atul, Tanishk Bagchi |
| Cinematography | Manu Anand |
| Runtime | 164 minutes |
| Budget | ₹200 Crores |
| Box Office Collection | ₹191 Crores (Worldwide) |
| IMDb Rating | 5.6/10 |
Main Cast and Characters
| Actor/Actress | Role |
|---|---|
| Shah Rukh Khan | Bauua Singh, a vertically challenged man |
| Anushka Sharma | Aafia Yusufzai Bhinder, a scientist with cerebral palsy |
| Katrina Kaif | Babita Kumari, a troubled Bollywood actress |
| Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub | Guddu, Bauua’s best friend |
| Tigmanshu Dhulia | Bauua’s father |
| Sheeba Chaddha | Bauua’s mother |
Plot Summary
The story follows Bauua Singh (Shah Rukh Khan), a short-statured man from Meerut who dreams big despite his limitations. After a chance encounter with Aafia (Anushka Sharma), a brilliant scientist with cerebral palsy, Bauua finds himself drawn into a complicated love story.
As their relationship develops, Bauua’s insecurities and impulsive behavior lead to a series of conflicts. Meanwhile, he also becomes entangled with Babita Kumari (Katrina Kaif), a superstar dealing with heartbreak and loneliness.
The film takes viewers on an emotional journey, exploring themes of love, self-worth, and redemption, culminating in Bauua’s quest for purpose and acceptance.
Memorable Aspects of Zero
- Unique Concept: The film tackles themes of disability and societal norms with a fresh perspective.
- Stellar Performances:
- Shah Rukh Khan delivers a heartfelt performance as the flawed yet lovable Bauua.
- Anushka Sharma impresses with her portrayal of Aafia, capturing both vulnerability and strength.
- Katrina Kaif brings depth to Babita Kumari, showcasing her emotional struggles.
- High-Quality Visual Effects: Advanced CGI techniques were used to depict Shah Rukh Khan’s character as vertically challenged.
- Music: Songs like “Mere Naam Tu” and “Issaqbaazi” became popular for their melodious tunes and vibrant visuals.
Box Office and Legacy
Despite its ambitious vision and star-studded cast, Zero underperformed at the box office, grossing ₹191 Crores worldwide against its massive ₹200 Crores budget. While the film received mixed reviews, its attempt to break traditional narratives and use cutting-edge technology was praised.
Conclusion
Zero is an ambitious cinematic experiment that combines a heartfelt story with state-of-the-art visual effects. While it faced criticism for its inconsistent screenplay, the film’s performances and emotional core struck a chord with many viewers. Zero remains a notable attempt to push the boundaries of storytelling in Bollywood.
Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5)
