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Zero (2018) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 8 May 2026

Zero (2018) Review

Zero (2018) — a Hindi comedy, drama, romance film directed by Aanand L. Rai. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma, Katrina Kaif. Short in stature but big on love, a bachelor meets two very different women who broaden his horizons and help him find purpose in life. Our Rating: 2.25/5. Verdict: FLOP. Released: 21 Dec 2018. Runtime: 2h 44m.

Zero
FLOP

Zero(2018)

Hindi · Comedy, Drama, Romance

2h 44m · 21 Dec 2018

Music: Ajay Gogavale, Atul Gogavale, Tanishk Bagchi | DOP: Manu Anand | Writer: Himanshu Sharma

RomanceDramaComedy

Ratings

Deccan ChronicleDeccan ChronicleAI2.5
FirstpostFirstpostAI2.5
Hindustan TimesHindustan TimesAI2.5
Times of IndiaTimes of IndiaAI3
Bollywood HungamaBollywood HungamaAI3

Our Rating

2.25

📖 Story

Zero follows the story of Bauua Singh, a short-statured man from Meerut who struggles with societal acceptance and his own insecurities. He embarks on a journey of self-discovery and love, entangling himself with two women: Aafia, a scientist with cerebral palsy, and Babita, a glamorous actress. The narrative explores themes of love, acceptance, and the pursuit of happiness against the backdrop of Bauua's unique challenges and aspirations.

🔍 Analysis

Zero attempts to blend romance, drama, and fantasy through a unique protagonist and an ambitious storyline. The content is heartfelt, focusing on emotional depth and the human condition, but the screenplay struggles with coherence and pacing, especially in the second half where the narrative becomes convoluted. The first half is engaging with a good mix of humor and emotion, while the second half loses momentum due to an overambitious plot and uneven character development.

The songs and music, composed by Ajay-Atul and Tanishk Bagchi, are a highlight, featuring catchy and melodious tracks that complement the film's mood. The background score effectively enhances emotional scenes but sometimes feels overpowering. Cinematography by Manu Anand captures the contrasting moods and settings well, adding visual appeal to the storytelling.

Overall, Zero is a bold experiment with commendable performances and music but falters in screenplay and pacing, making it a mixed cinematic experience.

🎭 Performances

Shah Rukh Khan: Delivering a nuanced portrayal of a vertically challenged man, Shah Rukh Khan impresses with his commitment and emotional range.

Anushka Sharma: Anushka Sharma brings sensitivity and authenticity to the role of Aafia, a woman with cerebral palsy.

Katrina Kaif: Katrina Kaif shines as Babita, the glamorous actress, adding charm and depth to her character.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Strong performances by lead actors
  • Innovative concept and unique protagonist
  • Memorable music and songs
  • Visual appeal and cinematography

Weaknesses

  • Inconsistent screenplay and pacing
  • Second half loses narrative focus
  • Overambitious plot leading to confusion
  • Some underdeveloped supporting characters

🎬 Direction & Writing

Aanand L. Rai's direction is ambitious and heartfelt, aiming to tell a unique story with emotional depth. However, the writing lacks tightness, resulting in a disjointed narrative that affects the overall impact.

🛠️ Technical Aspects
  • - Cinematography by Manu Anand
  • - Music by Ajay Gogavale, Atul Gogavale, Tanishk Bagchi
  • - Visual effects for character portrayal
  • - Editing that struggles with pacing

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IBTimesIBTimes
3.00 / 5
Times of IndiaTimes of India
3.00 / 5
Deccan ChronicleDeccan Chronicle
2.50 / 5
Hindustan TimesHindustan Times
2.50 / 5
FirstpostFirstpost
2.50 / 5
KoimoiKoimoi
2.75 / 5
Bollywood HungamaBollywood Hungama
3.00 / 5

Our Rating

2.25/5

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive30%
Neutral40%
Negative30%

Critics

Critics praised Shah Rukh Khan's performance and the film's music but criticized the screenplay and pacing, especially in the latter half. The ambitious narrative and unique concept received mixed reactions, with some appreciating the emotional core while others found the execution lacking.

Final Box-Office Result

FLOP

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Zero release in theatres?

Zero released on 21 December 2018 (2018).

Is Zero a hit or flop?

Zero is declared a FLOP at the box office.

What is the budget of Zero?

Budget of Zero is approximately ₹1035388 Crore.

Where to watch Zero online? OTT release date?

Zero is available on Netflix, Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads from 21 December 2018.

Who directed Zero?

Zero directed by Aanand L. Rai. Produced by Gauri Khan, Aanand L. Rai.

Who are the main cast members of Zero?

Zero stars Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma, Katrina Kaif.

What is the Tollybo rating for Zero?

Tollybo rates Zero 2.25/5. Verdict: FLOP.

Who composed the music for Zero?

Music for Zero composed by Ajay Gogavale, Atul Gogavale, Tanishk Bagchi.

What is the genre and runtime of Zero?

Zero — Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Runtime: 164 minutes, Language: Hindi.

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