Last updated: 8 May 2026
Hindi · Comedy, Drama, Romance
2h 44m · 21 Dec 2018
Music: Ajay Gogavale, Atul Gogavale, Tanishk Bagchi | DOP: Manu Anand | Writer: Himanshu Sharma
Ratings
Our Rating
2.25
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.
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.
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
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.
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3.00 / 5 | |
| 3.00 / 5 | |
| 2.50 / 5 | |
| 2.50 / 5 | |
| 2.50 / 5 | |
| 2.75 / 5 | |
| 3.00 / 5 |
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 30% |
| Neutral | 40% |
| Negative | 30% |
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
Zero released on 21 December 2018 (2018).
Zero is declared a FLOP at the box office.
Budget of Zero is approximately ₹1035388 Crore.
Zero is available on Netflix, Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads from 21 December 2018.
Zero directed by Aanand L. Rai. Produced by Gauri Khan, Aanand L. Rai.
Zero stars Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma, Katrina Kaif.
Tollybo rates Zero 2.25/5. Verdict: FLOP.
Music for Zero composed by Ajay Gogavale, Atul Gogavale, Tanishk Bagchi.
Zero — Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Runtime: 164 minutes, Language: Hindi.
