Some ideas sound exciting on paper, but they don't always end up working on the big-screen. Such is the case for Anand L. Rai's mega-budgeted misfire 'ZERO', a film full of exciting ideas, but with only a few that land perfectly on ground. Despite its blemishes, the film rises on the strength of its leading-man - Shah Rukh Khan. The veteran is superb.
'ZERO' Synopsis: Bauua Singh (Shah Rukh Khan), a vertically challenged man, who is full of charm and wit, with a pinch of arrogance and big dreams, finds himself crushed between two very different women, who interrupt his easy going lifestyle.
'ZERO' is about Bauua's struggle with Dwarfism and his flaky attitude towards life. And to give Writer Himanshu Sharma his much due credit, 'ZERO' begins with a BANG! The first-hour of 'ZERO' is flat-out fabulous. I liked Bauua's initial romance with Aafia Yusufzai Bhinder (Anushka Sharma), a scientist with cerebral palsy. The cocky romance between the two is nicely done, with some moments standing out. The problems in 'ZERO' begin massively post-intermission and sadly, the problems don't end. The entire sub-plot involving Bauua meeting his celebrity idol Babita Kumari (Katrina Kaif) is devoid of excitement. And the final act, involving a mission to mars, is unconvincing and adds to the film's length. In short, 'ZERO' has a winning first-hour, but a disappointing second, that plays a spoilsport.
Himanshu Sharma's Screenplay works till the interval, but falls apart just after. Also, 'ZERO' feels a little too long at a 150-minutes! The film needed some trimming, for sure! Anand L. Rai's Direction has flashes of credible creativity, but is overall done away due to an uneven Screenplay. Manu Anand's Cinematography is quite good, while Hemal Kothari's Editing needed more crispness. Ajay-Atul's Score is top-notch. Art & Costume Design are satisfactory. Visual Effects are effective.
Performance-Wise: Shah Rukh is in great form. Now rightly regarded as a Veteran, the charismatic star sinks his teeth into the part and portrays the hugely flawed dwarf to perfection. This performance definitely ranks amongst his best works to date. Anushka Sharma is less impressive, as the usually terrific performer struggles to portray a difficult part. Katrina Kaif is a pleasant surprise. She enacts the self-destructive celebrity with true feeling. In supporting roles, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub is excellent as Bauua's friend and Brijendra Kala shines once again as a matrimonial agent. Abhay Deol and R. Madhavan are wasted in cameos.
On the whole, 'ZERO' aims high, but only succeeds partially.
