When I walked out of the theatre after watching 'Zero' I wasn't sure how I felt about the movie. To be honest, I still don't. What I can say for sure is that it's the best Shah Rukh Khan movie to come out in the last many years. That's not much of a compliment considering the disasters we've been subjected to for so long. But it's a welcome change.
Bauaa Singh, a 4 foot 6 inch tall man with the confidence of a rockstar, lives life grandly. The world is cruel to people like him, he knows this and owns it. He's arrogant, cocky, and a heartbreaker. What then makes the brilliant Aafia fall for him...well, no one romances like Mr. Khan. We've known that for decades. Bauaa uses everything in his power to woo the girl and us along with her. But can a man of his nature really change...
At times it felt like I was watching two different movies. One in the streets of Meerut where songs like mere naam tu can woo the most stubborn of hearts and one where a single planet isn't enough to express your sorrow. We also have a heartbroken diva in the mix who is amused and eventually saved by this short and unforgettable man. A lot of things work in this concoction. The supporting cast is spot on. The belt wielding father, the doting but mouthy mother, the ride or die best friend. Everyone has a part to play and they play it well. And the best is kept for the stars. No pun intended.
Anushka Sharma has had a terrific year and she caps it off with her best performance. You feel for her but not out of pity; she's no pushover. Her wheelchair and disability are treated like character traits not hindrances and Ms. Sharma nails it as the strong willed Aafia. I was pleasantly surprised by Katrina Kaif's act. Ms. Kaif puts up a strong performance, one that hits close to home. Her Babita Kumari quickly won me over and I was rooting for her in that cracker of a last scene she had. Shah Rukh Khan is excellent and at his very best. Height aside, he's a man with many flaws. You like him and hate him at the same time and Mr. Khan plays to his audience like only he can.
Aanand L. Rai's previous projects, particularly 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns', were better than this but what he lacks in coherence he makes up for in vision. It's an unusual idea with a ton of potential but the writing isn't up to the mark. The screenplay is erratic. There are several memorable moments but the overall package isn't as impactful as you'd like.
All said and done, Zero is an ambitious film with impressive performances and some quality CGI. There are a couple of melodious musical numbers and some inspired dialogue writing. And it's all packaged in shining wrapping paper. Yet there's something missing. A touch of brilliance, perhaps...or a dash of charm. Maybe the ache of a breaking heart. The 'X' factor, as they say, is just not there.
And Mr. Khan, the hurt caused by years of disappointment won't be easily forgotten. There was a time when one waited with bated breath for an SRK movie, now we walk in with fingers crossed. This one paid off more than the rest. I guess that's saying something.
