Zero (2018)

Zero is the kind of big-hearted Bollywood swing that’s hard not to admire: a romantic comedy-drama that dares to be visually audacious while keeping its gaze on longing, dignity, and the messy comedy of wanting to be loved. Shah Rukh Khan throws himself into the role with a mix of mischief and vulnerability, and the film’s ambitious effects aren’t just spectacle—they help create a world where emotion and fantasy can share the same frame. The vibe is glossy, earnest, and often charming, with Katrina Kaif bringing a sharp, surprising energy that elevates the interplay between its very different love stories. It’s not for viewers who demand a tightly restrained, realistic romance, but if you’re open to a heartfelt, larger-than-life ride, Zero offers moments that feel genuinely fantastic.

Zero is clearly aiming for a big, heartfelt romantic dramedy with an underdog hero, glossy spectacle, and a message about self-worth. The problem is the storytelling can’t decide what it wants to be: the tone zigzags, the plot turns feel illogical, and the second half drifts into an aimless sprawl that makes the long runtime feel even longer. If you need tight writing and emotional beats that build naturally, this will likely test your patience. Still, the lead performances bring flashes of charm and the visual effects are impressive, so it may work for you if you’re mainly here for Shah Rukh Khan’s star power and don’t mind a messy ride.