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Comedy drama

Zero (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Zero (2018) movie poster

Zero is a 2018 comedy drama directed by Aanand L. Rai, starring Shah Rukh Khan as Bauaa Singh, Sheeba Chaddha and Tigmanshu Dhulia. It runs 2 hours 44 minutes and earned $18.4 million worldwide on a $26 million budget. Its Echo Score is 51/100.

worldwide gross
$18.4M
Echo Score
51
budget
$26M
Zero (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 44m (164 min)
Director
Aanand L. Rai
Genres
Drama , Comedy , Romance
Original language
Hindi
Budget
$26M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Zero About?

The premise of Zero without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

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.

Zero Themes & Keywords

· 2 tags
  • environment
  • intermission
Cast & crew

Zero Cast & Characters

Shah Rukh Khan leads the cast as Bauaa Singh, with Sheeba Chaddha as Beena Singh and Tigmanshu Dhulia as Ashok Singh. Directed by Aanand L. Rai; 33 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Zero

· 29 more
Show all 33 cast members
Ratings

Zero Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 51/100, strongest in character & emotion (62) and weakest in rewatch factor (45).

51 /100

Zero Echo Score Breakdown

Zero presents a bold premise that intrigues but struggles to sustain cohesion, resulting in a mixed overall impression. Critics praised its imaginative scope and occasional heartfelt moments, yet repeatedly noted uneven execution, thin narrative links, and underwhelming visual polish. User feedback mirrors this split, highlighting strong concepts and performances alongside bland pacing. Consequently, the film lands in a moderate range, offering moments of appeal while falling short of lasting impact.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 45

    In terms of direction and visual execution, the film shows ambition but often falters. Critics pointed to ill‑executed special effects and a disjointed second half, while a few noted a strong first‑half aesthetic. The uneven craftsmanship hampers overall polish, leading to a modest assessment of the film’s art and technical elements.

  • Character & Emotion 62

    When evaluating acting and emotional depth, opinions are divided. Positive remarks highlight Shah Rukh Khan’s charisma and moments of genuine heart, with users applauding the performances. Conversely, several critics condemned a lack of believable character immersion and weak emotional connections. This balance of praise and criticism yields a slightly above‑average score for character work.

  • Story & Flow 50

    The narrative’s originality receives both commendation and criticism. Reviewers admire the unconventional premise and occasional engaging segments, yet many cite a convoluted plot, heavy‑handed humor, and a thin connective tissue that destabilises the story’s flow, especially in the latter half. These competing views position the storytelling squarely in a middle range.

  • Sensory Experience 55

    Sensory elements such as visual style and sound design draw mixed reactions. The film’s unique space‑travel motifs are praised for novelty, but the execution of effects and overall audiovisual cohesion is described as lacking. This combination of innovative ideas and uneven delivery results in a modest sensory rating.

  • Rewatch Factor 45

    Rewatch potential appears limited, with critics and users noting that the film’s novelty wanes after the initial half and that pacing issues diminish repeat enjoyment. Although some appreciate the film’s experimental spirit, the prevailing consensus suggests the experience does not strongly invite multiple viewings.

Plot

Zero Plot Summary

What happens in Zero from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

From a small city of Meerut, Bauua Singh is a young man with a short stature who faces a persistent challenge: finding a life partner. He tries several matrimonial avenues, but luck rarely smiles on him, and his search often ends in frustration. Yet his warmth and humor keep him going as he navigates family expectations, social norms, and his own big dreams.

Full summary

The whole story of Zero, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Zero Box Office & Budget

Zero grossed $18.4 million worldwide on a $26 million budget, 71% of what it cost. $1 million came from the US and Canada and $17.4 million (94%) from the rest of the world.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$18.4M

71% of its budget back

US & Canada
$1M
International
$17.4M
Budget
$26M
US & Canada 6% Rest of the world 94%
Videos

Zero Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Zero.

Zero | Official Trailer | Shah Rukh Khan | Aanand L Rai | Anushka | Katrina | 21 Dec 2018
Details

Zero Also Known As

14 alternative titles, including “ซีโร่ คนเล็กใจใหญ่” and “零點自信”.

Also known as
  • ซีโร่ คนเล็กใจใหญ่
  • 零點自信
  • Ноль
  • 제로
  • Sıfır
  • Нулева гравитация
  • Μηδενικό
  • 寶來塢零度之戀
  • 从零开始
  • De la început
  • زيرو
  • 矮仔不是零
+2 more
  • אפס
  • Zero/ゼロ

Seen Zero?

FAQ

Zero FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of Zero, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Zero?

Zero runs 2 hours 44 minutes (164 minutes).

When was Zero released?

Zero was released on December 21, 2018.

Who directed Zero?

Zero was directed by Aanand L. Rai.

More films by Aanand L. Rai

Who is in the cast of Zero?

Zero stars Shah Rukh Khan as Bauaa Singh, Sheeba Chaddha as Beena Singh and Tigmanshu Dhulia as Ashok Singh, among 33 credited actors.

How much did Zero make at the box office?

Zero grossed $18.4 million worldwide ($1 million domestic, $17.4 million international) on a budget of $26 million.

Does Zero have a post-credit scene?

No. Zero has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Zero in?

The original language of Zero is Hindi.

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