Bollywood has seen films acting as an ode to great inventors and their inventions. This week’s release, Aryabhatt Ka Zero, as the title suggests, is an ‘almost ode’ to one of the greatest Indian inventors, Aryabhatt, and his invention of zero. The only difference is that this ‘zero’ is not just subjective, but also set in modern times. Whether this film will become a hero at the box office or live up to its title and prove to be a ‘zero’ is what remains to be seen!
The film starts off with Bhramagupt Shrivastava, aka Bhaggu (Himansh Kohli), whose ladylove Rinku (Sonnalli Seygall) is being married to a well-off man (played by Gopal Datt) who works as an SDM (Sub Divisional Magistrate). That’s when Bhaggu starts studying for his UPSC exams with a vengeance. When he fails his first attempt, his father forces him to work at his friend’s insurance company.
After Bhaggu ends up fighting with his insurance company’s boss, he packs his bags and goes to Haridwar, where Rinku funds his UPSC preparation. One day, the Anti-Corruption officials arrest Rinku’s husband for accepting a bribe, which eventually leads to Bhaggu being jailed through no fault of his own. Amid all this, one unexpectedly shocking incident suddenly changes the life of not just Bhaggu, but also everyone around him forever.
What that incident is, whether Bhaggu becomes successful in clearing the UPSC, and what happens to him in the end are the questions whose answers get revealed eventually in the film.
Actors’ Performance
Right from the word go, Himansh Kohli owns the film, and how! Move over, de-glam heroines, he scores an ace with his de-glam look. The sincerity with which he performs truly touches the right chords. Despite being the leading lady, Sonnalli Seygall gets reasonably less screen time, which she utilises to showcase her craft. Veteran actor Ravi Kishan offers nothing new compared to what we have seen from him in the past.
Amid all of them, there is Shilpa Shinde, who delivers a sincere performance that is bound to win your hearts. There are some scenes where she stands out like a pole star! Veteran actors Neeraj Sood and Alka Amin are extremely satisfying to watch in the roles of Himansh Kohli’s parents. The rest of the actors carry the film forward.
Direction & Aesthetics
The film has been directed by Kamal Chandra, who tries his level best to live up to his name (Kamaal), but sadly falters in a bunch of places. Despite all this, he does succeed in making the film relatable. We just love the picturisation of the track ‘Hamesha Der Karta Hoon’. It will surely touch your raw emotional nerve!
Music
The film’s music (Manan Bhardwaj) is average, with no hook tracks. Cinematography (Yogesh Jain) is decent. Sandeep Singh Bajeli’s editing also falls in the same bracket!
FPJ verdict
A few scenes notwithstanding, this film needs to be watched with family. For all those who are living off their parents’ money and are feeling ‘bored or lazy’ to go to work, this film surely will ignite the much-needed fire in them. Young adults are surely bound to feel the pinch seeing the challenges and troubles their parents undergo to see them get settled in life.