We all have that one person in our family who constantly points out our flaws. Whether it is about our grades, our weight, or our general personality, our close relatives are quick to make us feel conscious and insecure. Prakash Kovelamudi’s Size Zero is themed around the issue of weight-loss. The director attempts to highlight the issue of how young girls are taking drastic measures to reduce weight, the false illusion of being size zero and the preposterous practice of weight-loss clinics that promise instant results. With a strong star-cast, tight screenplay and good humour, Size Zero keeps you entertained.
It tells the story of Sweety (Anushka Shetty), an overweight girl who enjoys eating Jalebis and fortune cookies. Sweety is constantly nagged by her mother, who wishes her to get married. With a string of prospective grooms rejecting her because of her weight, a vexed Sweety decides to reject another prospective match Abhi (Arya) before they even get the chance to know each other. However, they continue to meet and quickly become friends. Just as Sweety begins to fall in love with him, she watches him with Simran (Sonal Chauhan), Abhi’s fit and gorgeous co-worker. A devastated Sweety decides to go to Satyanand’s (Prakash Raj) Size Zero clinic for instant weight-loss. What follows makes for the rest of the film.
What works for Size Zero is its pace. At no point do you feel that it’s being unnecessarily dragged and the subtle humour is enjoyable to watch. The inception of ‘Size Sexy’ to counter ‘size zero’ is innovative and appeals instantly.
Kanika Dhillon does a fine job with the screenplay, as does cinematographer Nirav Shah.
As much as the film impresses at the start, it loses its fizz towards the second portion and the climax is awfully predictable. The makers embrace all forms of modern technology, and use the impact of social media to good effect, but at the same time the Pelli Choopulu sequence, where a modern, independent girl sits timidly, hoping to get married – is far from convincing. After starting on a positive note, the film turns into a slug-fest between size zero and size sexy camps, which fails to strike a chord.
Anushka Shetty has delivered one of her finest performances till date and is adorable as Sweety. She showcases her strong-willed character, thoughts and insecurities with great elan and is a treat to watch. Arya fits the part as Anushka’a ‘Prince Charming’ and puts in an impressive performance. Sonal Chauhan infuses glamour into the script but her role is reduced to just that. Prakash Raj, as usual, is terrific as the antagonist.
Despite having a strong message, Size Zero doesn’t come across as preachy. The film captures your attention, entertains and breezes to the finish. It does leave you wanting more and lacks a few elements to make it a truly good film, but it is worth your time and is ideal for a one-time watch.