Zero Se Restart Review: Compilation of Vidhu Vinod Chopra vlogging for his family everyday from sets was a better option

Director Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Jaskunwar Singh Kohli take you through the process of making 12th Fail, starring Vikrant Massey and a stellar cast selected through thousands of auditions. VVC on screen, along with Kohli’s voiceover, narrates everything that went into making this movie a reality, which is both fascinating and inspiring. There’s love, struggle, calculation, technical insights into filmmaking, and plenty of heartwarming moments featuring Vidhu sending adorable videos to his family from the sets.

Zero Se Restart Review: Analysis

Movies about the art of making movies are often iconic. Behind-the-scenes documentaries have always captured our attention, offering a glimpse into how beloved films came to life. The last time we saw a filmmaker do this on a grand scale was Ashutosh Gowariker, who released Chale Chalo, a documentary on the making of Lagaan. YouTube also abounds with similar documentaries on some of the most iconic movies in Hindi cinema. But when a filmmaker with over 40 years of experience creates a BTS film about his latest successful project, will audiences buy a ticket to watch it in theatres?

Zero Se Restart, which releases on the big screen today, is conceptualized by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and directed by Jaskunwar Singh Kohli. VVC reflects on what it took to make a film that no one initially trusted. For a filmmaker known for dramatic movies filled with guns, blood, and violence, this was a departure—a story about a man whose sole aspiration was to crack the UPSC exam. It’s a rags-to-riches tale based on the real-life journey of a couple, making the responsibility of telling it tenfold.

The documentary film captures the extensive research and the determination to tell this story. It’s fascinating to see how VVC chose to direct the movie himself after facing rejections from multiple young directors. The 80-minute film is filled with anecdotes and trivia about the making of 12th Fail. For instance, the station café was originally planned to be a bhojnalaya, and the atta chakki Manoj (Vikrant Massey) lives in wasn’t an actual atta chakki. Interestingly, Varun Dhawan was considered to play Manoj, but VVC wasn’t convinced—a decision explained in the film.

Also Read: 12th Fail OTT release date - When, where to watch Vikrant Massey's moving performance

One of the most unique aspects of Zero Se Restart is its behind-the-scenes footage. It showcases long videos of the crew blocking scenes before the actors arrive on set—a rare treat for audiences unfamiliar with the filmmaking process. Another intriguing revelation is how the camera in 12th Fail serves as a character, mirroring Manoj’s journey. The camera work reflects the instability in Manoj’s life and becomes steady as he finds balance and success.

Adding a personal touch, Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s self-recorded videos are delightful. From marveling at an eclipse to navigating challenges like transporting equipment to Chambal, his candid moments—such as telling his wife he’s doing what she didn’t allow in New Zealand—give the film an endearing edge.

However, the documentary falls short in fully exploring the climax of 12th Fail. As one of the most moving and impactful endings in recent times, it deserved more focus and dissection. Additionally, Zero Se Restart faces stiff competition from the ongoing Pushpa 2 wildfire, which may limit its audience reach.

Zero Se Restart Review: Final Verdict

Zero Se Restart is an endearing glimpse into the filmmaking process, filled with anecdotes and heartwarming moments. However, being a behind-the-scenes documentary, its box-office appeal remains uncertain.

Zero Se Restart hits the big screen on December 13, 2024. Stay tuned to OTTplay for more updates on this and everything else from the world of streaming and films.

Also Read: Rishab Shetty praises Vikrant Massey's 12th Fail, says film 'holds an important lesson'