Size Zero (film)

Plot

Soundarya a.k.a. Sweety (Anushka Shetty) is an overweight woman who is brave and independent. She is slightly conscious about her weight but does not let it affect her. She falls in love with Abhishek (Arya) who was once a prospective groom for her and now a friend. She later finds out that he is in love with Simran (Sonal Chauhan). Sweety is devastated and joins a weight loss clinic, size zero, as she thinks her weight is the issue. One of her friends, Jyothi (Pavani Gangireddy), who is in the clinic with her, develops kidney problems because of the weight loss drugs given in the clinic. Sweety begins a crusade against the clinic. She is joined by Abhi and Simran. Abhi slowly starts to fall for Sweety. The rest of the movie is how Sweety triumphs in her crusade and gets her Prince Charming back.

Production

In February 2015, Prasad V Potluri announced a new bilingual film venture titled Size Zero, to be directed by Prakash Kovelamudi, which would feature Arya and Anushka Shetty in the lead roles. Nirav Shah and M. M. Keeravani were signed on as cinematographer and music composer respectively, while the script was announced to be written by Prakash's wife Kanika. Shruti Haasan was reported to be making an extended guest appearance, while Urvashi and Master Bharath also formed the principal cast. The Tamil version of the film began shoot in March 2015, after a launch ceremony in Chennai. Shruti Haasan soon left the project citing differences with the producers, after a conflict during the making of another film with them. Though it was suggested that she would instead perform an item number in the film instead, she also refuted the claims.

After talks with other actress to replace her including Esha Gupta, Sonal Chauhan subsequently joined the team to play the second female lead role in April 2015. Nagarjuna enacted a guest appearance in the film during the shoot in May 2015, while Jiiva will reprise it in the Tamil version. Dubbing voice for Arya in Telugu was provided by actor Nandoo.

Anushka prepared for her role in the film by putting on weight to portray her character.

After shooting several schedules, in early July 2015 some important crucial romantic scenes were being shot between Arya and Shetty at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. On 18 July 2015 makers released a press statement stating that the film's shoot was completed.

Soundtrack

Music is composed by M. M. Keeravani. On 31 August 2015, a teaser was released in which the audio release date was stated as 6 September 2015. But, due to unknown reasons makers postponed the audio launch. Behindwoods rated the album 2.75 out of 5 and called it "A LIGHTWEIGHT album from Keeravani!".

Release

Makers announced the worldwide release date as 2 October 2015 coinciding Gandhi Jayanti. Later, makers postponed the release date to 21 October 2015. They again postponed the release date to 27 November 2015 Prior to the release, Sonal Chauhan, who plays an NRI in the movie, described the movie as a "story with a lot of heart and made by a team of people who sincerely felt for it."

Reception

Behindwoods gave the film 2.25 out of 5 and concluded, "See it for Anushka and a few good moments". Indiaglitz gave 2.75 out of 5 saying, "After watching 'Inji Idupazhagi', you will leave the movie hall with a smile and satisfaction."

Times Of India rated the movie 3/5. iluvcinema rated the movie 3/5 and concluded it as a wholesome family entertainer. Tamilglitz rated the movie 4/5 and wrote "A must watch for the message being conveyed". Allindiaroundup rated the movie 2.75/5 and reviewed the movie as "On the whole, Size Zero is a film which has some interesting moments going its way. You can easily give this film a shot for Anuhska’s stunning performance and some feel good moments. One time watchable movie!"

BLR Eagle wrote "It is completely Anushka’s Show, Though it established few emotional scenes. You can definitely watch this movie for Anushka’s stunning performance." FilmiBeat gave 2.5/5 and wrote "Yes, the film has its issues, especially in the technical department, but Inji Iduppazhagi can be considered saved by Anushka's terrific performance and a relevant social message." Shruti Haasan was replaced by Angela Krislinzki for the title song of Size Zero.