Zero: Aanand L Rai recreated Meerut’s Ghantaghar in Film city

Aanand L Rai directorial venture Zero starring Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma built the largest ever set in Mumbai's Film City as they recreated the Ghantaghar or clocktower which is an iconic landmark of Meerut. 

As the story of Zero is based in the city of Meerut, the makers recreated the monument, making it the biggest set ever built in the Film City. The original structure is located in Meerut, the centre of Uttar Pradesh and was built in 1914 by the British. Replicating the magnificent commemorate which was built by skilled labourers with specialised techniques back in the 19^th century was a very challenging and a gruelling task for the director. 

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The set has been so well replicated by the makers that the difference between real and the set is almost impossible to see. From the local stalls to the massive buildings, the makers recreated everything to make it look authentic. 

A source close to the film revealed, “During the pre-production, we had travelled to Meerut and clicked pictures of the lanes to recreate them. As we built the set in Mumbai, we clicked a picture again to compare the two and to our surprise, it was even difficult for the production team to spot the difference.”

The trailer gives us glimpses of the recreated town, leaving no room for doubts to the original Meerut. 

Zero showcases Shah Rukh Khan as the vertically challenged Bauua, Anushka Sharma as Aafia, a girl who is a scientist living with cerebral palsy and Katrina Kaif as a Bollywood Superstar named Babita Kumari. The trailer of the film has piqued the interest of the audience making the Zero one of the most anticipated movies of the year.

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Red Chillies Entertainment and Colour Yellow Productions have come together to bring ZERO. Produced by Gauri Khan, the Aanand L Rai directorial is all set to release on December 21, 2018.

(With inputs from agencies)