Arya’s role as Abhishek is crucial in dismantling the "hero" trope. Typically, in Indian films, the hero is either the savior who "accepts" the flawed woman, or the jerk who rejects her until she gets a makeover. Size Zero walks a fine line. Abhishek is a documentary filmmaker who is initially unaware of Soundarya’s feelings. He is decent, fitness-conscious, and kind.
The 2015 romantic comedy (released as Inji Iduppazhagi in Tamil) is widely regarded as a star vehicle for Anushka Shetty, whose dedicated performance as the plus-sized "Sweety" is the film's most praised element. While the movie is celebrated for its positive body-image message, critics often note it suffers from a disjointed second half. Critical Consensus Performance: size zero movie
At its core, Size Zero is a romantic comedy, but its skeleton is built upon the painful realities of societal pressure. The story revolves around Soundarya (Anushka Shetty), a friendly, happy-go-lucky woman who struggles with obesity. Despite her warm heart and vibrant personality, she faces constant rejection and ridicule solely based on her weight. Her mother (played brilliantly by Urvashi), terrified that her daughter will never find a husband, subjects Soundarya to a relentless cycle of fad diets and grueling gym sessions. Arya’s role as Abhishek is crucial in dismantling
The story follows Soundarya (Anushka Shetty), an overweight young woman living in Hyderabad. Despite being intelligent, kind, and professionally capable, she faces constant ridicule from her family, peers, and prospective suitors due to her size. She joins a weight-loss clinic run by the charismatic but exploitative Vikram (Arya), who promotes an extreme "Size Zero" program. The film traces her journey from self-loathing to self-acceptance, revealing the clinic’s dangerous methods (including surgical and starvation-based regimens) and culminating in a public rejection of toxic beauty standards. Abhishek is a documentary filmmaker who is initially
By titling the film Size Zero , the directors made a bold statement. They took the "goal" of the modeling world and made it the antagonist of their story.
feel the second half shifts into a "preachy" tone, focusing heavily on exposing unethical slimming centres and losing its comedic momentum. Technical & Supporting Cast Highlights
To play Sweety, Anushka did not simply "eat to gain weight." Instead, she endured six hours of prosthetic makeup daily, wearing a 20-kilogram silicone body suit. The heat on set was unbearable, and the physical toll was immense. Yet, her performance is devoid of caricature. She plays Sweety with such grace and vulnerability that you forget you are watching a star.