Scenes from “Zero,” Bollywood’s biggest and most expensive movie yet, were filmed in locations in and around Huntsville, Alabama.
“Zero,” starring Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan, is a movie about a rich-and-charming, albeit vertically challenged individual struggling to find his perfect match. A variety of life-transforming experiences, including one with an amputee and a superstar, develops the maturity of the character.
Six of the movie’s film locations in Alabama is now open to the public; Alabama Tourism Department Deputy Director Grey Brennan says the state is expecting a rush of “Zero” movie fans.
“Viewers of hit Bollywood movies are passionate and want to experience as much of their favourite movies as possible,” Brennan added. “By visiting actual locations where scenes from the movie were filmed, these fans get a ‘Zero’ movie experience they will always remember.”
If you are planning to tour the place, make sure to visit the U.S. Space & Rocket Centre, Von Braun Centre, Hindu Cultural Centre of North Alabama, Huntsville Botanical Garden, Grille 29 and downtown Huntsville.
The U.S. Space & Rocket Centre is the largest space flight museum in the world, holding more than 1,500 artefacts. This includes a real Saturn V rocket. You can take a walk amidst 27 rockets in the rocket garden and experience thrilling space-flight simulations.
U.S. Space & Rocket Centre also houses the Space Camp. While best known for its programs for children, Space Camp offers a wide range of experiences including special three-day Family Space Camp and Adult Space Camp programs.
“The family-and-adult space camps would be a must for the most animated ‘Zero’ movie fans. “ Brennan said, “You get to launch on simulated missions and train like an astronaut on the Multi-Axis Trainer and 1/6th Gravity Chair.”
Adjacent to the U.S. Space & Rocket Centre is the Huntsville Botanical Garden – A 50 hectares property comprising of colourful gardens, lush foliage, tranquil trails and beautiful water features. The garden becomes the perfect film setting for any director who values art.
One can find whimsical statues in the children’s garden. The seasonal, open-air butterfly house is the largest of its kind in the nation. The garden is a visual delight all year round, with spring and summer being especially attractive.
A 21-minute drive away from the Huntsville Botanical Garden is the Hindu Cultural Centre of North Alabama. A temple scene of the movie was shot here. This religious site features elaborate statues of deities and symbolises different architecture styles of India.
The other three “Zero” film sites are all located in the Huntsville’s city centre; the Grill 29 restaurant, the Von Braun Centre and the general Huntsville downtown.
Your Alabama trip should not limit to Huntsville alone. Other tourist destinations, including two of America’s music cities, Nashville, Tennessee, and Muscle Shoals, Alabama are located near Huntsville. To the south of Huntsville are Alabama’s waterfalls and nature areas of Fort Payne and Gadsden.
Located in central Alabama are the historical cities of Birmingham and Montgomery. It is here that Dr Martin Luther King, Jr started America’s non-violent protest. King was a follower of Mahatma Gandhi.
Huntsville International Airport (HSV) offers easy access to the city. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) is located just an hour and 20 minutes south and offers rental cars for the drive to Huntsville.
