Director: Eashvar Karthic
Cast: Satyadev, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Daali Dhananjaya, Sathyaraj
Duration: 164 minutes
Genre: Thriller, Heist Drama
Telugu cinema’s latest entrant into the financial thriller genre, Zebra, directed by Eashvar Karthic, delivers an engaging mix of intelligent storytelling and gripping drama. Headlined by the versatile Satyadev, this movie masterfully combines the intricacies of banking scams with a high-octane heist plot, making it a must-watch for fans of suspenseful narratives.
Plot Overview
Surya (Satyadev), a sharp-witted bank employee, finds himself caught in a web of financial fraud while attempting to save his loved one. What begins as a straightforward rescue mission spirals into a multi-crore scam, pushing Surya to his limits. The film weaves a compelling tale of survival as Surya navigates a dangerous landscape filled with betrayals, ego clashes, and unexpected twists.
What Works
- Tight Screenplay: Eashvar Karthic redeems himself after Penguin with a screenplay that balances entertainment and storytelling depth. The first half delves into the inner workings of the banking system, cleverly highlighting loopholes and vulnerabilities without overwhelming the audience with technical jargon.
- Powerful Performances:
- Satyadev delivers an exceptional performance, portraying Surya’s desperation and resourcefulness with aplomb.
- Daali Dhananjaya as the menacing antagonist, Aditya, adds intensity to the narrative with his commanding presence and layered performance.
- Priya Bhavani Shankar finally lands a significant Telugu role, while Sathyaraj impresses as a quirky hawala dealer.
- Innovative Metaphors: The film creatively uses animalistic metaphors, comparing the world to a jungle and showcasing the power struggle as a battle between an elephant and a dragon.
- Engaging Music: Composer Ravi Basrur delivers a refreshing soundtrack, with “Gaayalaina O Naruda” standing out as a crowd favorite.
- Smart Writing: The twists in the latter half keep the audience hooked, transitioning seamlessly from a banking drama to a heist comedy.
What Could Have Been Better
While Zebra is a well-crafted film, a few aspects could have been improved:
- The backstory of Aditya, the antagonist, lacks depth, reducing the emotional impact of his motivations.
- The occasional sexualized humor, particularly involving Surya and his superior (Jeniffer Piccinato), feels out of place and detracts from the narrative.
- The film crams too many twists in the last 45 minutes, making it slightly chaotic.
Verdict
Zebra is a compelling financial thriller that delivers on its promise of entertainment. Satyadev’s nuanced performance, coupled with a cleverly crafted screenplay, ensures the film stays engaging despite minor flaws. If you enjoy films that combine intelligent storytelling with commercial appeal, Zebra is worth your time.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Don’t miss Zebra in theatres—experience a thrilling ride that keeps you guessing till the end.
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