ZEBRA(2024)

 

Talented Actor Satyadev's Latest Crime Thriller 'Zebra' Hits Theatres

Actor Satyadev's newest film, Zebra, directed by Eashvar Karthic, is a gripping crime thriller that delves into the world of financial crimes. Featuring Kannada actor Daali Dhananjaya in a pivotal role, the movie has debuted in cinemas globally today. Here's a detailed review of whether Zebra manages to captivate its audience.

Story:

Surya (Satyadev), a bank employee, is romantically involved with his colleague Swathi (Priya Bhavani Shankar). However, he hesitates to reveal their relationship to his parents. Swathi unexpectedly encounters a critical problem, which forces Surya to intervene, plunging him into a bigger crisis. He must repay ₹5 crores to Aadi (Daali Dhananjaya) within four days. How does an ordinary bank employee like Surya deal with such an impossible challenge? What steps does he take to raise the amount? The answers unfold in this intense narrative.

Positives:

The central theme of Zebra stands out as one of its strong points. The introduction of Surya’s character is well-crafted, setting the tone for the story. The sequences where Surya scrambles to arrange ₹5 crores amidst escalating drama are particularly engaging.

Satyadev’s portrayal is exceptional, blending humor and intensity seamlessly. The director excels in connecting Satyadev’s character with Daali Dhananjaya’s, creating some standout moments. The film’s balance of drama and humor works well, with performances adding to its appeal.

Satyadev captures the essence of his character, delivering a commendable performance even in serious situations. Daali Dhananjaya impresses with his strong screen presence, while Priya Bhavani Shankar delivers a convincing portrayal. Veteran actor Sathyaraj shines as Baba, while comedian Satya’s witty dialogues and hilarious expressions bring comic relief. Supporting cast members like Amrutha Iyengar also contribute effectively.

Negatives:

While Eashvar Karthic presents an interesting story with well-developed leads, the pacing falters in some sections. Certain crucial scenes lack logical consistency, and the characters of both the villain and the heroine could have been more robustly written.

The subplot involving mistakenly credited money, which serves as a key turning point, could have been explored with greater depth and impact. Additionally, Surya's psychological struggles and behavioral changes under pressure remain underdeveloped, which might have added more authenticity to his character arc.

Though the film attempts to elevate its content visually, some routine scenes lack the freshness needed to sustain audience interest.

Technical Aspects:

Eashvar Karthic showcases promise as a director but stumbles with the screenplay in parts. Ravi Basrur’s music, including the songs and background score, fails to make a significant impression. Editing could have been sharper to eliminate some redundant scenes and improve the flow. Satya Ponmar’s cinematography, however, enhances the visual appeal of the film. The production values by SN Bala Sundaram, SN Reddy, and Dinesh Sundaram are commendable.

Verdict:

Zebra boasts a compelling theme, engaging drama, and commendable performances from its cast, particularly Satyadev and Daali Dhananjaya. While some thrilling elements keep the audience invested, the uneven pacing, routine sequences, and occasional lack of depth in the narrative hold it back from achieving its full potential. Despite its shortcomings, Zebra offers enough intrigue to entertain fans of crime and suspense dramas.