Zebra Movie Review

Zebra, directed by Eashvar Karthic, is a Telugu film set against the backdrop of the banking sector. With Satya Dev in the lead role, the movie explores themes of love, ambition, and financial fraud, blended with a gangster subplot. Released on November 22, 2024, "Zebra" promised a gripping narrative. But does it live up to expectations? Let's delve into the review to find out.

Plot
Surya (Satya Dev) is a hardworking employee in a bank, dreaming of a peaceful life with his colleague and girlfriend, Swathi (Priya Bhavani Shankar). His ultimate goal is to buy a flat and settle down with her. However, a mistake by Swathi during a banking transaction sets off a chain of events that brings chaos into Surya's life.

Surya's quick thinking resolves the issue on that day, but it lands him in trouble when ₹5 crore gets credited into his bank account unexpectedly. This attracts the attention of Adi (Daali Dhananjaya), a gangster demanding the money. The story then takes a series of twists and turns, unraveling Adi’s background and his connection to Surya, leading to a climactic confrontation.

Analysis
"Zebra" attempts to weave an intriguing narrative by combining elements of banking fraud with a gangster storyline. While the premise is promising, the execution falters due to a lack of clarity in storytelling. Banking-related terminologies and processes dominate the narrative, making it inaccessible to general audiences. The screenplay struggles to maintain coherence, leaving viewers confused at several points.

The film's first half is slow, packed with unnecessary scenes, while the second half picks up the pace but fails to compensate for the weak character development and lackluster plot. The incorporation of the gangster subplot feels forced and doesn't blend seamlessly with the banking-centric theme.

In contrast to films like Lucky Bhaskar, which presented similar themes with clarity and engagement, Zebra falls short in delivering a streamlined narrative. Audiences may feel as though they are solving a puzzle rather than enjoying a movie, which detracts from the entertainment value.

Performance
Satya Dev shines in the role of Surya, bringing sincerity and a grounded performance. However, the lack of emotionally challenging scenes limits his scope to showcase his full potential.
Daali Dhananjaya as Adi has a menacing presence, but his character is underdeveloped, offering little for him to truly shine.
Priya Bhavani Shankar delivers a passable performance as Swathi but lacks impactful moments.
Sunil's comedic role adds occasional relief, but the poorly written scenes diminish his impact.
The supporting cast, including Sathyaraj and Jennifer Piccinato, perform adequately but fail to leave a lasting impression due to weak characterization.

Technical Aspects
Eashvar Karthic’s direction is inconsistent. While the idea of exposing loopholes in the banking system is commendable, the storytelling fails to make the concept relatable or engaging. The screenplay lacks focus, and several scenes feel redundant.

Ravi Basrur’s music, though decent, fails to elevate the film due to the weak screenplay. The background score is effective in parts but does little to enhance the overall experience.

Verdict
"Zebra" is a film that had potential but falters due to a convoluted narrative and weak character arcs. The combination of a banking fraud story with a gangster plot doesn't gel well, leaving the audience disengaged. With better writing and execution, the film could have been a gripping thriller.