Zebra Movie Review
Zebra is a gripping action-comedy thriller directed by Eashvar Karthic, weaving a tale of chaos, crime, and resilience. Surya (Satyadev Kancharana), a dedicated bank employee, inadvertently plunges into a storm of trouble after assisting his girlfriend, Swathi (Priya Bhavani Shankar), in fixing a major banking error. What begins as a routine correction snowballs into a high-stakes confrontation with Aadhi (Daali Dhananjaya), a gangster-turned-business tycoon. As events unfold, unexpected twists and intriguing characters keep the audience guessing: Can Surya navigate this treacherous maze and outwit his formidable foe? And what lies at the heart of Aadhi’s grand plans?
Set in the intriguing overlap of the banking world and organized crime, Zebra offers a fresh narrative with a blend of action, humor, and suspense. The film’s strengths lie in its captivating storyline and quirky moments, though a tighter screenplay could have further heightened its impact. A few subplots veer off-course, slightly diluting the intensity of the main narrative.
Satyadev delivers a stellar performance as Surya, transitioning effortlessly from a meticulous banker to a man ensnared in life-threatening challenges. Dhananjaya shines as Aadhi, exuding a mix of sophistication and menace, making him a memorable antagonist. Their dynamic chemistry drives the film, creating several standout moments. Priya Bhavani Shankar lends emotional weight as Swathi, while Amrutha Iyengar’s Aradhya enriches Aadhi’s backstory with depth and nuance.
The supporting cast adds layers of entertainment, with Satya as Buddy Bob providing comic relief and Sunil as MG adding a touch of flamboyant villainy. Satyaraj’s eccentric portrayal of A to Y Baba and Jennifer Piccinato’s intriguing Snake Sheela further enhance the ensemble.
Technically, the film excels with Ravi Basrur’s evocative music and Sathya Ponmar’s striking cinematography. Anil Krish’s editing maintains a cohesive flow despite the slightly extended runtime of nearly 165 minutes. Karthic’s inventive direction, marked by creative character introductions and visual flair, adds a refreshing dimension to the storytelling.
While reminiscent of financial thrillers like Lucky Baskher and Matka, Zebra stands out with its humor, drama, and unexpected twists. It’s an engaging ride powered by exceptional performances and a distinct narrative style.
Cast: SatyaDev, Daali Dhananjaya, Sathyaraj, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Sunil Verma, Sathya Akala, Jeniffer Piccinato and others.
Director: Eashvar Karthic
Rating..3.8/5