The Telugu film industry witnessed a compelling addition to its thriller genre with the release of Zebra, an action-packed financial crime drama that delves into the murky depths of banking scams and personal vendettas. Directed by Eashvar Karthic, the film features a stellar ensemble cast and has garnered attention for its intricate plot and intense performances.
OTT Platform and Release Date
After its theatrical release on November 22, 2024, Zebra made its digital debut on the OTT platform Aha on December 20, 2024. The film is available for streaming in both Telugu and Tamil languages, catering to a diverse audience base.
Cast and Characters
Zebra boasts a talented ensemble cast that brings depth and nuance to its complex characters:
- Satyadev Kancharana as Surya Kancharana “Pandu”, a senior relationship manager at the Bank of Trust in Hyderabad.
- Dhananjaya as “Aadhi” Aditya Devaraj, an egoistic multi-millionaire with a vendetta.
- Priya Bhavani Shankar as Swathi Navaluri, Surya’s girlfriend and a bank employee who becomes entangled in a critical error.
- Jeniffer Piccinato as “Snake” Sheela Chawla, the branch manager of the Bank of Trust.
- Sathyaraj as Baba, a pivotal character influencing the narrative’s progression.
- Sunil, Satya, and Suresh Chandra Menon in significant supporting roles.
The film also features special appearances by Amrutha Iyengar as Aaradya and Ramachandra Raju as the Chief Minister, adding layers to the storyline.
Director and Production
Zebra is helmed by Eashvar Karthic, who co-wrote the screenplay with Yuva. The dialogues are penned by Meeraqh, adding sharpness to the film’s narrative. The movie is produced by Bala Sundaram, Dinesh Sundaram, and S. N. Reddy under the banners of Old Town Pictures and Padmaja Films Private Limited.
Storyline
The plot centers around Surya, a diligent bank employee who discovers that his girlfriend, Swathi, has committed a significant error at her workplace. In an attempt to rectify the mistake, Surya exploits loopholes in the banking system, inadvertently drawing the ire of Aadhi, a powerful and egotistical multi-millionaire. Aadhi demands that Surya repay ₹5 crore within four days, thrusting Surya into a perilous situation where he must navigate a treacherous path to save himself and Swathi.
Music and Technical Aspects
- Music: The film’s score is composed by Ravi Basrur, known for his ability to heighten tension and emotion through music.
- Cinematography: Handled by Sathya Ponmar, capturing the film’s intense and dramatic moments with precision.
- Editing: Managed by Anil Krish, ensuring a tight and engaging narrative flow throughout the film’s 164-minute runtime.
Reception
Upon its release, Zebra received mixed-to-positive reviews. Critics praised the performances of Satyadev and Dhananjaya, as well as the film’s exploration of financial crimes. Paul Nicodemus of The Times of India rated it 3 out of 5 stars, highlighting the “electric performances” of the lead actors. Sanjay Ponnappa of India Today also gave it 3 out of 5 stars, noting the film’s “thrilling culmination point.” However, some critics pointed out the film’s length and convoluted plot as drawbacks.
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