Zebra Movie Review

Zebra follows Surya (Satyadev Kancharana), a hardworking bank employee, who finds himself in a complicated situation after helping his girlfriend Swathi (Priya Bhavani Shankar) correct a serious banking mistake. What seems like a simple solution soon turns into a dangerous conflict with Aadhi (Daali Dhananjaya), a gangster-turned-business tycoon. As Surya gets involved with Aadhi, a series of unexpected events unfold, and more surprising characters enter the scene. Can Surya outsmart his enemies and escape the mess? And what does Aadhi really want in the bigger picture?

Review:

Zebra, directed by Eashvar Karthic, is an action-comedy thriller that combines the star power of Satyadev and Dhananjaya. Set in a world where the banking industry is connected to crime and business, the film presents a gripping story filled with unexpected twists and quirky moments. However, while the plot is interesting, it could have been stronger if some subplots were trimmed down, as they sometimes weaken the main storyline.

Satyadev impresses once again with his role as Surya, a careful banker who gets caught up in dangerous situations. Dhananjaya plays Aadhi with a perfect mix of charm and menace, making him a thrilling and captivating villain. Together, they bring a lot of energy to the screen, and their performances are a highlight of the film. Priya Bhavani Shankar adds a lot of emotional depth to the film with her role as Swathi, while Amrutha Iyengar enhances the story by portraying Aradhya, a key character in Aadhi’s life.

The supporting cast also brings their charm to the film. Satya’s portrayal of Buddy Bob adds some humor to the tense moments, while Sunil plays MG, adding a bit of exaggerated villainy. Satyaraj’s A to Y Baba brings an amusing eccentricity to the film, and Jennifer Piccinato’s Snake Sheela adds another unique touch to the ensemble.

Ravi Basrur’s music builds tension throughout the film, while Sathya Ponmar’s cinematography gives the movie a visually appealing look. Anil Krish’s editing keeps the story flowing well, even though the film is a bit long at nearly 165 minutes. Karthic’s creative approach to character introductions and visual storytelling adds a fresh element to the movie.

Though it may remind viewers of other recent thrillers like Lucky Baskher and Matka, Zebra keeps the audience engaged with its humor, drama, unexpected twists, and unique storytelling style.

In the end, Zebra is an exciting action thriller that shines due to the strong performances of Satyadev and Dhananjaya. Despite some narrative issues, the film stands out for its engaging plot, quirky treatment, and memorable characters.

Plus Points:

1. Strong Performances: Satyadev and Dhananjaya deliver impressive performances. Satyadev’s portrayal of Surya, from a calm banker to a man in danger, is captivating. Dhananjaya’s role as Aadhi, a gangster-turned-business magnate, is both charming and intimidating, making their on-screen chemistry enjoyable.
2. Engaging Plot: The film has an intriguing premise involving banking errors, crime, and business ties. The plot keeps the audience hooked with twists, humor, and unexpected turns, offering a mix of action and comedy.
3. Quirky Characters: The film features some memorable and quirky characters. Supporting roles like Buddy Bob (played by Satya), MG (played by Sunil), and A to Y Baba (played by Satyaraj) bring humor and eccentricity to the narrative.
4. Visually Appealing Cinematography: Sathya Ponmar’s cinematography adds to the film’s visual appeal. The movie’s aesthetic, paired with well-chosen locations, enhances the storytelling.
5. Effective Music and Soundtrack: Ravi Basrur’s music plays a key role in building tension and elevating the emotional impact of the scenes, perfectly complementing the film’s atmosphere.
6. Fresh Approach to Storytelling: Director Eashvar Karthic brings a refreshing touch to the film with unique character introductions and visual storytelling techniques, making the film stand out in its genre.

Minus Points:

1. Lengthy Runtime: At just under 165 minutes, the film may feel a bit stretched for some viewers. Some scenes and subplots could have been trimmed down to maintain a tighter narrative.
2. Weak Subplots: While the main storyline is engaging, some of the subplots feel unnecessary and take away from the core plot. These distractions can dilute the impact of the main story.
3. Predictable Moments: Some parts of the film may feel predictable, especially for viewers who are familiar with the genre of financial thrillers. The film lacks major surprises in its plot twists.
4. Underdeveloped Secondary Characters: While the lead characters are well-developed, some secondary characters lack depth, and their roles feel less significant, which could have enriched the overall story.
5. Exaggerated Villainy: Some characters, like MG (played by Sunil), lean into over-the-top villainy. This can be entertaining but might feel too cartoonish or out of place in an otherwise grounded story.
6. Pacing Issues: The film’s pacing can be uneven, especially during slower, more dialogue-heavy scenes. Some viewers may find it drags at times before picking up the pace again.