There’s an old saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but in the case of Zebra, the flashy trailer with its promise of a gripping financial crime thriller might have raised more expectations than the film could deliver.
Story & Screenplay: 2.5/5
Performances: 4/5
Cinematography & Music: 3.5/5
Genre: Financial Crime Thriller
Rating: 3/5 ★★★☆☆
Directed by Eashvar Karthic, who brought us Penguin earlier, this movie pairs two promising talents – Satyadev and Dhananjaya – in a cat and-mouse chase set in the murky world of banking crimes.
But when the film tries to combine smartness with mass appeal, it ends up feeling more like an eccentric rollercoaster ride than a sharp crime drama.
Plot: loopholes, heists, and bad jokes
At the heart of Zebra is Surya (played by Satyadev), a savvy banker who’s figured out the ins and outs of the banking sector, manipulating loopholes to make a quick buck.
But when one of his schemes goes wrong, it costs the former mobster-turned-businessman Adhi (Dhananjaya) his reputation.
The game is on – but what could’ve been a slick, smart thriller quickly derails into something more chaotic.
Think Happy New Year meets a heist film with some questionable bank transactions thrown in for good measure.
While the premise holds promise, Zebra loses its footing as it meanders through various subplots.
What could’ve been a compelling look into the world of financial crimes turns into a jumble of over-the-top action, cheesy jokes, and improbable bank heists that feel more like a template than a twist.
Performances: the leads carry the show
Despite the screenplay’s many missteps, the lead performances are the film’s saving grace.
Satyadev brings his A-game as Surya, delivering a performance full of street-smart charm and a sharp understanding of the banking world.
Dhananjaya’s Adhi, on the other hand, is the muscle of the film, balancing Satyadev’s finesse with his own intense presence and action-packed sequences.
The film’s narrative splits nicely between the two, though a little more screen time together could have given the film that extra spark.
Supporting characters like Satyaraj’s Baba, a notorious gambler, and Satya Akala’s Buddy, Surya’s loyal sidekick, bring in much-needed comic relief.
Their performances are a welcome respite from the film’s serious tone, providing moments of lightheartedness that help keep the pacing from feeling too heavy.
Sunil, playing the irritating villain, also does a decent job of pushing the narrative forward, even if his character feels more like a pawn in the game than a true antagonist.
Mix of good and bad
Technically, Zebra does a decent job, though there are moments where it falters.
Some of the green-screen backgrounds and choppy editing stand out, but the cinematography is solid and does its part to maintain the film’s mood.
Ravi Basrur’s background score is another highlight, blending well with the film’s tone, though at times, it feels like the music is trying too hard to set the pace.
His music this time strikes a balance that wasn’t present in his previous works.
Climax: Thrilling finish with a twist
While the film’s constant shifts between clever writing and convenient plot points are frustrating, the climax is where Zebra does manage to deliver.
It builds toward a thrilling end, offering a satisfying conclusion that ties up most loose ends.
However, this moment of brilliance feels somewhat out of place amidst the more formulaic elements of the film.
Final words: entertaining, but flawed
Zebra is certainly entertaining, but it’s a bit like a math problem where the formula doesn’t quite add up.
It’s an easy watch for those looking for a no-brainer popcorn flick with action, twists, and some massy drama.
But for anyone hoping for a deep dive into financial crime with sharp writing, it might leave you wishing for more.
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