Actor Satyadev’s latest movie, Zebra, has been making waves in the film industry. Featuring Kannada actor Dhananjay in a key role, the movie, directed by Eashvar Karthik, also stars Priya Bhavani Shankar and Jennifer Piccinato. The film received positive reviews and started gaining traction after its first day, thanks to word-of-mouth publicity. Recently, the team organized a success meet. Amid this, Satyadev penned an open letter to the audience, sharing his thoughts and reflecting on the struggles of his earlier movies.
What Did Satyadev Say?
Satyadev expressed his happiness over the audience’s response to Zebra in a heartfelt note shared on social media. He wrote: “This success is yours. You’ve said the movie is good, and I couldn’t ask for more. I’ve been waiting for five years for such a hit. I’ve longed to make a movie that you love and to hear you say, ‘You’ve delivered a hit.’ When I succeed, you celebrate, and that fills my heart with joy. You missed watching Bluff Master in theaters but later showered it with love on OTT and YouTube. I hope the same doesn’t happen with Zebra. Please watch this film in theaters—it’s a movie you’ll definitely enjoy.”
Struggles With Every Film
Satyadev is one of those talented actors who has struggled to gain the recognition he deserves. Despite delivering strong performances, he has often faced challenges in reaching audiences. He hoped that Zebra would turn his fortunes around, especially with the positive reviews. However, the film’s box office numbers have not matched expectations, leaving him concerned. This situation isn’t new for Satyadev. His career began with similar hurdles. His debut film, Uma Maheshwara Ugra Roopasya, was released directly on OTT due to the pandemic. His next, Thimmarusu, faced the impact of the second COVID wave, with theaters operating at 50% capacity. Bluff Master didn’t find success in theaters but was appreciated later on OTT platforms. Even Krishnamma was delayed for two years before its theatrical release earlier this year, only to hit OTT within a week. Despite his role as an antagonist in Godfather alongside Chiranjeevi, Satyadev didn’t gain the expected opportunities. With Zebra, he hopes to break this cycle and has earnestly appealed to audiences to support the film in theaters.
Is Zebra Worth Watching?
Director Eashvar Karthik weaves a story about financial crimes in the banking sector, intertwined with the world of gangsters. Satyadev shines as Surya, a bank relationship manager, delivering a compelling performance. The story revolves around Surya’s struggles as he becomes entangled in a 5-crore bank fraud, with a gangster villain hunting him down. While the storyline holds intrigue, certain elements, like the villain’s obsession with a relatively small amount (for a crime lord), feel unrealistic. The lack of gripping moments in some parts is a downside. However, the film’s freshness and appeal to fans of thrilling dramas make it a worthwhile watch.
What’s the Story?
Surya (Satyadev), a middle-class bank relationship manager, works at the Bank of Trust. He secretly admires his coworker Swathi (Priya Bhavani Shankar). One day, Swathi mistakenly transfers ₹4 lakhs to a fraudulent account. When the recipient refuses to return the money, Surya steps in to help her. This incident escalates unexpectedly, pulling Surya into a larger scam involving ₹5 crores. He eventually crosses paths with Adi (Dhananjay), a notorious and dangerous gangster. How does Surya deal with Adi? How did Adi enter Surya’s life? What consequences does the ₹5-crore fraud bring? Does Surya overcome these challenges? These questions drive the gripping narrative of Zebra.