
Cast: Satyadev, Daali Dhananjaya, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Amrutha Iyengar, Jennifer, Sunil, Satya, Sathyaraj, Suresh Chandra Menon, and othersDirector: Eashvar KarthicMusic: Ravi BasrurCinematography: Sathya PonmarEditing: Anil KrishProducers: S.N. Reddy, Bala Sundaram, Dinesh SundaramRelease Date: November 22, 2024



Satyadev and Daali Dhananjaya star in the film Zebra, directed by Eashvar Karthic of Penguin fame. Priya Bhavani Shankar and Amrutha Iyengar play the female leads. The movie is a white-collar crime drama that raised significant expectations, especially with Megastar Chiranjeevi himself participating in its promotions. Released on November 22, did Zebra live up to the hype? Did it finally deliver a much-needed hit for Satyadev? Let’s find out in this review.







The Plot



Surya (Satyadev), a middle-class man, works as a Relationship Manager at the Bank of Trust. He has a crush on his colleague Swathi (Priya Bhavani Shankar). One day, Swathi accidentally transfers ₹4 lakh to a wrong account. When she tries to recover the amount, the recipient claims to have spent it. To help Swathi, Surya steps in, but in the process, he unwittingly gets entangled in a ₹5 crore bank fraud. This chain of events leads him into a confrontation with Aadi&nbsp; (Dhananjaya), one of the state’s most dangerous individuals. How does Surya face Aadi ? What role does Aadi&nbsp; play in Surya’s life? How does the ₹5 crore fraud escalate, and does Surya manage to overcome these challenges? That forms the crux of the story.



The Performances



Satyadev shines once again in his role as Surya, proving his mettle as an actor. He seamlessly portrays a character that combines comedy, action, romance, and emotion. His performance elevates the film, but Dhananjaya also leaves a strong impression. As Aadi , Dhananjaya embodies power and menace, dominating the screen in several sequences. In some scenes, he even overshadows Satyadev. Priya Bhavani Shankar plays a significant role and performs convincingly, while Jennifer adds glamour to the narrative. Satya’s comedy timing is another highlight, though the supporting characters don’t leave a lasting impact as the story primarily focuses on the Surya vs. Aadi&nbsp; dynamic.







Direction



Director Eashvar Karthic skillfully handles the banking-related content, delivering a gripping narrative with a strong screenplay. His past experience as a bank employee adds authenticity to the storytelling. The film effectively exposes the fraudulent practices within the banking system, though certain aspects lack conviction. For instance, the protagonist earning ₹5 crores within four days feels implausible, and resolving a ₹100 crore problem with just an email stretches logic. However, for audiences willing to overlook such inconsistencies, Zebra offers an engaging experience. The intense battle between Satyadev and Dhananjaya, along with Satya’s comedy and impactful dialogues, serve as major highlights.



Technical Aspects



From a technical standpoint, Zebra impresses. Ravi Basrur’s background score is a significant asset, especially elevating the action sequences. However, the songs fail to leave a lasting impression. Sathya Ponmar’s cinematography captures the narrative’s essence beautifully, while the editing is adequate. The art department excels in recreating the bank setting, and the production values are top-notch.







Strengths



Engaging story and screenplayPerformances by Satyadev and DhananjayaRavi Basrur’s background music



Weaknesses



Illogical sequencesSongs that feel forced into the narrative



Telugu.yousay.tv Rating: 2.5/5


Zebra Movie Review: Satyadev and Dhananjaya Face Off in a Gripping Banking Thriller!


This week, Tollywood saw the release of three key films at the box office. Vishwak Sen’s Mechanic Rocky, Satyadev’s Zebra, and Ashok Galla’s Devaki Nandana Vasudeva hit the screens on Friday, November 22. While Vishwak and Satyadev’s films managed to garner average talk, Ashok Galla’s film received outright disastrous feedback. Let’s examine how these films performed on their first day, their collections, and whether they faced significant setbacks or achieved reasonable numbers.



Mechanic Rocky’s Collections



Vishwak Sen’s Mechanic Rocky, featuring Meenakshi Chaudhary and Shraddha Srinath as the female leads, was directed by Raviteja Mullapudi and released on Friday, November 22. Earlier this year, Vishwak impressed audiences with Gaami and Gangs of Godavari, both earning good reception. Hoping for a hat-trick with Mechanic Rocky, Vishwak faced disappointment as the film only managed average talk. This directly impacted its opening-day collections. The movie earned just ₹2.3 crores gross worldwide on its first day, significantly lower than Vishwak’s previous films. Gangs of Godavari and Gaami grossed ₹8 crores and ₹8.6 crores respectively on their opening days, while Das Ka Dhamki earned ₹8.88 crores. Compared to these, Mechanic Rocky’s first-day collections plummeted by a staggering 75%.







Zebra’s Collections



Satyadev and Daali Dhananjaya starred in Zebra, directed by Eashvar Karthik, known for Penguin. The film, featuring Priya Bhavani Shankar and Amrutha Aiyengar as the female leads, was a white-collar crime drama. Despite promotions by Megastar Chiranjeevi, Zebra failed to live up to expectations and garnered average talk. This reflected in the collections as well. According to trade analysts, the film grossed ₹65.8 lakhs worldwide on its first day, with ₹55.5 lakhs coming from the Telugu states. While there is hope for better collections over the weekend, the lackluster start poses a challenge for the film.







Devaki Nandana Vasudeva’s Collections



Ashok Galla, the son of businessman Galla Jayadev and nephew of Mahesh Babu, starred in Devaki Nandana Vasudeva. With a story by Hanu-Man fame Prasanth Varma and directed by Arjun Jandhyala, the film attempted to mix spirituality, commercial elements, and thrill. However, its release on November 22 brought shockwaves with disastrous talk and poor reception. Unsurprisingly, the collections were abysmal, grossing just ₹15.5 lakhs worldwide on its opening day, as per trade reports. Given the negative buzz surrounding the film, collections are expected to dip further in the coming days.







These first-day numbers paint a grim picture for the Tollywood releases of the week, with Vishwak Sen’s market taking a hit and Satyadev and Ashok Galla struggling even more to leave a mark.


Tollywood Box Office Report: Vishwak Sen’s ‘Mechanic Rocky’ Stumbles, Satyadev’s ‘Zebra’ Struggles, and Ashok Galla’s ‘Devaki Nandana Vasudeva’ Disappoints


Last week, major star-studded films dominated the box office during the Dussehra festival, providing great entertainment and joy to the audience. This week, the focus shifts to indie films at the box office. Meanwhile, new movies and web series are also making their way to OTT platforms. Let's take a look at the details.



Movies Releasing in Theaters



Love Reddy



Directed by Smaran Reddy and featuring Anjan Ramachandra and Shravani Reddy in key roles, 'Love Reddy' is set to release on October 18. The film, which has completed its shooting, is based on true events along the Andhra-Karnataka border, depicting a pure love story. It is being released by the renowned production house Mythri Movie Makers.







Samudrudu



Directed by Nagesh Naradasi and starring Ramakanth, Avantika, and Bhanushree, 'Samudrudu' is scheduled for release on October 18. The film, which reflects the lives of fishermen, is expected to appeal to all sections of the audience, according to the makers.







Veekshanam



The latest film starring Ram Karthik and Kashvi, 'Veekshanam' is directed by Manoj Palleti and produced under the banner of Padmanabha Cine Arts by P. Padmanabha Reddy and Ashok Reddy. The movie, releasing in theaters on October 18, explores the concept of a hero falling in love with a deceased girl, as revealed by the makers.







Rewind



Featuring Sai Ronak and directed by Kalyan Chakravarthy, 'Rewind' is set to release on October 18. Amrutha Chaudhary stars as the female lead. The film, which combines a time travel concept with a captivating love story, is expected to appeal to all audience groups.







Khadgam Re-release



Directed by Krishna Vamsi and featuring Srikanth, Ravi Teja, and Prakash Raj, 'Khadgam' originally released in 2002 and was a box office success. It is now set to re-enthrall audiences with a re-release scheduled for October 18.







OTT Releases – Movies/Series



1000 Babies



This intriguing web series '1000 Babies' is coming to OTT this week and will be available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar from October 18. It can be viewed in multiple languages including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, and Malayalam. Rahman and Neena Gupta play lead roles, with direction by Najim.







Kali



After its recent theatrical release, 'Kali' will be available on OTT starting October 17 on the platform ETV Win. The film stars Prince and Naresh Agastya in leading roles, with Neha Krishnan as the heroine. Directed by Shiva Sheshu, the film received positive reviews upon its theatrical release on October 4.







TitleCategoryLanguagePlatformRelease DateThe Linkan LawyerMovieEnglishNetflixOct 17Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives S3SeriesEnglishNetflixOct 19The Pradeeps Of PittsburghSeriesEnglishAmazonOct 17Citadel Honey BunnySeriesTelugu/HindiAmazonNov 7Kali&nbsp;MovieTeluguETV WinOct 17Reeta SanyalMovieHindiHotstarOct 14NemesisMovieEnglish/DutchHotstarOct 161000 BabiesSeriesTelugu/MalayalamHotstarOct 18RivalsMovieEnglishHotstarOct 18Crime Reels&nbsp;MovieTeluguAhaOct 13Janaka Aithe GanakaMovieMovieAhaNov 5Maa Nanna Super HeroMovieMovieZee 5Nov 8


This Week’s OTT &amp;&nbsp; Telugu Movie Releases (18th&nbsp; Oct)


The Half Saree Function is an important Hindu tradition in India, particularly celebrated when a young girl transitions into maturity. It is especially popular in South India. This function is not just a ceremony, but it marks a significant milestone in a girl's life, symbolizing her journey into a new phase.



Just as the gifts given during this event hold importance, the songs played to cover the ceremony are equally significant. Finding the right songs can undoubtedly elevate the joyous occasion. Here, we present a list of songs perfect for a Half Saree Function. With these songs, make your event even more enjoyable and memorable.







Song NameMovie NameAamani PaadaveGeethanjaliMudda Banthi Puvvu Ila..Kousalya KrishnamurthyOka ThotaloGangotriRang DeA AaChinuku ThadikiNee SnehamAndaalalo..Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka SundariNachchave Naizam PoriVarshamMadhura Madhura MeenakshiArjunAakasha Tana Rekkalatone..KalusukovalaniKanullo Nee RoopameNinne PelladathaTelusuna.. TelusunaSonthamGopikamma Chalunu LemmaMukundaPilichina RananatavaAthaduGundello EmundoManmadhuduMellaga Tellarindo..Shatamanam BhavatiShuddha BrahmaSri RamadasuMeghale ThakindiPreminchukundam RaaAemitoAndala RakshasiMukunda MukundaDasavatharamEvare NuvvuPremamKanulu Kanulanu DochayanteMani Ratnam’s DuetMaghamasam EppudostundoEgire PavuramaPacchani Chilakalu TodunteBharateeyuduYede YededeeSakhiChukkallo ChandruduChukkallo ChandruduKanulanu DochadeMani Ratnam’s DuetAllanta Doorana Aa TharakaAadavari Matalaku Arthale VeruleKatuka Kallanu Chuste PothundeMirchiChiguraku Chatu ChilakaGudumba ShankarKathalo RajakumariKalyana RamuduAnandama... AnandamayeIshqKothaga RekkalocchenaSwarnakamalamAakasha AmmayaitheGabbar SinghJata KaliseMaharshiJaamu RaatiriKshana KshanamNuvve KaavaliNuvve KaavaliDaani Kudi Bhujam Meeda KaduvaLove StoryE Devi VaramoAmruthaValu KanuladaanaPremikulu RojuSogasuga MrugamanthriKancheSwagatham KrishnaAgnyaathavaasiPriya PriyathamaKillerNeeve Naa SwasaOkariki OkaruGusa Gusa LadeGhajiniAnnula MinnulaChantiJallanta KavvintaGeethanjaliOka PariNuvvu NenuPandu VennelloJanaki Weds SriramNuvvena..AnandMaate ManthramuSeethakoka ChilukaNenu NuvvantuOrange


Half Saree Function Songs List: Melody Songs to Play During a Half Saree Function

Ayyappa Swami Telugu Songs Lyrics: Immerse Yourself in Devotion with Ayyappa Swami Bhajan Lyrics!

A Comprehensive List of Adult Telugu Films Over the Past 25 Years Now Streaming on OTT Platforms


Cinema has evolved into a significant form of entertainment, particularly with the rise of OTT platforms, allowing viewers to enjoy new movies weekly from the comfort of their homes. However, the frequent release of films means that some are inevitably overlooked, with even high-quality content often going underappreciated. YouSay highlights these films in this special report. After watching these movies, you might find yourself wondering, "Why did I miss these for so long?" Which movies are they? What sets them apart? What are their stories about? We will explore these questions in this report.



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Appatlo Okadundevadu



Starring Nara Rohit and Sree Vishnu, 'Appatlo Okadundevadu' captivates audiences with its engaging storyline. The film revolves around a young man who aspires to be a cricketer but becomes entangled in a criminal case. His life is further disrupted by a police officer who, though initially complicating matters, ultimately aids him. The emotional twist in the climax is sure to move viewers to tears. This movie is available for streaming on Amazon Prime.







Kanche



Directed by Krish Jagarlamudi and featuring Varun Tej alongside Pragya Jaiswal, 'Kanche' is a feel-good entertainer that beautifully combines a love story with the backdrop of World War II. The film is available for streaming on Hotstar. It centers around Haribabu (Varun Tej), a man from a lower caste, who falls in love with Seetadevi (Pragya Jaiswal), a landlord's daughter, during their college days. Their relationship triggers caste-based tensions in their village. The story explores how Haribabu addresses these conflicts and his involvement in World War II, as well as how he and his comrades manage to escape from the battlefield.







Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya



Featuring Satyadev in the lead role, 'Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya' was directly released on OTT platforms during the COVID period. It is a remake of the critically acclaimed Malayalam film 'Maheshinte Prathikaaram'. The film explores the consequences of a normally mild-mannered person becoming enraged and is currently available on Netflix. The story centers on Uma Maheshwara Rao, a peace-loving photographer who generally avoids confrontations. However, his life takes a turn when he ends up in a public altercation with a local thug named Jogi, leading to a humiliating incident in a crowded market. The narrative unfolds as Uma Maheshwara Rao seeks to exact his revenge on Jogi.







Palasa 1978



Directed by Karuna Kumar and featuring Rakshit Atluri, 'Palasa 1978' captured significant attention upon its release. Set in the small village of Palasa in Srikakulam district during 1978, the film delves into local historical incidents. Not only did singer Raghu Kunche compose the music for the film, but he also played a pivotal role in it. The movie is available for streaming on Amazon Prime. The plot centers around a landowner named Gurumurthy and his brother, who treat lower caste individuals as nothing more than slaves. Mohan Rao and his brother Ranga Rao, from the lower caste, face humiliation and oppression at the hands of these landowners, which eventually leads them to rise up against this tyranny. The story unfolds with their struggle for justice.







Manu



The romantic film 'Manu,' starring Raja Goutham, son of Brahmanandam, alongside Chandini Chowdary, was directed by Phanindra Narsetti and uniquely produced through crowd-funding. It is available for streaming on Netflix. The plot revolves around Manu (Raja Gautam), who falls in love with Neelu (Chandini Chowdary) despite never having met her in person. When they start meeting, Neelu's life is struck by a series of tragic events. What happens to Neelu? What challenges does Manu encounter in his pursuit of her? Do they ultimately end up together? This forms the crux of the story.







Vedam



'Vedam,' starring Allu Arjun, Manchu Manoj, and Anushka Shetty, is regarded as a feel-good movie by audiences, despite its commercial failure. Directed by Krish, the film is available for streaming on Aha. It weaves together the lives of five characters—Raju, Saroja, Ramulu, Vivek Chakravarthy, and Raheemuddin Qureshi—who each have distinct life goals but find their paths intersecting due to a terrorist attack at a hospital. The unfolding of these events forms the narrative of the movie.







Chakravyuham: The Trap



'Chakravyuham: The Trap,' starring Ajay in the lead role and directed by Chetkuri Madhusudan, is a thriller focused on a police investigation. The film is available on Amazon Prime Video. The storyline follows Sanjay (Vivek Trivedi), whose wife Siri (Urvashi Pardeshi) is brutally murdered in their home, with Rs. 50 lakhs and gold from their safe also missing. CI Satya (Ajay) takes charge of the investigation, initially suspecting Sanjay's friend Sharath (Sudeesh). As the investigation progresses, the complex layers and twists surrounding Siri's murder case gradually come to light.







Mental Madilo



Directed by Vivek Athreya and featuring Sree Vishnu, Nivetha Pethuraj, and Amrutha Srinivasan, 'Mental Madilo' is a charming feel-good movie. It follows the story of a young man who struggles with an unstable mindset and faces a dilemma in choosing between two women. This film is available on Amazon Prime. The plot kicks off with the protagonist, who has been indecisive from a young age. An arranged marriage introduces a woman into his life, but with the wedding some time away, he finds himself growing closer to another woman during this period. The story revolves around whom he ultimately decides to marry.







Republic



In 'Republic,' starring Sai Dharam Tej and directed by the distinct filmmaker Deva Katta, the film draws on the contemporary socio-political landscape to showcase the role of a conscientious district administrator. The story follows Abhiram (Sai Dharam Tej), an IAS officer, as he assumes office in his district. He sets his sights on addressing the issues surrounding Telleru Lake, which has been plagued by political corruption for years. The narrative then explores how he tackles the corruption spearheaded by CM Vani (Ramya Krishnan). This forms the crux of the story.







Kshanam



Directed by Ravikanth Perepu and featuring Adivi Sesh, Adah Sharma, and Anasuya Bharadwaj, 'Kshanam' is a film with a compelling storyline. The plot centers around the protagonist who returns to India to assist his ex-girlfriend in her desperate search for her missing daughter. The film delves into the obstacles he encounters throughout this journey. This forms the essence of the narrative.






Underrated Telugu Movies which you can watch on OTT.

Amrutham Chandamamalo

అమృతం చందమామలో

In the realm of Telugu cinema, science fiction and time-travel themes are carving a significant niche. These genres, blending futuristic concepts with cultural storytelling, have been met with considerable acclaim, leading to an increase in such productions. Let's embark on a cinematic odyssey from the classic 'Aditya 369' to the eagerly anticipated 'Kalki 2898 AD', exploring the rich tapestry of Telugu sci-fi films.

ప్రస్తుతం తెలుగు ఇండస్ట్రీలో సైన్స్ సైన్స్ ఫిక్షన్, టైం ట్రావలింగ్  చిత్రాల హవా సాగుతోంది. ఈ జోనర్‌లో తెరకెక్కించిన సినిమాలో మంచి విజయం సాధిస్తున్నాయి. దీంతో దర్శకులు ఈ కెటగిరీపై సినిమాలు తీస్తున్నారు. ఆదిత్య 369 నుంచి రాబోయే కల్కీ 2898 AD వరకు తెలుగులో వచ్చిన సైన్స్ ఫిక్షన్ చిత్రాలపై ఓ లుక్ వేద్దాం.

How was the movie?