
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!

Good Telugu Movies on OTT: Here are the top Telugu family entertainers from the last decade!


Renowned choreographer Jani Master has been embroiled in a sexual harassment case that has caused a sensation across the Telugu states. A female choreographer accused him of sexually harassing her over some time, making it a topic of intense discussion in Tollywood. In response to her complaint, police have already registered a case against Jani Master under IPC sections 376, 506, and 323(2). Amidst this backdrop, a team of Cyberabad SOT police intensified their search and eventually detained him in Goa. He was presented in court there and is being brought back to the city.



[toc]



What happened?



Jani Master was accused by his assistant of sexual harassment. She complained to the police, saying, "I met Jani Master in 2017. I joined his team as an assistant choreographer in 2019. During a film shoot in Mumbai, I traveled there along with Jani Master and two other assistants. At the hotel there, Jani Master raped me. He threatened to fire me and said I would never work in the film industry again if I told anyone. He took advantage of the opportunity to take us from Hyderabad to other cities for film shootings and raped me multiple times. Even during the shootings, he behaved indecently inside the vanity van," the victim stated in her complaint. Following her complaint, police arrested him on Thursday (September 19). The Cyberabad SOT team apprehended him at a lodge in Goa.







If you've done something wrong, admit it: Manchu Manoj



Since she was a minor, the girl in her complaint alleged that Jani Master had harassed her, prompting police to register a case under the POCSO Act. However, since the case was registered, Jani Master disappeared. Actor Manchu Manoj made intriguing remarks about this. He opined that fleeing when a woman makes accusations sends a dangerous message to society and future generations. He advised Jani Master to face the truth and fight if he hadn’t done anything wrong. "If you have made a mistake, admit it," Manchu Manoj clarified. "Everyone knows how hard Jani Master worked to reach a high position in his career. But seeing these allegations at this level is heartbreaking. The law will determine who is at fault. I congratulate the police for acting swiftly in this matter. This incident clearly shows that no one is above the law," Manoj stated.




https://twitter.com/HeroManoj1/status/1836692133216174368




Jani Master's top-10 songs



Jani Master rose to stardom as a star choreographer in a very short time with his talent. He has provided choreography for several superhit songs in the Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi film industries. Recently, he even received a National Award and has been acknowledged as the best choreographer in the country. Let's now look at the top-10 songs choreographed by him.



Megham Karigena (Thiru)



The song 'Megham Karigena' from the Telugu-dubbed version of the Tamil film 'Thiruchitrambalam,' known as 'Thiru,' was beautifully choreographed by Jani Master. Dhanush and Nithya's steps were taken to the next level, mesmerizing everyone much like Prabhu Deva's 'Vennelave Vennelave.' For this, he was selected as the National Best Choreographer at the 70th National Film Awards.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IdqwA2GXgY




Arabic Kuthu (Beast)



The song 'Arabic Kuthu' from the film 'Beast,' starring Vijay, created a sensation on YouTube. The Tamil audience was captivated by Jani Master’s choreography. The way he composed the steps to match Vijay's body language was remarkable, and actress Pooja Hegde also brought her career-best steps to this number.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOYJmUE_U24




Ranjithame (Vaarisu)



The song 'Ranjithame' from the film 'Vaarisu,' starring Vijay and Rashmika, also created a huge sensation. The dance performance of Vijay and Rashmika made theaters erupt with cheers and noise, especially the single take step at the end of the song, which thrilled Vijay's fans. This song brought national recognition to Jani Master.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoBavDxV-Y8




Rara Rakkamma (Vikrant Rona)



The song 'Rara Rakkamma' from the film 'Vikrant Rona' shook music lovers across the country. Jani Master's signature step for this item song trended heavily on social media, and many youngsters went viral making reels with the hook step. Bollywood beauty Jacqueline Fernandez and Kannada actor Sudeep featured in this electrifying number.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aC9KBju5BNY




Nuvvu Kavalayya (Jailer)



The song 'Nuvvu Kavalayya' from Rajinikanth's last film 'Jailer' went viral for its trendy nature. The 'Milk Beauty' Tamannaah's hook step mesmerized the youth. This song, also composed by Jani Master, gathered millions of views on YouTube and was widely recreated in reels.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMOuFKJmjNk




Rowdy Baby (Maari 2)



The song 'Rowdy Baby' from the film 'Maari 2,' starring Sai Pallavi and Dhanush, was nothing short of a sensation. It created many sensations on YouTube. The choreography by Jani Master, combined with the energetic steps of Sai Pallavi and Dhanush, captivated everyone. Initially, this song was offered to Prabhu Deva, but due to his busy schedule, Jani Master took it over. The song was filmed under the supervision of Prabhu Deva.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6FNcjUs0YI




Buttabomma (Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo)




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mDCVzruYzQ




Cinema Chupista Mava (Race Gurram)



Jani Master also choreographed the mass beat song 'Cinema Chupista Mava' from 'Race Gurram.' Bunny and Shruti Hassan's steps won the hearts of viewers. Jani Master composed this song to fill it with excitement from start to finish.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7EAJW8jYzA




Laila O Laila (Naayak)



In the film 'Naayak,' starring Ram Charan in a dual role, the song 'Laila O Laila' confirmed Cherry as a top dancer. Even the rest of the industry acknowledged Cherry as a top dancer. In this song, Jani Master set both mass and classic steps perfectly.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGgHSi-kg78




Em Maya Chesavo (Drona)



Jani Master was introduced to the industry as a choreographer with the 2009 film 'Drona,' starring Nithiin. After seeing Jani Master's talent in the 'Dhee' show, Nithiin gave him this opportunity. The song Em Maya Chesavo composed by Jani Master was a big hit at the time. Everyone searched extensively for Jani Master after seeing the level of steps he made Nithiin perform. After this song, Jani Master never had to look back.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPdL89Ho4P8



Jani Master: Choreographer Now Embroiled in Controversy - Top 10 Songs


Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Aparna Balamurali, Roshan Mathew, Vineeth, Anu Mohan, Achyuth Kumar, Vijay Menon, and others.



Writer and Director: Pawan Kumar



Music: Poornachandra Tejaswi



Cinematography: Preetha Jayaraman



Editing: Suresh Arumugam



Producers: Vijay Kiragandur, Vijay Subramanian



Actor Fahadh Faasil has made a significant impact in the South Indian film industry with his versatile acting skills. He has received critical acclaim for his outstanding performances, both as a hero and a villain. His Malayalam film "Dhoomam," released last year, received positive reviews in theaters. Recently, the Telugu version of this film was released on OTT platforms. Starting from July 11, the movie began streaming on Aha. Has this film impressed the Telugu audience? Has Fahadh Faasil once again captivated viewers with his performance? What is the concept of 'Dhoomam'? Let's explore this review.







The Plot



Avinash (Fahadh Faasil) works at a cigarette company as the sales head, where his intelligence significantly boosts sales. One day, he has an argument with the company's MD, Siddh (Roshan Mathew), which leads to his resignation. While traveling with his wife Diya (Aparna Balamurali), Avinash is attacked by a masked man who kidnaps his wife and warns him to comply with his demands if he wants her back. Who is this masked man? Why is Avinash implicated in a murder case? Is there a connection between the masked man and the company's MD? How does Avinash escape the trap? That’s the story.







Performance



In "Dhoomam," Fahadh Faasil delivers a one-man show, completely embodying the role of Avinash. He portrays a husband fighting to save his wife and a man trying to rectify his mistakes with exceptional skill. Aparna Balamurali impresses as Diya with her natural performance. Roshan Mathew, in a negative role, and Vineeth as Praveen, do justice to their characters. The rest of the cast also delivers commendable performances within their roles.







Direction



Director Pawan Kumar aims to highlight the societal harm caused by cigarette and tobacco products through this film. He effectively showcases the tactics cigarette companies use to generate profits and depicts the thrilling struggle of a young man trapped in a dangerous situation trying to save his wife. The parallel narrative of the protagonist's present and past, combined with an engaging screenplay, captures the audience's attention. The twist at the intermission heightens interest in the second half. The film concludes with a unique climax, setting it apart from typical movies. However, the lack of commercial elements, limited characters, and a slow-paced second half are drawbacks.







Technical Aspects



Poornachandra Tejaswi's music, especially the background score, effectively elevates several scenes. The cinematography by Preetha Jayaraman is impressive. The editing by Suresh Arumugam is decent but could have been tighter in the second half. The production values are high, matching the film's quality.







Plus Points



- Fahadh Faasil's performance



- The underlying message



- Unique climax



Minus Points



- Slow-paced narrative



- Second half



Telugu.yousay.tv Rating: 3/5


Dhoomam OTT Review: Fahadh Faasil Shines in a Gripping Crime Thriller


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."




https://twitter.com/ActorSatyaDev/status/1861276550337073501




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.






<strong>Satyadev: 'Don’t Let Zebra Be Like That,' Satyadev Appeals to Telugu Audiences</strong>


If you’re new to reading English novels and eager to dive into captivating stories, science fiction is a fantastic place to start. With futuristic technology, bold discoveries, and societal changes, sci-fi stories offer a thrilling escape and spark the imagination. To help you begin, here are 20 top science fiction novels with accessible language and engaging plots, perfect for those just starting their sci-fi journey.



1. The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins&nbsp;&nbsp;



This novel is set in a dystopian future in "Panem," a fictional America. The story follows the competitive and thrilling battles between districts, focusing on Katniss, a young girl fighting for her family. The novel promotes values of equality and social justice in an accessible English style.&nbsp;&nbsp;








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2. Ender’s Game - Orson Scott Card&nbsp;&nbsp;



Centered on the life of Ender, who views war as a game, this novel explores themes of humanity and survival. A great read for those interested in warfare strategy and endurance.&nbsp;&nbsp;








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3. Dune - Frank Herbert&nbsp;&nbsp;



Set on the planet of Dune, this story delves into human survival and environmental challenges. The journey of protagonist Paul Atreides teaches about facing mental struggles.&nbsp;&nbsp;








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4. Neuromancer - William Gibson&nbsp;&nbsp;



A key work in the cyberpunk genre, this novel features themes of new technology, cyberspace, and hacking. It raises thought-provoking questions about the digital world.&nbsp;&nbsp;








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5. The Left Hand of Darkness - Ursula K. Le Guin&nbsp;&nbsp;



This book explores life on a distant planet, focusing on alien traditions, love, and connection. It’s a powerful narrative on acceptance and understanding.&nbsp;&nbsp;








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6. Snow Crash - Neal Stephenson&nbsp;&nbsp;



Incorporating the concept of the Metaverse, this novel offers fresh insights into technology and a future society, providing a unique sci-fi experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;








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7. The Time Machine - H.G. Wells&nbsp;&nbsp;



Centered on time travel, this classic presents the concept of living in a different world through a time machine, exploring themes of past, present, and future challenges.&nbsp;&nbsp;








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8. The War of the Worlds - H.G. Wells&nbsp;&nbsp;



This story captures the struggles faced by humanity when aliens invade Earth. It inspires courage and reflection on human resilience.








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9. Foundation - Isaac Asimov&nbsp;&nbsp;



Written by the master of sci-fi, Isaac Asimov, this series depicts the rise and fall of empires in the future, with messages on strategy and overcoming challenges.&nbsp;&nbsp;








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10. Brave New World - Aldous Huxley&nbsp;&nbsp;



A dystopian novel that questions the structures of society and highlights how ordinary people are often undervalued.&nbsp;&nbsp;








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11. 1984 - George Orwell&nbsp;&nbsp;



This powerful novel delves into themes of slavery, freedom of expression, and personal rights, showing how a controlled society impacts people.&nbsp;&nbsp;








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12. The Martian - Andy Weir&nbsp;&nbsp;



Based on the survival story of an astronaut stranded on Mars, this book combines thrill and science, showing how one can overcome extreme challenges.&nbsp;&nbsp;








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13. Hyperion - Dan Simmons&nbsp;&nbsp;



This novel showcases interplanetary wars and relationships between civilizations on different planets, centering on the region of Hyperion.&nbsp;&nbsp;








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14. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? - Philip K. Dick&nbsp;&nbsp;



It explores human-robot relationships and offers insights into humanity’s true emotions.&nbsp;&nbsp;








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15. The Road - Cormac McCarthy&nbsp;&nbsp;



A dark tale about future natural disasters and human connections, painting a grim picture of what could lie ahead.&nbsp;&nbsp;








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16. Ringworld - Larry Niven&nbsp;&nbsp;



Exploring interplanetary relationships and alien life, this book is a landmark in science fiction.&nbsp;&nbsp;








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17. Altered Carbon - Richard K. Morgan&nbsp;&nbsp;



A novel that delves into the possibility of transferring human consciousness after death.&nbsp;&nbsp;








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18. Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury&nbsp;&nbsp;



Set in a world where books are banned, this novel shows the dangers of censorship and the value of free thought.&nbsp;&nbsp;








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19. Starship Troopers - Robert A. Heinlein&nbsp;&nbsp;



Focused on the psychology of war, this sci-fi novel delves into human courage and confidence in the face of danger.&nbsp;&nbsp;








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20. Ready Player One - Ernest Cline&nbsp;&nbsp;



This novel is about a person entering a virtual world, providing insights into technology and human potential.&nbsp;&nbsp;








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These science fiction novels will not only entertain but also inspire curiosity and wonder. Perfect for readers who are beginning their journey into the world of English novels and sci-fi.


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