"'Zebra' is a mass drama with all commercial elements. The screenplay is very exciting and will connect with everyone": Director Eashvar Karthic
The highly anticipated multi-starrer "Zebra" features the talented Satya Dev and Kannada star Daali Dhananjaya. Directed by Eashvar Karthic, the film is produced by SN Reddy, S Padmaja, Bala Sundaram, and Dinesh Sundaram under the banners of Padmaja Films Private Ltd and Old Town Pictures. Priya Bhavani Shankar and Jennifer Piccinato are the heroines. The teaser and trailer have already created a huge buzz, and "Zebra" is set to hit theaters on November 22nd. Director Eashvar Karthic recently shared some interesting details about the film in a press meet.
What are the exciting elements in the story of "Zebra"?
- "Zebra" is a new world. Blending artistic elements along with commercial elements works only for a few stories. It worked in "Zebra." All the emotions blended organically in this. Mass elements, the banking genre, money laundering, comedy, love, friendship, action - all these blended well. The film has turned out amazing.
- The story ideas I have are with new concepts. I have to be convinced first before I want to make a film. Some mistakes happen in the banking world. I wanted to highlight those and show them to the audience. I wrote this story blending two worlds - banking and money laundering. The screenplay of "Zebra" is intelligent. But the writing is simple and beautiful. It will connect with everyone.
What was Satya Dev's reaction after listening to the story of "Zebra"?
- I sent the bound script of "Zebra." He finished reading it in two days. Then we both met. He asked some doubts. As soon as I answered them, he immediately said that we would do this film.
What is the justification for the title "Zebra"?
- This is a story about financial crime. The title "Zebra" was chosen as the animal that represents black and white. I wrote this story based on some true incidents. "Zebra" is a mass drama. We made a film highlighting digital crime.
How did you gain knowledge about bank crime?
- I am an engineering graduate. I have worked in almost thirty-two companies. But I didn't like any of them (laughing). I did my last job in a bank. Then I observed the mistakes that happen there. This story also contains my personal experiences and characterizations.
- This story starts from the point of view of a common man. It will make you think about how safe a bank is, even to deposit five hundred rupees. There are three worlds in this - banking, gangster, and money laundering. When you watch this film, it will make you wonder if such crimes happen.
What is the reason for taking actors from Telugu, Kannada, and Tamil languages?
- We needed good performers for this story and characters. Everyone has different characterizations in this. Satya and Dhan are perfect fits for these characters. They performed amazingly. Priya Bhavani Shankar, Sunil, and Sathyaraj - these roles are crucial in the story. The market also spread with all of them coming on board.
About Ravi Basrur's music?
- This is a musical crime story. There are seven songs in this. Music is very important to the story. He also did amazing background music. There will be three different layers of music for the three worlds. You will see a new Ravi Basrur in this.
About the producers?
- They are very passionate producers. They produced the film without compromising anywhere. They were very supportive throughout the movie.
About upcoming projects?
- I have stories in different genres. I want to do films in Telugu.
