"Zebra": A Must-Watch Film, Says Satya Dev

"It's my good fortune to have a great story like 'Zebra'. It's a film that will connect with everyone and give the audience a new experience": Hero Satya Dev

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. Satya Dev recently shared some interesting details about the film in a press meet.

What is the justification for the title "Zebra"?

Zebra... a metaphor for black and white. This is a story about black money and white money. Also, until the end, you don't know who is good and who is bad. Everyone has gray in them. That's why they put gray for the title font and named the film "Zebra." When they sent me the script, it came with the same title. Also, this film is releasing in four languages. The title "Zebra" is apt in every way.

"Lucky Bhaskar" was also based on bank crime. What's the difference between that and this?

"Lucky Bhaskar" is a period story. "Zebra" is a contemporary story. There is no connection between the two except for the banker character. Now the entire banking system has become digital. It's not that easy to commit crimes now. Except for those who work in banks, ordinary people don't know the mistakes that happen there. Director Eashvar Karthic previously worked in a bank. He wrote this story with the incidents he saw and some other true incidents.
When you withdraw money from an ATM, the money comes out with a sound. This film is about what happens behind that sound. It will connect with all common audiences. I am a banker in this. Dhananjaya is a gangster. It will be very interesting to see how our two worlds collide.

Working experience with Daali Dhananjaya?

We became very close during this journey. The character of Jaali Reddy in "Pushpa" brought him a good name. He has good swag in the gangster role in this. He did it completely differently. He will become even closer to our Telugu audience with this film. The film is also releasing in Kannada, where he has a good fan base. The film will do well there too.
It's interesting how all the characters - Sunil, Sathyaraj, Satya, Priya Bhavani Shankar - come together from two worlds.

How did you feel when Eashvar Karthic narrated this story?

It was mind-blowing when I heard this story. I decided to do it as soon as I heard it because such a great story came to us. He will get a very good name for his writing and direction after the film's release.

What were the challenging elements for the actor in you in this character?

I like common man roles. I liked that common man connect in this. I'm changing my look in this. I haven't done a banker role before. That seemed interesting. I've mostly done serious roles so far. Director Eashvar also wanted to break that. You will see a new Satya Dev in this. The common man winning is a point that connects with everyone.

Chiranjeevi garu said that if you get a good film, you will be at the next level. Will "Zebra" be that film for you?

It will be. Some people watched the film yesterday. The response was amazing. There are some paid premieres today. The whole team is excited. Everything worked out wonderfully for "Zebra."

Did Chiranjeevi garu watch the film?

Annayya (Chiranjeevi) has gone to Japan. He will definitely watch it when he comes back. I came into the industry inspired by him. I consider it fortunate to be in his good books.

This is a crime story, right? How did the music turn out?

There are montage songs in this. Every song comes as part of the story. Ravi Basrur gave amazing music. The re-recording is terrific.

About the producers?

This is my biggest film. This film needed a big budget for its span. They did amazing world-building. It will give a new experience. They made this film with a lot of passion.

About new projects?