Last updated: 20 May 2026


The Rebel
Tamil · Action, Drama, Thriller
2h 28m · 31 May 2019
Music: Yuvan Shankar Raja | DOP: Sivakumar Vijayan | Writer: K. Selvaraghavan, Yuri Togkces
Ratings
Our Rating
3
NGK follows the journey of Nandha Gopalan Kumaran, an idealistic youth who ventures into politics with the aim of bringing about social change. As he navigates the murky waters of political power, he faces betrayal, moral dilemmas, and the harsh realities of the system. The story explores his transformation from a common man to a political figure, highlighting the challenges and sacrifices involved in the pursuit of change.
NGK presents a politically charged narrative that attempts to blend commercial elements with a message-driven plot. The screenplay by Selvaraghavan is layered but at times convoluted, which affects the clarity of the story's progression. The pacing is uneven; the first half sets up the protagonist's motivations and political ambitions with a moderate tempo, while the second half delves into the complexities of political intrigue but tends to drag with repetitive sequences.
The film's songs and music by Yuvan Shankar Raja stand out as one of its strengths, with a few tracks resonating well with the mood of the film. The background score complements the tense and dramatic moments effectively, enhancing the emotional impact. Cinematography by Sivakumar Vijayan captures the political milieu with a gritty aesthetic, adding to the film's serious tone.
Despite its ambitious theme, NGK struggles with screenplay coherence and character development, which may affect audience engagement. However, the film's attempt to address political issues through a mainstream format is commendable, and the technical aspects like music and visuals provide a solid support to the narrative.
Suriya: Suriya delivers a committed performance, portraying the idealistic yet conflicted protagonist with intensity and conviction.
Rakul Preet Singh: Rakul Preet Singh provides a graceful presence, though her role is limited in scope.
Sai Pallavi: Sai Pallavi impresses with her natural acting and adds emotional depth to the film.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Selvaraghavan's direction is ambitious, aiming to blend political drama with commercial cinema. While his vision is clear, the execution falters due to a complex screenplay and inconsistent pacing. The writing attempts to tackle serious themes but sometimes lacks the subtlety and coherence needed for impactful storytelling.
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 40% |
| Neutral | 30% |
| Negative | 30% |
Critics appreciated the film's political theme and Suriya's performance but pointed out the screenplay's lack of focus and pacing issues. The music and technical aspects received positive mentions, though the narrative's complexity was seen as a drawback.
Final Box-Office Result
NGK released on 31 May 2019 (2019).
NGK is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Budget of NGK is approximately ₹62 Crore.
NGK is available on Prime Video, aha, YouTube. OTT date will be updated soon.
NGK directed by Selvaraghavan. Produced by S. R. Prabu, S. R. Prakashbabu.
NGK stars Suriya, Rakul Preet Singh, Sai Pallavi, Ilavarasu, Bala Singh.
Tollybo rates NGK 3/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
Music for NGK composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja.
NGK — Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller, Runtime: 148 minutes, Language: Tamil.