Movie: NGK
Language: Telugu
Starring: Suriya, Sai Pallavi, Rakul Preet Singh and others
Direction: K. Selvaraghavan
Music: Yuvan Shankar Raja
Producers: S.R. Prabhu, S.R. Prakashbabu
Cinematography: Sivakumar Vijayan
Editor: Praveen K.L.
Banner: Dream Warrior Pictures
Censor: U/A
Release Date: 31/05/2019

iQlikMovies Rating: 2/5

A political cinema is always a good product to sell to our audiences. That too in hot election season, political thrillers are bound to attract viewers eye. Even star heroes and directors also are making a queue to cash this season, with political movies. We have, in the past, seen stories like how a common man becomes a political force and how he brings in changes to society. Even Suriya starrer NGK is no different to it, but how much did the political drama work? Was Suriya able to impress audiences? Did director Selvaraghavan deliver a great project?

Story:
Nanda Gopala Krishna (NGK) is an engineering graduate, who loves doing organic farming in his village. By encouraging and helping neighbours and villagers, NGK earns a good reputation. But, he enters into a face-off with local MLA, however, it gets settled soon. Later, the MLA offers NGK a job with him. Gopala Krishna, apart from working with MLA, make an attempt to learn the political game. The political journey of Gopala Krishna which begun while working with an MLA goes on to make him a man who can influence the state politics. How did he emerge big and what all the hardships he faced in the journey is what rest of the story is about.

Analysis:
NGK reminds you of Rana-Teja's political drama 'Nene Raju Nene Manthri' because the way how the lead actor grows big in politics is very similar in both the films. But, filmmaker Selvaraghavan made an attempt to present it in his own style. Though the story of a common man growing big in politics is not new to us, the only thing viewers expect is how it will be presented. But, the director failed to present it in an attractive way and killed the excitement of viewers with every scene. The story takes ample time to introduce characters and to take us into the main plot. The way how NGK's story takes a turn from organic farming to politics is not totally convincing. Also, the movie fails to pick up the pace after taking a political turn and it would disappoint us big time if we expect. It's a sigh of relief after watching the forceful Interval bang.

While watching the second half, it gives a sense that the first half is much better. With no weight in the story and shortage of twists- turns, the film leads you to an end card. The efforts of director to lag the film till the climax can be sensed. Also, the second half of NGK is weaved with many scenes that lack logic. It's uneasy to see how political parties fear a man with no background and political strength. Also, the director failed to present the story naturally and nobody expected this kind of offering from a Selvaraghavan. Had the same story been directed by Teja, he would certainly be made it in a better film and his NRNM is a successful one because it's a proper blend of husband-wife sentiment and a serious political drama. But, NGK won't cater to our great content.

Actors:
Suriya's acting needs no special description but when it comes to working in a Selvaraghavan film, he's getting his homework done properly. And Suriya managed to get well into skin of NGK. He outshines himself in delivering serious dialogues. Though the film has two heroines (Sai Pallavi and Rakul Preet Singh), both the characters were not justified properly. For a performer like Sai Pallavi, the director failed to offer a proper role and also, Rakul's character has no major importance.

Technical Aspects:
Yuvan Shankar Raja also could not recreate his magic with songs. In addition to it, Tamil flavour in audio makes it much worse. The camera work is decent and production values are high. But, the biggest error is in the film's story and the director could not deal with it. Other than his taking, there is nothing that deserves a mention. With no scope for comedy, NGK runs as a serious political drama but in a very unexciting way.

Plus Points:
Suriya

Minus Points:
Everything other than Suriya

Final Verdict: An unexciting political drama