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Drama

NGK (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

NGK (2019) movie poster

NGK is a 2019 drama directed by Selvaraghavan, starring Suriya as Nandha Gopala Kumaran aka "NGK", Nizhalgal Ravi and Uma Padmanabhan. It runs 2 hours 28 minutes and earned $430,902 worldwide on a $11 million budget. Its Echo Score is 86/100.

worldwide gross
$430.9K
Echo Score
86
budget
$11M
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NGK (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 28m (148 min)
Director
Selvaraghavan
Genre
Drama
Original language
Tamil
Budget
$11M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is NGK About?

The premise of NGK without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

The Rebel An educated do-gooder is forced to enter politics in order to serve the society. But, will the old guard make way and allow him to do that?

NGK Themes & Keywords

· 1 tag
  • politics
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Cast & crew

NGK Cast & Characters

Suriya leads the cast as Nandha Gopala Kumaran aka "NGK", with Nizhalgal Ravi as Ramanan and Uma Padmanabhan as Viji. Directed by Selvaraghavan; 14 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in NGK

· 10 more
From the director

More from Selvaraghavan

More films directed by Selvaraghavan: Nenjam Marappathillai, Irandam Ulagam, Mayakkam Enna and Aayirathil Oruvan.

Full filmography
Ratings

NGK Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 86/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (70).

86 /100

NGK Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, NGK delivers a high‑energy showcase anchored by strong lead performances and a vibrant sensory palette. Reviewers repeatedly commend Suriya’s nuanced acting and the film’s striking direction, while the background score receives particular praise. Some observers note a convoluted narrative and uneven character depth that can obscure the story on first viewing. Nonetheless, the consensus leans toward a compelling, repeat‑worthy experience that rewards attentive audiences.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 90

    In terms of direction and craft, NGK is broadly praised for its confident execution and visual flourishes. Commentators cite the director’s skillful handling and a ‘masterpiece’ level of production design, describing the film as well‑written and neatly edited. No significant criticisms of the technical aspects appear, underscoring a strong artistic foundation.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When evaluating character work, reviewers highlight Suriya’s powerful performance and Rakul Preet’s fitting portrayal, labeling them among the film’s strongest assets. Conversely, several notes point to underdeveloped supporting roles and an over‑acted cameo by Sai Pallavi, suggesting inconsistent depth across the ensemble. Overall, the acting impact is high despite these gaps.

  • Story & Flow 70

    Regarding story and narrative flow, opinions are mixed. Some praise the film’s hidden layers and well‑written structure, while others describe the plot as messy and contradictory, with a first‑time audience potentially missing key threads. The consensus acknowledges that a second viewing clarifies the storyline, indicating a complex but rewarding narrative.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    The sensory experience receives unanimous commendation, especially for Yuvan’s dynamic background score that enhances tension and mood. Reviewers note cohesive visual styling that complements the film’s tone, and no detracting sound or visual issues are reported. This consistent auditory and visual quality contributes positively to overall immersion.

  • Rewatch Factor 90

    Rewatch potential emerges as a pronounced strength, with multiple viewers urging at least a second, often third, viewing to fully grasp thematic nuance. The layered plot and compelling performances are cited as reasons for repeat engagement. Consequently, the film’s lasting appeal is considered high, encouraging audience return.

Plot

NGK Plot Summary

What happens in NGK from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Nandha Gopalan Kumaran [Suriya] is a social worker and do-gooder, devoted to organic farming, who becomes the heartbeat of his hometown Srivilliputhur. He earns immense support from the town’s youth, drawn to his decision to leave a high-profile job to serve the country, and his daily life centers on his mother Viji [Uma Padmanabhan], his father Ramanan [Nizhalgal Ravi], a former military officer, and his possessive wife Geetha Kumari [Sai Pallavi], whose strength and loyalty shape his every move.

Full summary

The whole story of NGK, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

NGK Box Office & Budget

NGK grossed $430,902 worldwide on a $11 million budget.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$430.9K

International
$430.9K
Budget
$11M
Quiz

How Well Do You Know NGK?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the hometown of the protagonist Nandha Gopalan Kumaran?

Details

NGK Also Known As

6 alternative titles, including “Nanda Gopalan Kumaran” and “N.G.K”.

Also known as
  • Nanda Gopalan Kumaran
  • N.G.K
  • N G K
  • เอ็นจีเค
  • 政坛新秀
  • NGK: Nandha Gopalan Kumaran

Seen NGK?

FAQ

NGK FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of NGK, each answered in a sentence.

How long is NGK?

NGK runs 2 hours 28 minutes (148 minutes).

When was NGK released?

NGK was released on May 31, 2019.

Who directed NGK?

NGK was directed by Selvaraghavan.

More films by Selvaraghavan

Who is in the cast of NGK?

NGK stars Suriya as Nandha Gopala Kumaran aka "NGK", Nizhalgal Ravi as Ramanan and Uma Padmanabhan as Viji, among 14 credited actors.

How much did NGK make at the box office?

NGK grossed $430,902 worldwide on a budget of $11 million.

Does NGK have a post-credit scene?

No. NGK has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is NGK in?

The original language of NGK is Tamil.

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