Rebel is a 2012 Indian Telugu-language action comedy film written and directed by Raghava Lawrence. The film stars an ensemble cast featuring Prabhas, Tamannaah Bhatia, Deeksha Seth, Krishnam Raju, Mukesh Rishi, K. C. Shankar, and Pradeep Rawat. It was produced by J. Bhaghawan and J. Pulla Rao under the Sri Balaji Cine Media banner. Lawrence also handled the dance choreography and soundtrack, while the background score was handled by S. Chinna.

Rebel was theatrically released worldwide on 28 September 2012. The film received mixed reviews from critics and underperformed at the box office despite a good opening, collecting a distributor's share of ₹27.3 crore and gross of around ₹44 crore.

Plot Rishi comes to Hyderabad, where a ruthless crime lord named Stephen has established an extensive illegal empire. Rishi discovers that Stephen’s shadowy partner, a mysterious international kingpin named Robert, is actually the assumed identity of his uncle, Jayram. Following Bhupathi's murder, Jayram had joined forces with Stephen, and the duo rapidly ascended to become the state's most powerful gangsters. Tracking their network, Rishi discovers that Stephen and Robert rely heavily on a trusted lieutenant named Nanu, who manages their operations from Bangkok.

Rishi travels to Bangkok and deliberately orchestrates a meeting with Nanu's daughter, Nandini. Over time, the two fall in love. When Nandini asks her father to see photos of his elusive employers on his phone, Rishi secretly looks at the screen and secures definitive visual proof that Robert is indeed Jayram. Soon after, Rishi's close confidant, Raju, explains Rishi’s tragic past to Nandini. Deeply moved and horrified by the injustice, Nandini vows to assist Rishi in luring Stephen and Robert out of hiding. But after seeing Rishi beating up goons she asks him who he is. Rishi's bodyguards revel his past

Past:Rishi is the carefree son of Bhupathi, a powerful and benevolent ruler of a village who is deeply revered by the local community. Growing up under his father's significant influence, Rishi internalizes Bhupathi's noble ideals. Desiring a peaceful future for his son away from regional factionalism, Bhupathi sends Rishi to Bangalore to pursue higher education and master music. While studying there, Rishi falls in love with an orphaned woman named Deepali. Hoping to demonstrate to his father that he has successfully embraced a non-violent lifestyle, Rishi brings Deepali back to his ancestral home by introducing her as his elderly music teacher. However, during a major village festival, a corrupt politician named Simhadri dispatches a hundred thugs to assassinate Bhupathi's family. Forced to protect his home, Rishi breaches his peaceful vow and completely eliminates the attackers.

Unbeknownst to the family, Bhupathi's estranged brother, Jayram, has harbored a deep resentment ever since Bhupathi permanently exiled Jayram's own son from the household. Seizing an opportunity for vengeance, Jayram conspires with Simhadri. In a brutal ambush, Jayram and his son murder Bhupathi, his wife Lakshmi, and Deepali. Before committing suicide out of fear, a cornered Simhadri confesses to Rishi that an influential, unnamed local underworld boss aided Jayram in orchestrating the massacre. Left with nothing but grief, Rishi rallies Bhupathi’s fiercely loyal personal bodyguards to embark on a meticulous mission of revenge.

Present: Rishi systematically bribes Nanu's security detail to abandon him, isolating and capturing the lieutenant. Through severe interrogation, Rishi forces Nanu to arrange a high-stakes meeting with his bosses. However, the cunning gangsters anticipate the ambush and send two body doubles in their place. Utilizing the distraction, the real Robert orchestrates a counter-attack, capturing Raju, Nandini, and Rishi's bodyguards.

Rishi is captured and brought back to his ruined ancestral estate, where Robert forces him to watch his bodyguards and Raju get executed, leaving only Nandini alive. Stephen and an army of henchmen subject Rishi to a brutal beating. Fueled by years of suppressed rage, Rishi breaks free from his restraints and unleashes a devastating assault. He decimates the entire army of henchmen before systematically executing Stephen, Robert, and Robert's son, finally avenging the deaths of his parents and Deepali. With his family's honor restored and the cycle of vengeance closed, Rishi and Nandini reunite to build a life together.

Cast

Production In December 2011, it was reported that the unit would go back to Bangkok to shoot some vital scenes and action sequences with Tamannaah and Prabhas.

After completing the schedule, the filming resumed at Pollachi where scenes on Prabhas and other lead cast were canned. The filming shifted to Pondicherry where action episodes involving Prabhas were shot. The last schedule of filming took at an aluminium factory in Hyderabad.

Music

Raghava Lawrence himself composed the songs while the film score was composed by S. Chinna. The soundtrack of the film was released through Aditya Music label on 14 September 2012 at Shilpakala Vedika in Hyderabad.

Release

Distribution It was announced that 7 Seas, a premier entertainment company, purchased the overseas theatrical distribution rights of the film. Tamil Nadu theatrical distribution rights were sold for ₹33 lakh.

Reception

Critical reception Rebel received mixed reviews, with praise for Prabhas and Tamannaah Bhatia's performances, action sequences, and production values, but criticism for its plot, screenwriting, and technical aspects.

Purnima Ranawat of NDTV wrote "Rebel serves up fare for the mass audience. The film will be definitely liked by Prabhas' fans. Watch it for the dancing talent of Tamannaah Bhatia and action skills of Prabhas." Radhika Rajamani of Rediff.com gave 1.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Working with hardly any storyline, director Raghava Lawrence had made a film that is arduous to watch... Rebel is a movie for the masses and certainly not for the discerning audience."

Jeevi from Idlebrain.com gave 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Rebel is an revenge-based action film. Prabhas is known as one of the best mass stars of Telugu cinema. Lawrence's movies are known to appeal to the raw senses of mass movie lovers. Rebel is no exception. Interval block is really good. Rebel has decent commercial elements and targeted at masses. Masses will like it.Rebel review – Telugu cinema – Prabhas & Tamanna . Idlebrain.com (2012-09-28). Retrieved 2015-09-06.

Dubbed versions The film was dubbed into Malayalam with the same title. It was dubbed into Hindi as The Return of Rebel and in Tamil as Veerabali.

References

External links