They Call Him OG Review: “They Call Him OG” is a stylish fan festival centered on Pawan Kalyan’s magnetic presence
Pawan Kalyan’s “They Call Him OG” thundered into cinemas on September 25, 2025, marking a grand return for the Power Star in Telugu mass cinema. Directed by Sujeeth and bankrolled by D. V. V. Danayya under DVV Entertainment, OG features a star-studded cast: Pawan Kalyan as Ojas Gambheera, Emraan Hashmi’s powerful Telugu debut as Omi Bhau, alongside Priyanka Mohan, Arjun Das, Prakash Raj, and Sriya Reddy. The technical team boasts Thaman S on music, Ravi K. Chandran and Manoj Paramahamsa on cinematography, and Naveen Nooli as the editor.
Set in the smoky underbelly of 90s Mumbai, OG’s story follows the mysterious return of Ojas Gambheera, a once-feared gangster now resurfacing to combat the chaos triggered by the deadly ambitions of Omi Bhau. The plot revolves around fierce port wars, missing explosive shipments, multiple betrayals, and OG’s quest for redemption while protecting his mentor Satya Dada’s legacy. The screenplay packs high voltage drama and mafia action, with twists and family themes sprinkled through the narrative.
Pawan Kalyan’s swag and dynamism dominate the screen. He brings vintage charisma, especially in explosive action blocks and his electrifying introduction. Emraan Hashmi stuns as the ruthless antagonist, but his character arc remains underutilized. Arjun Das and Prakash Raj provide solid support, though Priyanka Mohan and other secondary roles don’t get enough emotional depth, limiting their impact.
Thaman S’s pulsating background score lifts the atmosphere, especially during hero-villain face-offs. Ravi K. Chandran’s cinematography drenches the film in stylized noir tones, and Manoj Paramahamsa crafts some truly cinematic frames. Editing is sharp in the first half but slackens post-interval, with Sujeeth’s direction focusing more on spectacle and hero worship than story innovation.
Major highlights include Pawan Kalyan’s star turn, thundering interval fight, fan-service moments (goosebump elevations), and high-quality technical execution. Audience excitement is evident in fan celebrations across theatres, the energetic choreography, and visuals that cement OG’s mass appeal.
Drawbacks emerge with patchy storytelling, underdeveloped villains and side characters, and predictable drama. The narrative slows in the second half, family scenes feel forced, and emotional beats do not quite land. The action stretches thrill, but some scenes drift into exaggeration, missing grounded emotion for deeper connection.
In analysis, OG stands out as Sujeeth’s tribute to his favorite star. The film delivers kinetic high points, fan-centric set pieces, and a power-packed hero, but falters with a thin script and lack of impactful drama. The movie is best enjoyed for its elevations, nostalgic gangster vibes, and technical prowess rather than as a nuanced crime saga.
Bottom Line: “They Call Him OG” is a stylish fan festival centered on Pawan Kalyan’s magnetic presence. Its highs are thrilling, but the middling story and flat emotional engagement mean it’s best suited to die-hard fans and lovers of mass action.
Rating: 3/5
