Sujeeth’s They Call Him OG has hit theatres, and the buzz is sky-high. The film marks Pawan Kalyan’s grand comeback to the big screen, while Emraan Hashmi makes his Telugu debut as a menacing antagonist. Priyanka Mohan plays the female lead, with Prakash Raj, Arjun Das, Sriya Reddy, and others adding weight to the ensemble. Backed by DVV Entertainment, the movie is billed as a gangster action drama with blood, betrayal, and power struggles at its core. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s break it down.
They Call Him OG Story
The story is set in the turbulent 1990s Mumbai underworld. Satya Dada (Prakash Raj), a powerful port owner, finds his empire under attack from Mirajkar (Tej Sapru) and his ruthless son Jimmy (Sudhev Nair). A missing container of explosives sets off chaos in the city. Jimmy’s bloodlust destroys everything in his path, but the real danger comes from Omi Bhau (Emraan Hashmi), a deadly gangster with eyes on the same container.
With Mumbai on fire, the only man who can shift the balance is Ojas Gambheera, also known as OG (Pawan Kalyan). Once feared as a kingpin, he has been living in exile. His return sets the stage for a storm of vengeance and power battles. Who is OG really? Why did he disappear? And what ties him to Satya Dada’s world? These questions form the crux of the narrative, as OG’s comeback shakes the underworld to its core.
They Call Him OG Movie Review
Director Sujeeth knows exactly what fans want — Pawan Kalyan in full swag mode. The movie delivers whistle-worthy moments right from OG’s ramp-walk-style intro to Emraan Hashmi’s powerful entry. Thaman’s background score amplifies the mood, with several high-octane set pieces bringing theatres alive.
The cinematography by Ravi K Chandran and Manoj Paramahamsa is top-notch. Frames featuring Pawan Kalyan in action look larger than life. The film’s interval bang is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Jackie Shroff’s cameo and subtle references to Saaho also add some fun.
But the film is far from flawless. The first half is gripping, while the second half dips in pace. Unnecessary subplots and a stretched runtime test patience. The climax, where OG wipes out hordes of enemies, leans more toward superhero fantasy than gangster realism. The emotional moments, especially between Pawan and Priyanka Mohan, feel half-baked. For a movie promising depth, the writing plays safe and predictable.
Still, as a mass entertainer, They Call Him OG packs enough moments to thrill fans, even if it doesn’t reinvent the genre.
They Call Him OG Performances
This is Pawan Kalyan’s show all the way. His screen presence is magnetic. From his fierce entry to his commanding dialogues, the star proves why he’s still the “Power Star.” His aura makes even average writing sparkle. Compared to Hari Hara Veera Mallu, this performance feels stronger, more assured, and tailor-made for his fanbase.
Emraan Hashmi, as Omi Bhau, makes a solid Telugu debut. His controlled menace and powerful face-offs with Pawan are among the highlights. He looks comfortable in the role and brings a fresh energy to Telugu cinema villains.
Priyanka Mohan as Kanmani has a limited scope in They Call Him OG, but adds emotional depth to OG’s personal side. Arjun Das and Sriya Reddy impress in their respective roles. Prakash Raj is reliable, but his character arc feels underutilized. The same goes for Tej Sapru’s Mirajkar, who doesn’t get the buildup he deserves.
Final Verdict
They Call Him OG is designed as a celebration of Pawan Kalyan, and in that mission, it succeeds. The film offers style, swag, and spectacle, backed by Thaman’s electrifying music. It is loaded with clap-worthy moments that fans will cherish on the big screen.
However, when it comes to storytelling and emotional depth, They Call Him OG doesn’t hit as hard. The second half drags, and the climax goes over the top. If you’re looking for a layered gangster drama, this might not fully satisfy you. But if you want a full-on mass entertainer with Pawan Kalyan ruling the screen and Emraan Hashmi delivering a solid debut, then OG is worth your ticket.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
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