In the world of Indian cinema, where gangster dramas reign supreme, inspiration often walks a fine line with imitation. The latest controversy involves two heavyweight films from different industries—Pawan Kalyan’s Telugu blockbuster They Call Him OG and R Chandru’s Kannada film Kabzaa. The director has now openly alleged that certain scenes from OG bear striking similarities to his 2023 release.
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Kabzaa Allegation That’s Got Everyone Talking
Speaking candidly with YouTube channel News Hunt, R Chandru didn’t mince words about the apparent visual similarities. He stated that several shots in the OG trailer mirror sequences from Kabzaa, a film he made four years earlier. However, his tone wasn’t entirely accusatory—he added a diplomatic spin by saying, “It’s good—we should all feel inspired by certain things… It’s something to be happy about.”
The director’s frustration is palpable when he notes that while everyone is now praising those particular shots in OG, similar cinematography in Kabzaa went largely unnoticed at the time of its release.
| Film Comparison | They Call Him OG | Kabzaa |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Actor | Pawan Kalyan | Upendra |
| Director | Sujeeth | R Chandru |
| Release Date | September 25, 2025 | March 17, 2023 |
| Language | Telugu | Kannada |
| Genre | Gangster Action Drama | Gangster Action Film |
| Box Office | Successful | Failed commercially |
The Irony of Kabzaa’s Own Controversy
What makes this situation particularly interesting is Kabzaa‘s own history with plagiarism allegations. The film faced significant backlash upon release for its perceived similarities to the KGF franchise starring Yash. This creates an ironic twist where a film once accused of borrowing is now claiming others have borrowed from it.
According to The Times of India, such debates about inspiration versus copying are becoming increasingly common in the era of pan-India cinema, where filmmakers across industries influence each other.
What Makes OG Stand Out?
They Call Him OG, directed by Sujeeth, tells the story of Ojas Gambheera—a former gangster who once ruled Bombay’s streets. After leaving the criminal world behind, he’s forced to return for one final confrontation with ruthless crime lord Omi Bhau, played by Emraan Hashmi.
The film features an impressive ensemble including Priyanka Arul Mohan, Arjun Das, Sriya Reddy, and Prakash Raj. What’s particularly exciting for cinephiles is that OG exists in the same cinematic universe as Prabhas’s Saaho, with plans to expand this universe through an upcoming Nani-starrer film, also directed by Sujeeth.
Kabzaa’s Story and Stellar Cast
Kabzaa followed Arkeshwara, an air force officer who enters the underworld after a personal tragedy, finding himself surrounded by enemies at every turn. Despite featuring heavyweights like Upendra, Kichcha Sudeepa, Shriya Saran, and a cameo by Kannada superstar Shiva Rajkumar, the film failed to impress at the box office.
Interestingly, despite its commercial failure, a sequel was announced—a testament to the filmmakers’ belief in the story’s potential.
The Inspiration Debate in Indian Cinema
R Chandru’s comments raise broader questions about creativity in contemporary Indian cinema. Where does inspiration end and imitation begin? In an industry where gangster aesthetics have become a visual language of their own—think dramatic slow-motion shots, period settings, and stylized violence—it’s increasingly difficult to claim complete originality.
The rise of pan-India cinema has amplified this challenge. Filmmakers now draw from a wider pool of influences, making it harder to distinguish between homage, inspiration, and outright copying.
What Happens Next?
As of now, neither the OG team nor Pawan Kalyan has responded to Chandru’s allegations. The controversy has certainly sparked online debates, with netizens divided—some see legitimate concerns about creative theft, while others view it as a case of sour grapes from a commercially unsuccessful filmmaker.
Whether this escalates into a legal battle or fades as another industry squabble remains to be seen. For now, it serves as a reminder that in cinema, as in crime, everything eventually comes full circle.
FAQs
Q: What is R Chandru’s allegation against Pawan Kalyan’s OG?
A: Kabzaa director R Chandru has claimed that certain scenes and shots in Pawan Kalyan’s They Call Him OG are visually similar to sequences from his 2023 film Kabzaa. He stated that while everyone is praising these shots in OG, he used similar cinematography four years ago in Kabzaa, which went unnoticed at the time.
Q: Was Kabzaa itself accused of copying other films?
A: Yes, ironically, Kabzaa faced significant backlash upon its 2023 release for apparent similarities to the KGF franchise starring Yash. The film was criticized for borrowing elements from the popular gangster series, making the current situation where its director accuses another film of inspiration particularly interesting.
