“They Call Him OG“ has finally arrived in theaters, and the verdict is mixed! Pawan Kalyan’s highly anticipated gangster action drama, directed by Sujeeth, delivers exactly what fans expect but struggles to transcend beyond its core audience. While OG is tailor-made for Pawan Kalyan’s massive fan base, it may disappoint anyone outside that circle, making it a polarizing theatrical experience that succeeds as fan service but falters as universal cinema.
Table of Contents
“OG” Movie: Complete Review Breakdown
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Rating | 2.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Release Date | September 25, 2025 |
| Director | Sujeeth |
| Genre | Gangster Action Drama |
| Lead Cast | Pawan Kalyan, Emraan Hashmi, Priyanka Mohan |
| Music Director | Thaman S |
| Language | Telugu (dubbed in Hindi) |
| Target Audience | Hardcore Pawan Kalyan Fans |
The Plot: From Samurai to Gangster
OG (or They Call Him OG) follows the story of Ojas Gambheera (aka OG), once the protector of Satya Dada, who owned the Bombay port back in the day. After an altercation between them, Ojas retreats into the shadows, living a quiet life with his wife and daughter.
The Core Conflict: Years later, when tyrant Omi Bhau threatens both Satya Dada’s life and Bombay itself, OG must emerge from retirement. The film explores his reluctant return to the underworld and his mission to restore order to chaos.
What Works: Pure Fan Celebration
OG is a festival for fans, and that is the best part about the movie. The film feels like an ode to Pawan Kalyan’s stardom, a tribute to his cinematic journey, offering fan service in almost every scene he appears.
Technical Brilliance:
- Thaman S’s Score: His thunderous background score raises the bar with exhilarating compositions purely designed for the big screens, leaving the audience with goosebumps
- Action Choreography: Well-balanced sequences striking rhythm between brutality and style
- Cinematography: Visually stunning with impressive costume design
- Production Scale: Ambitious scope matching the star’s larger-than-life persona
Emraan Hashmi: The Perfect Antagonist
Emraan Hashmi delivers an impressive performance, bringing his Bollywood charm and menace to Telugu cinema. His portrayal as the main antagonist adds gravitas to the conflict, proving that cross-industry casting can enhance narrative depth when done right.
Where “OG” Stumbles: Predictability Over Innovation
The biggest letdown in OG is its predictable screenplay and underwhelming monologues. It falls into an age-old cinematic trope of hero vs villain, missing the chance to explore deeper themes or more original storylines.
Critical Shortcomings:
- Second Half Collapse: The narrative loses steam after the interval and struggles to recover until the climax
- Runtime Issues: Lengthy duration makes the experience exhausting for general audiences
- Editing Problems: Poor transitions impact music effectiveness and narrative flow
- Unnecessary Elements: Half-baked Japanese elements and forced connections to director’s previous works
Box Office Reality: Limited Appeal
While certain tribute moments might excite fans, the general audience may find them unremarkable, whether it’s the stylized slow-motion action scene or an exaggerated glare meant to elevate the hero. This creates a significant challenge for wider commercial success.
Market Performance Factors:
- Fan Base Dependency: Success heavily reliant on Pawan Kalyan’s dedicated following
- Limited Crossover Appeal: Struggles to attract non-fan audiences
- Competition: Faces challenges from more universally appealing content
- Hindi Market: Limited success in dubbed version markets
Performance Analysis: Stars Carrying Weak Script
Pawan Kalyan: Undoubtedly the star of the show. The film rests entirely on his shoulders, relying on his screen presence and charisma to mask the average writing
Supporting Cast: Priyanka Arul Mohan and Arjun Das deliver adequate performances, with Das providing some impressive moments that elevate certain sequences.
The Verdict: Fan Film vs. Universal Cinema
They Call Him OG is a love letter from a fan to his idol. Every scene exists to please the inner soul of every fan, and in that regard, it hits the mark. However, the lack of creativity and originality is evident, leaving little for the general audience to enjoy.
Who Should Watch:
- Hardcore Pawan Kalyan Fans: Absolute must-watch for the fan service
- Action Genre Enthusiasts: Technical aspects might appeal despite story weaknesses
- General Audiences: Approach with tempered expectations
For more South Indian cinema reviews, explore our Telugu film analysis and action movie coverage. Stay updated with our box office tracking for the latest performance metrics.
The Bottom Line
“OG” succeeds brilliantly as a fan tribute but fails as universal entertainment. If you’re a hardcore Pawan Kalyan fan, then this gangster actioner is likely your cup of tea and worth experiencing in theaters. However, casual viewers might find the experience underwhelming despite impressive technical execution.
The film represents both the power and limitation of star-driven cinema – capable of delivering euphoric moments for dedicated fans while potentially alienating broader audiences seeking more substantial storytelling.
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FAQs
Q: What is the rating and runtime of Pawan Kalyan’s “OG” movie?
A: “OG” (They Call Him OG) has received a 2.5/5 rating from critics. While the exact runtime isn’t specified in reviews, critics noted that the lengthy duration makes the film exhausting, particularly affecting the second half’s pacing.
Q: Is “OG” worth watching for non-Pawan Kalyan fans?
A: According to the review, “OG” is primarily designed for hardcore Pawan Kalyan fans and may disappoint general audiences. The film offers impressive technical aspects like Thaman S’s background score and action sequences, but the predictable screenplay and fan-service-heavy approach limit its universal appeal.
