After a thunderous theatrical debut that shattered box office records, the most anticipated gangster drama of 2025 is preparing for its digital premiere. Fans who couldn’t catch the film in cinemas or those eager to relive the action-packed experience are asking one crucial question: when will this blockbuster arrive on streaming platforms?
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The Digital Premiere Timeline
The post-theatrical streaming rights for They Call Him OG have been secured by Netflix in a landmark deal valued at approximately ₹92 crore—marking the biggest OTT transaction in the lead actor’s illustrious career. This substantial investment reflects the film’s massive appeal and commercial potential across multiple markets.
OG OTT Release Date: What We Know
| Release Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Theatrical Release Date | September 25, 2025 |
| Expected OTT Release | Late October 2025 |
| Streaming Platform | Netflix |
| Deal Value | ₹92 crore |
| Available Languages | Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi |
| Standard OTT Window | 4-8 weeks post-theatrical |
| Status | Official date pending announcement |
While Netflix and the producers haven’t officially announced the exact streaming date, industry patterns suggest a late October 2025 premiere. Telugu films typically arrive on OTT platforms within four to eight weeks after theatrical release, positioning the film for digital debut around the fourth week of October or early November 2025.
Theatrical Performance: A Box Office Phenomenon
Understanding the OG OTT release date timeline requires appreciating the film’s extraordinary theatrical success. They Call Him OG opened worldwide on September 25, 2025, delivering one of the most spectacular debuts in recent Telugu cinema history.
Box Office Milestones
| Achievement | Collection | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Day (India Net) | ₹70 crore | Phenomenal start |
| Opening Day (Worldwide Gross) | ₹100 crore | Record-breaking debut |
| Advance Bookings (Worldwide) | ₹75 crore | Highest for the actor |
| Advance Bookings (India) | ₹29.93 crore | 4,296 shows |
| First 6 Days (India) | ₹154.85 crore | Strong sustained run |
| Production Budget | ₹250 crore | One of Telugu cinema’s biggest |
The film’s ₹100 crore worldwide gross on opening day established it as an instant blockbuster, with the domestic net collection of ₹70 crore representing one of the highest opening days for Telugu cinema in 2025. Within just six days of release, the film crossed ₹154.85 crore in India alone, demonstrating remarkable staying power at the box office.
They Call Him OG: The Story Behind the Title
The film’s title carries significant meaning within its narrative framework. While “OG” generally stands for “Original Gangster” in popular culture, within this story it represents the initials of the protagonist’s name: Ojas Gambheera.
Pawan Kalyan portrays this complex character—a mob boss who vanished from Mumbai’s underworld a decade ago, only to resurface seeking vengeance against rival crime lords. The character also goes by the name Master Orochi Genshin, adding layers of mystique and international intrigue to his persona.
Set primarily in 1990s Mumbai, the narrative explores themes of power, loyalty, betrayal, and redemption within the blood-soaked landscape of organized crime. The story begins with Satya Dada (Prakash Raj), who controls a crucial port in Mumbai. When powerful figure Mirajkar (Tej Sapru) attempts to seize control, his younger son Jimmy creates chaos searching for a missing container filled with deadly explosives.
The situation spirals when it’s revealed that the container belongs to Omi Bhau (Emraan Hashmi), a ruthless don who wants it at any cost. As violence escalates and multiple factions vie for dominance, everyone realizes they need OG—Ojas Gambheera—to return from exile.
The Cast: A Powerhouse Ensemble
The film boasts a stellar cast that brings depth and intensity to this gangster saga. Beyond the marquee names, the supporting ensemble adds layers of authenticity and dramatic weight to the underworld ecosystem.
Principal Cast
| Actor | Character | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Pawan Kalyan | Ojas Gambheera / Master Orochi Genshin (OG) | Exiled mob boss returning for vengeance |
| Emraan Hashmi | Omkar Vardhaman Mirajkar (Omi Bhau) | Ruthless antagonist; Telugu debut |
| Priyanka Arul Mohan | Dr. Kanmani | OG’s wife |
| Prakash Raj | Satyanarayana Roy Nandan (Satya Dada) | Port owner and power broker |
| Sriya Reddy | Geetha | Key supporting character |
| Arjun Das | Arjun | Important ensemble role |
| Sudhev Nair | Jimmy | Mirajkar’s younger son |
| Sayesha Shah | Tara | OG and Kanmani’s daughter |
Emraan Hashmi’s Telugu Debut
Hashmi’s entry into Telugu cinema through this high-profile project represents a significant crossover. Known for his intense performances and screen presence in Bollywood, he brings his signature style and swag to the role of Omi Bhau, creating a formidable adversary for the protagonist.
Early reviews specifically praise Hashmi’s debut performance, noting that while his character’s scope is somewhat limited, he makes every scene count with his charisma and menacing presence. His entry scene in particular has been cited as one of the film’s highlights.
Critical Reception: Fan Service vs. Narrative Depth
They Call Him OG has received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with most acknowledging its strengths in technical execution and star power while noting its conventional storyline.
123telugu.com awarded the film 3.25 out of 5 stars, praising director Sujeeth for showcasing Pawan Kalyan in a “classy yet massy gangster avatar.” The review highlighted the action sequences—particularly the introduction fight, interval block, police station scene, and second-half action blocks—as “purely fan stuff” that succeeds in pleasing the target audience.
IMDb user reviews present a fascinating split. Admirers praise Kalyan’s charismatic screen presence elevated by Thaman’s energetic music, noting that “almost all of the songs in the film are charismatic and hype-worthy.” The cinematography receives consistent acclaim for suiting the film’s dynamics.
However, critics point to underutilized potential, particularly regarding Emraan Hashmi’s character. One review notes: “Except for his entry-scene, his whole arc feels very generic and he could have been given a more unique dynamic.” The consensus suggests that while technical aspects and performances shine, the plot devices remain fairly generic.
The Indian Express (3/5 stars) characterized it as “an entertaining film made for hardcore fans, by a hardcore fan himself,” suggesting that in pursuing fan service, director Sujeeth forwent opportunities to take creative risks.
India Today (2.5/5 stars) observed that “They Call Him OG has its moments, each executed to perfection. But, beyond those pure theatrical moments, the story remains a familiar and predictable tale about the underworld and gangsters.”
The Director’s Vision: Sujeeth’s Third Outing
Director Sujeeth, known for his stylish visual approach, brings his signature flair to this gangster drama. This marks his third directorial venture after Saaho (2019), and fans have noted several Easter eggs connecting to his previous work, creating a potential shared universe that excites cinephiles.
The director attempts to integrate Samurai culture into the narrative, with varying degrees of success according to critics. The character of Master Orochi Genshin suggests Japanese influences, and the film’s climax reportedly hints at Japanese story elements that could set up a potential sequel.
Sujeeth’s treatment prioritizes visual spectacle and star elevation over narrative complexity. The film reportedly features extensive elevation sequences designed to showcase Kalyan in the most impactful manner possible, with the second half particularly focused on hero-worship moments that cater to the star’s fanbase.
Technical Excellence: Music, Cinematography, and Action
The film’s technical departments have delivered work that elevates the material significantly, even when the narrative follows familiar patterns.
Music and Background Score
Composer Thaman S, in his fourth collaboration with Pawan Kalyan (following Vakeel Saab, Bheemla Nayak, and Bro), created a soundtrack that plays a crucial role in the film’s impact. The promotional campaign featured five singles:
- “Firestorm” – Released August 2, 2025
- “Suvvi Suvvi” – Released August 27, 2025
- “Trance of Omi” – Released September 11, 2025
- “Guns N’ Roses” – Released September 15, 2025
- “Washi Yo Washi” – A Japanese haiku released September 19, 2025
These tracks generated substantial buzz across social media and streaming platforms, contributing to the pre-release excitement. Critics unanimously praise Thaman’s background score, with one review stating he’s “in rampage mode and adds immense value to many scenes.”
Cinematography
The visual presentation, jointly handled by cinematographers Ravi K. Chandran and Manoj Paramahamsa, receives consistent acclaim. The film’s aesthetic captures both the gritty reality of Mumbai’s underworld and the stylized, larger-than-life quality that defines the protagonist’s persona.
Reviews note that “most of the visuals suit the dynamics of the film quite well,” with particular praise for how the cinematography enhances action sequences and creates atmosphere during dramatic confrontations.
Action Choreography
The action sequences represent the film’s strongest suit according to most critics. “Despite the repetitive and unrealistic fights, the slick action sequences are extremely well choreographed,” notes one IMDb review. The film showcases Pawan Kalyan wielding a katana (Japanese sword), creating visually striking moments that have resonated strongly with audiences.
The interval block—a crucial element in Telugu commercial cinema—reportedly delivers a knockout moment that had audiences cheering in theaters. This carefully crafted sequence exemplifies how the film balances mass entertainment with technical finesse.
Production Journey: Delays and Political Commitments
The path to completion for They Call Him OG was anything but straightforward. What was originally planned as a relatively quick production stretched across 2023, 2024, and into 2025 due to the lead actor’s political commitments.
Pawan Kalyan serves as Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (since June 2024), a role that significantly impacted the filming schedule. The production team had to work around his governmental duties, leading to prolonged gaps in shooting.
Principal photography commenced with a muhurat puja ceremony on January 30, 2023, at a Hyderabad studio. Kalyan completed his portions on June 7, 2025, with the entire production wrapping by July 2025. Originally targeted for a September 2024 release, the film was pushed to September 25, 2025, to ensure completion and adequate post-production time.
Why the OTT Release Matters
The Netflix premiere represents more than just a second window for the film. It ensures global accessibility for Telugu cinema enthusiasts who may not have theatrical access, particularly international audiences and those in regions with limited Telugu film exhibition.
The pan-Indian release strategy—covering Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi—positions the film to reach diverse audiences across India’s linguistic landscape. This approach aligns with the growing trend of regional films finding nationwide audiences through OTT platforms.
For Pawan Kalyan’s fanbase, many of whom may have watched the film multiple times in theaters, the OTT release provides an opportunity for detailed analysis, repeated viewing, and easier access to specific sequences that have become discussion points on social media.
The ₹92 crore Netflix deal also sets a benchmark for future Telugu cinema OTT transactions, demonstrating the commercial value and broad appeal of well-executed regional content in the streaming era.
Certificate and Content Rating
The Central Board of Film Certification awarded They Call Him OG an ‘A’ (Adults Only) certificate—notably the first ‘A’ certified film in Pawan Kalyan’s career in 14 years. The board requested modifications to certain violent close-ups and beheading scenes, reflecting the film’s intense action content and mature themes.
This adult rating positions the film firmly in the gritty, realistic gangster drama category rather than family-friendly entertainment, a departure from many of the star’s recent projects.
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FAQs
What is the OG OTT Release Date?
While not officially confirmed, They Call Him OG is expected to premiere on Netflix by late October 2025, following the standard 4-8 week window after its September 25, 2025 theatrical release.
On which platform will They Call Him OG stream?
Netflix has acquired the post-theatrical digital streaming rights for ₹92 crore. The film will be available in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi on the platform.
What does OG stand for in the movie title?
OG represents the initials of the protagonist Ojas Gambheera, played by Pawan Kalyan. While “OG” commonly means “Original Gangster,” in this film it specifically refers to the lead character’s name.
Who plays the villain in They Call Him OG?
Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi makes his Telugu debut as the antagonist Omkar Vardhaman Mirajkar, also known as Omi Bhau, a ruthless don who confronts OG in a battle for Mumbai’s underworld control.
How did They Call Him OG perform at the box office?
The film opened with ₹100 crore worldwide gross on day one and collected ₹70 crore net in India. Within six days, it crossed ₹154.85 crore domestically, establishing it as a major commercial success.
