They Call Him OG is one of the more talked-about Telugu films of 2025. Written and directed by Sujeeth, and produced by D. V. V. Danayya, the movie features Pawan Kalyan in the lead role, along with a supporting cast including Emraan Hashmi, Priyanka Mohan, Prakash Raj, Arjun Das, and Sriya Reddy. Wikipedia+2123Telugu+2
With much fanfare surrounding its release, the film attempts to blend gangster drama, stylized action, and mass appeal. But does it live up to its promise? Let’s dive in.
Plot & Backdrop
The narrative of They Call Him OG weaves between two worlds and eras:
- In 1970s Japan, a samurai dojo is attacked, leaving one survivor: Ojas Gambheera, later known as “OG.” Wikipedia+1
- OG escapes and boards a ship to Bombay (Mumbai), where he meets Satya Dada (Prakash Raj) and Mirajkar, who are trying to build a port in Colaba using gold they transported. OG intervenes in a gang attack, saving them and aligning himself to their cause. The Times of India+3Wikipedia+3India Today+3
- Over time, OG becomes their muscle and protector, helping enforce their vision. But as power shifts and rivalries emerge, OG vanishes for ten years. On his return, he confronts new enemies—especially Omi Bhau (Emraan Hashmi)—seeking to reclaim his legacy and defend his people. 123Telugu+3Wikipedia+3India Today+3
The film is an action-drama rooted in themes of revenge, loyalty, betrayal, and the re-emergence of a larger-than-life antihero. 123Telugu+4Cinemark+4The Indian Express+4
Strengths
- Star Power & Charisma of Pawan Kalyan
Many critics agree that Pawan Kalyan carries the film with sheer presence. His aura, swagger, and power-packed moments often steal the show. idlebrain.com+4India Today+4The Times of India+4 The film feels in many ways built around him, and for fans, that’s a big part of the appeal. idlebrain.com+3123Telugu+3The Times of India+3 - Stylish Visuals & Technical Craft
The cinematography (by Ravi K. Chandran and Manoj Paramahamsa) and production design frequently receive praise. The Times of India+4Wikipedia+4Gulte+4 The film is unapologetically grand in its set pieces, action sequences, and visual scale—something many expect in a mass entertainer. Koimoi+4Gulte+4www.greatandhra.com+4 - Action Blocks & Elevation Moments
There are sequences—especially early on or in moments of hero introduction—that are built for impact: slow-motion entrances, intense standoffs, violent clashes. Critics and fans both refer to these as “elevation scenes.” Rediff+5India Today+5The Times of India+5 Even if you take the plot aside, these are what many will remember. - Mass Appeal & Fan Service
They Call Him OG is clearly designed for the “Power Star” fan base. Many of its structural and narrative choices allow for maximum impact in theatrical viewing, catering to audience expectations for larger-than-life moments. The Indian Express+3Hindustan Times+3123Telugu+3
🎥 Trailer & Teaser
You can watch the official trailer here:
They Call Him OG – Official Trailer
YouTube
Also check this version:
They Call Him OG | Release Trailer | Pawan Kalyan | Sujeeth | Thaman S | DVV Entertainment
YouTube
These give you the vibe of the film — stylized action, intense visuals, and mystery.
Weaknesses & Shortcomings
- Narrative & Emotional Depth
A frequent criticism is that the film lacks strong emotional grounding. Many secondary characters feel underwritten or serve only as plot devices (e.g. wife’s murder, daughter’s kidnapping). The Indian Express+4The Times of India+4www.greatandhra.com+4 The transitions can sometimes feel jerky or forced. Rediff+2Koimoi+2 - Predictability & Clichés
Some plot tropes are familiar and quite formulaic: the return of the hero, revenge arcs, betrayal, a powerful antagonist. www.greatandhra.com+4The Times of India+4123Telugu+4 For a film of this scale, audiences may have hoped for more unexpected twists or innovations. - Pacing Issues, Especially in Second Half
Several reviewers point out that the second half feels rushed or labored. Some narrative arcs don’t get enough breathing space. 123Telugu+4Koimoi+4The Times of India+4 The emotional stakes sometimes do not land as strongly because build-up is either uneven or fragmented. Rediff+2Hindustan Times+2 - Audience Limitations
For non-fans or viewers not deeply embedded in the Tollywood fandom universe, OG may feel overly tailored—less a universally resonant film and more a tribute to its lead. Hindustan Times summed this up: “Sujeeth’s love letter to Pawan Kalyan works only for fans, not so much for others.” Hindustan Times
Box Office & Reception
- The film opened worldwide on 25 September 2025 in multiple languages (Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, etc.). The Times of India+3Wikipedia+3BookMyShow+3
- It received mixed to average reviews overall. 123Telugu+5Wikipedia+5The Times of India+5
- Box office performance has been strong. By Day 1, reports suggest it grossed over ₹150 crore worldwide. 123Telugu+3The Indian Express+3Wikipedia+3 Within six days, collections crossed ₹150–155 crore (net in India) across all versions. The Indian Express+4Bangla news+4The Times of India+4
- The film even outpaced some high-grossing Telugu titles in certain markets, underlining its mass pull. The Times of India+3The Times of India+3123Telugu+3
Final Thoughts
They Call Him OG is a striking example of how big-scale Telugu commercial cinema is evolving—or at least attempting to evolve. It places heavy emphasis on style, spectacle, and fan engagement. While the film may not satisfy viewers seeking deep emotional resonance or fresh narrative surprises, for fans of Pawan Kalyan it delivers many of the hallmarks they expect: power sequences, charisma, and cinematic bravado.
If you approach OG expecting a mass entertainer designed to elevate its star, you’ll likely find moments to enjoy, even if the whole doesn’t entirely cohere. For cinephiles or casual viewers, it’s worth a watch—but with tempered expectations: the craft is solid, but the canvas is uneven
