By NRI Globe Entertainment Desk
September 20, 2025
As the Dasara season heats up, Pawan Kalyan’s much-anticipated gangster action thriller They Call Him OG (simply titled OG) has cleared its final hurdle with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Directed by Sujeeth and produced by DVV Danayya under DVV Entertainment, the film has been awarded a U/A certificate, making it suitable for audiences above 12 years with parental guidance.
The certification comes without major cuts, allowing the makers to lock in a crisp runtime of approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (155–160 minutes)—ideal for a high-octane commercial entertainer. With Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi debuting in Telugu cinema as the menacing antagonist Omi Bhau and Priyanka Mohan as the female lead, OG is set for a grand worldwide release on September 25, 2025, across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi languages.
The censor process, completed earlier this week, has sparked a frenzy on social media. Early leaks and insider buzz paint a picture of a film that’s equal parts style, substance, and spectacle. Fans are already hailing it as Pawan Kalyan’s return to mass masala, though not without a few caveats. Here’s our spoiler-free breakdown of the censor talk lighting up X and industry circles.
Overall Censor Verdict: A Power-Packed Entertainer with Room for Tweaks
The CBFC appreciated the film’s technical finesse, from S Thaman’s pulsating background score to slick action choreography by Peter Hein and Anbariv. No significant trims were made, though a few dialogues in high-violence scenes were softened for the U/A tag—substituting stronger expletives with milder alternatives.
The board’s green light underscores OG’s commercial viability, especially with its Mumbai underworld setting and themes of vengeance, loyalty, and redemption.
Early reactions peg the film at a solid 3.25/5, with praise for its visual flair and Pawan Kalyan’s commanding presence. However, the uneven pacing has drawn flak, echoing the chatter about limited hero screen time and segment-wise highs and lows. It’s a film that starts slow but roars to life, rewarding patient viewers with blockbuster moments.
Pawan Kalyan’s Role: Impactful, But Just 50 Minutes on Screen?
One of the hottest debates centers on Pawan Kalyan’s character Ojas Gambheera (OG)—a feared mob boss who vanishes for a decade before returning to reclaim his empire. Insiders confirm his full-fledged screen presence totals around 50 minutes, strategically concentrated in crucial entry and action blocks.
This deliberate narrative choice builds suspense around OG’s absence and explosive comeback. When on-screen, Pawan delivers with trademark intensity—brooding stares, razor-sharp one-liners, and gravity-defying stunts that recall his Attarintiki Daredi charm fused with Gabbar Singh grit.
Preview critics note that while limited screen time may leave fans wanting more upfront, those 50 minutes pack more punch than many heroes’ entire films, especially given the emotional depth woven into betrayal and redemption arcs. Meanwhile, Emraan Hashmi’s slimy villainy keeps audiences hooked, setting up a cat-and-mouse showdown.
Segment-Wise Breakdown: From Slow Burn to Explosive Payoff
| Segment | Runtime Estimate | Highlights | Lowlights | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First 40 Minutes (Setup & Backstory) | ~40 mins | Establishes the gritty Mumbai underbelly; Emraan Hashmi’s chilling intro; Thaman’s moody score. | Sluggish pacing with meandering subplots. Feels more like a simmer than a hook. | 2/5 |
| Pre-Interval Build-Up & Interval Block | ~20–25 mins | Pawan’s stylish entry flips momentum; interval twist reportedly drew applause. | Hero’s late entry tests patience. | 3.5/5 |
| Second Half (2 Blocks & Climax) | ~70–80 mins | Two massive action blocks: raw, bloody, brilliantly choreographed. Climax praised as a “banger”—high stakes, betrayals, and satisfying vengeance. | Minor predictability in alliances. | 4.5/5 |
The first act is the weakest link, intentionally slow-burning but risky for casual viewers. Post-interval, the film escalates dramatically, with action blocks and a thunderous climax that deliver the mass spectacle fans expect.
Technical & Performative Wins
- Action & VFX: Visceral yet not gratuitous—top-tier.
- Music: Thaman’s tracks, especially viral hit Guns ’N’ Roses, elevate every frame.
- Supporting Cast: Priyanka Mohan adds charm, Prakash Raj and Abhimanyu Singh bring gravitas.
- Direction: Sujeeth’s stylish lens (reminiscent of Saaho) shines in the second half, though a tighter opening edit was needed.
Final Buzz: Worth the Hype?
OG isn’t flawless—the dragging opener and Pawan’s limited screen time may divide audiences. Yet, it stands as proof of why Pawan Kalyan remains Telugu cinema’s king of comebacks.
For fans of mass masala gangster dramas, it’s a must-watch. Expect record-breaking openings, especially in the US (already at $1.7M in pre-sales) and AP/TS, where ticket hikes up to ₹1000 for premieres are approved.
🎬 The trailer drops today (September 20) for a glimpse of the storm. OG roars into theaters this Thursday—will it devour the box office? All signs point to yes.
⭐ Rating: 3.25/5 | 🎭 Genre: Action Crime Thriller | 📝 Verdict: Slow start, explosive finish—Pawan owns the chaos!
