In the crowded lineup of Telugu cinema’s 2025 releases, They Call Him OG (OG) arrives as a high-octane gangster drama, headlined by Power Star Pawan Kalyan. Directed by Sujeeth and produced by D.V.V. Danayya under DVV Entertainment, the film also marks Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi’s Telugu debut as the antagonist Omi Bhau. Released worldwide today, OG attempts to blend vintage flashbacks with modern vendettas in a gritty underworld saga set against Mumbai’s criminal backdrop.
For audiences searching “Pawan Kalyan OG movie review,” “OG Telugu film rating,” or “They Call Him OG plot summary,” here’s a clear breakdown of the film’s highlights, flaws, and impact.
Plot Summary: A Familiar Underworld Revenge Tale
The story revolves around Ojas Gambheera (Pawan Kalyan), aka OG — a dreaded gangster who mysteriously disappears from Mumbai’s underworld for a decade after a violent showdown.
The narrative stretches across timelines, from the 1940s to the 1990s, showcasing OG’s transformation from a samurai-inspired protector during a historic voyage to a feared mafia leader.
When ruthless don Omi Bhau (Emraan Hashmi) threatens to dominate Mumbai’s crime world through a mysterious container shipment, OG returns to reclaim his throne. The film explores power struggles, betrayals, and inevitable face-offs between the two central forces, aided by veterans like Satya Dada (Prakash Raj) and allies like Priyanka Mohan.
While the revenge arc works as a mass entertainer, it leans heavily on gangster-movie clichés, prioritizing style and action over emotional depth.
Performances: Pawan Kalyan Steals the Show
- Pawan Kalyan as OG:
Stoic, charismatic, and commanding. His katana-wielding persona delivers powerful screen presence with minimal dialogues but maximum impact. Entry sequences and combat duels are clear crowd-pleasers. - Emraan Hashmi as Omi Bhau:
A refined debut in Telugu cinema, portraying menace with sophistication. His polished villainy provides a sharp contrast to OG’s rawness. - Prakash Raj: Solid as always, bringing veteran depth.
- Priyanka Mohan: Adequate in a limited role, adding lightness to the action-heavy drama.
- Sriya Reddy, Arjun Das, Rao Ramesh: Competent, though underwritten.
Overall, the performances lift an otherwise familiar storyline.
Direction & Technical Aspects: Sujeeth’s Fan-Centric Vision
- Direction: Sujeeth focuses on hero elevations and stylish set pieces rather than layered storytelling.
- Cinematography: Ravi K. Chandran and Manoj Paramahamsa provide slick visuals, balancing gritty Mumbai streets with glossy flashbacks.
- Editing: Naveen Nooli keeps fight sequences sharp but struggles with pacing in mid-portions.
- Music: S.S. Thaman’s background score is the heartbeat of the film, especially in the interval and climax blocks. Songs are situational but mass-friendly.
- Production Design: Detailed sets and weaponry lend authenticity to the underworld vibe.
Pros and Cons: Quick Breakdown
| Aspect | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Story & Script | Logical timeline shifts, neat revenge setup. | Predictable plot twists, shallow character arcs. |
| Action | Stylish choreography, adrenaline-filled entry & climax fights. | Repetitive by the second half, more style than substance. |
| Music & VFX | Thaman’s pulsating BGM, strong visual flair in flashback scenes. | Inconsistent sound design in quieter segments. |
| Pacing | Engaging first half, slick runtime (2.5 hrs). | Sluggish second half with filler content. |
Final Verdict: Stylish Mass Entertainer, But Not a Genre Game-Changer
They Call Him OG succeeds as a Pawan Kalyan fan’s feast — delivering swag-filled moments, stylish fight sequences, and powerful hero-villain clashes. However, for audiences seeking fresh storytelling or layered crime drama, the film feels too predictable and surface-level.
👉 Best suited for action lovers and Power Star fans.
👉 Not for those expecting depth or novelty in narrative.
Rating: ⭐⭐½ / 5
(Worth it for Pawan’s swag & action; loses points for predictable writing.)
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