In a dramatic turnaround for Telugu cinema’s Power Star, They Call Him OG (stylized as OG) has stormed the global box office with a record-smashing ₹154 crore Day 1 gross. The release marks a sensational comeback for Pawan Kalyan, erasing the scars of Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1’s disastrous failure earlier this year.
Directed by Sujeeth and bankrolled by DVV Entertainment, OG has reignited fan frenzy, delivering raw action, stylish visuals, and a dose of nostalgia that only Pawan could pull off. With India netting ₹103 crore in just two days and worldwide grosses already past ₹200 crore, OG is being hailed as 2025’s biggest Telugu opener.
The Story: A Gangster’s Rise, Fall, and Return
Set against the underworld chaos of 1993 Mumbai, the film follows Ojas Gambheera (Pawan Kalyan), a feared gangster who disappears after a brutal showdown—only to resurface years later, sword in hand, to reclaim his empire from his rival Omi Bhau (Emraan Hashmi).
The supporting cast adds depth and star power:
- Priyanka Mohan as Dr. Kanmani, the moral compass of OG’s world.
- Emraan Hashmi, chilling in his Telugu debut as the menacing antagonist.
- Arjun Das, Sriya Reddy, Prakash Raj, Shaam, Harish Uthaman, and a cameo by Jackie Shroff round out the ensemble.
With a runtime of 2 hours 35 minutes and an “A” certificate, OG balances larger-than-life action with gritty storytelling. Thaman S’s thunderous score and Ravi K. Chandran’s cinematography elevate every frame.
From Dream to Screen: A ₹250-Crore Gamble
- Announced: December 2022
- Filming: April 2023 – July 2025 (Mumbai & Pune schedules)
- Budget: ₹250 crore – among Telugu cinema’s costliest productions
- Delays: Postponed from September 2024 due to political commitments
- Buzz Builders: Viral teasers like Hungry Cheetah (2023) and HBD OG – Love Omi (2025) kept hype alive.
- Grand Launch: Pre-release event at LB Stadium, Hyderabad (Sept 21, 2025).
Star salaries underscore the scale: Pawan Kalyan reportedly pocketed ₹100+ crore, while Sujeeth charged ₹6–8 crore.
Box Office Rampage
Day-wise Snapshot (All Languages, India Net)
| Day | India Net | Worldwide Gross | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paid Previews (Sep 24) | ₹21 crore | ₹26 crore | Record-breaking; beat Pushpa 2’s premiere. |
| Day 1 (Sep 25) | ₹90.25 crore | ₹154 crore+ | Biggest opener of 2025; outperformed Coolie, Leo, Jawan. |
| Day 2 (Sep 26) | ₹12.75 crore | ₹50 crore+ | Crossed ₹100 crore in India; strong overseas push. |
| Total (2 Days) | ₹103 crore | ₹200 crore+ | Fastest Pawan film to ₹100 crore. |
Overseas, North America led with $6M opening weekend, making it the top Telugu grosser of 2025 abroad. Industry trackers project a ₹500 crore+ lifetime run. Verdict: Blockbuster.
Critical & Audience Buzz
- Hindustan Times: “A love letter to Pawan fans; action over emotion.”
- 123Telugu (3.25/5): “Fan feast with mass sequences.”
- IMDb: 7.3/10 (user reviews call it ‘Pawan’s stormy return’).
On social media, fans celebrated with firecrackers, midnight shows, and viral clips. Some critics pointed out “style over substance,” but the numbers prove unstoppable momentum.
Why OG Matters
For Pawan Kalyan, now balancing cinema with politics as Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh, OG is more than a film—it’s a redemption arc. His screen presence, amplified by Sujeeth’s stylized vision, restores his “Original Gangster” aura not seen since Gabbar Singh.
For fans, it’s a cinematic festival. For the industry, it’s proof that Telugu cinema’s mass entertainers still reign supreme at the global box office.
Bottom Line
With thunderous openings, massive fan support, and buzz that refuses to die down, They Call Him OG isn’t just a hit—it’s Pawan Kalyan’s definitive blockbuster comeback.
Stay tuned to NRIGlobe for Day 3 collections, overseas insights, and exclusive star interviews.
