They Call Him OG Movie Review: Pawan Kalyan Dominates the Screen in Sujeeth's Action Drama

They Call Him OG finally hit the screens on September 25, 2025, with advance fan shows starting a day earlier. Sujeeth directs the film, which is produced by DVV Danayya under DVV Entertainment. The film has been the subject of town chatter for months. Fans had been waiting with bated breath for Pawan Kalyan’s return to the big screen, and the movie was also the Telugu debut of Emraan Hashmi. Priyanka Mohan, Arjun Das, Shriya Reddy, and Prakash Raj also have important roles, giving strength to the cast.

Pawan Kalyan as Ojas Gambheer

The core of the film is Pawan Kalyan playing the role of Ojas Gambheer. Ojas is a notorious gangster as well as a master of Japanese martial arts and sword fighting. But he is not only about brute strength; his vulnerable side as a family man endears him to us.

When tragedy befalls him and he loses the people dearest to him, Ojas unleashes a merciless streak that rattles even his strongest antagonists. Pawan Kalyan infuses intensity, style, and mass appeal in this role, making it an ideal comeback for his fans.

Storyline of They Call Him OG

The story takes Ojas back to Mumbai, where his tranquil life is shattered by Omi (Emraan Hashmi) and his gang. What follows is a revenge saga with bloodshed, betrayal, and brutal fight sequences.

Right from the start, the film doesn’t spare violence. With its A rating certificate, the audience is introduced to a world of beheadings, massacres set aflame, and non-stop action. Although the narrative itself is commonplace, the fashionable presentation and over-the-top moments make it interesting.

Pawan Kalyan's Performance

Pawan Kalyan is the best reason to see They Call Him OG. Though he’s engaged with political duties and has limited shooting schedules, director Sujeeth makes the most of his presence. His introduction scenes, sword fight, and aggressive dialogues are all meant for whistles and claps in theaters. This is Pawan Kalyan at his effortless best — a master of action, superior in dialogue delivery, and charismatic enough to shoulder the whole film on his head.

Emraan Hashmi in His Telugu Debut

Telugu debutant Emraan Hashmi plays Omi, the villain of the film. Though his addition brings much-needed freshness, his character is undercooked. With short screen time and not very menacing, Omi never comes across as a menacing force to Ojas. This dilutes the hero-villain rivalry, which could have been something very intense.

Supporting Cast

Arjun Das, Prakash Raj, and Shriya Reddy strengthen the supporting cast. They contribute intensity to the darker moments of the film through their performance. Priyanka Mohan’s character is disappointing. She only makes an appearance for a short while and does not contribute much to the plot. Her underutilization is a waste.

Direction by Sujeeth

Sujeeth returns to style after six years with They Call Him OG. The strategy is obvious — make Pawan Kalyan the focal point of the story. The movie is filled with elevation scenes, whistle-worthy lines, and slow-motion action.

Although the narrative is deficient, presentation style is slick. Sujeeth is more interested in offering a “Power Star experience” than trying to experiment with depth in the narrative.

Music and Cinematography

Thaman’s background score and music are one of the strongest points in the movie. The BGM adds to every high-octane scene, particularly Pawan Kalyan’s entry scenes. The cinematography handled by Ravi K Chandran and Manoj Paramahamsa is breathtaking. Every shot appears greater than life, be it a rain-drenched fight or a slow-motion action sequence. The technical proficiency lends great value to the film.

What Works in They Call Him OG

Pawan Kalyan’s star power: The movie is designed to showcase him, and it succeeds completely.

Stylish action: Sword fights and martial arts sequences add uniqueness.

Strong visuals and music: Cinematography and Thaman’s score elevate the film.

Mass fan moments: Hero elevation scenes and dialogues bring the theatre alive.

What Doesn’t Work

Weak villain arc: Emraan Hashmi’s Omi is not a strong enough rival.

Too much violence: The heavy bloodshed may not suit all viewers.

Confusing narration: Flashbacks and multiple timelines sometimes disrupt the flow.

Female lead underused: Priyanka Mohan has very little scope.

Comparison with Hari Hara Veera Mallu

Earlier this year, Pawan Kalyan appeared in Hari Hara Veera Mallu, which received mixed reviews. While his performance was praised, the film did not impress audiences. In contrast, They Call Him OG plays directly to his strengths, offering fans the mass entertainer they were waiting for.

Final Verdict

They Call Him OG is not flawless. The plot is predictable, and the antagonists are not as good as they need to be. But where it counts the most — Pawan Kalyan’s presence on screen — the film excels in a big way. It is graphic, stylish, and full of over-the-top moments that will remain in the minds of fans for years to come. For Power Star enthusiasts, this movie is a celebration. For general audience members, it’s an action film entertainer that survives on style over substance.

Whether you should watch They Call Him OG?

If you like gangster dramas with high-voltage action and heroic dialogues, then They Call Him OG is a must-watch on the big screen. Pawan Kalyan shoulders the entire movie, making it a must-watch for his fans. Though flawed, the film succeeds due to its mass appeal, stylish presentation, and technical backup. Then go to the theatres ready for whistles, claps, and unabashed celebration. They Call Him OG is not a film — it is an exhibition of why Pawan Kalyan remains one of the biggest stars in Telugu cinema.

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