They Call Him OG (2025) Movie: Pawan Kalyan Returns with Style Over Substance

Pawan Kalyan makes his return with They Call Him OG, a gritty action crime drama directed by Sujeeth. The film has Pawan playing Ojas Gambheera, a feared mob boss who shows up after ten years of hiding. Emraan Hashmi steps into Telugu cinema for the first time while Priyanka Mohan handles the female lead.

Produced by D. V. V. Danayya, this film brings together a crew that knows their craft. Thaman S handles the music. Set in Mumbai’s underworld, it tells a story about loyalty, betrayal, and getting even with those who wronged you.

Story That Feels Too Familiar

The plot has Ojas Gambheera coming back from his decade-long disappearance. His mission is straightforward: take back what’s his and settle scores with Omi Bhau, the current don. The story mixes gangster action with family drama.

Sujeeth jumps right into OG’s world without wasting time. The first half builds things up nicely. But the second half loses steam with a storyline you can see coming. The ending has action but doesn’t pack the emotional punch it should have.

Pawan Kalyan Brings His A-Game

Pawan Kalyan gives what might be his best performance in years. His presence on screen radiates fresh energy. I noticed how he brought both raw intensity and smooth style to OG’s character. His work in the action scenes and emotional bits shows real dedication.

Fans will walk away satisfied. The film gives them what they came for, presenting their star in the best possible light. Every scene with him feels crafted to showcase his charm, and he doesn’t disappoint on that front.

Rest of the Cast Gets Sidelined

Emraan Hashmi makes a decent entry but his character doesn’t go anywhere interesting. His opening scene grabs attention, yet what follows feels flat. I expected fireworks when he faced off against Pawan, but those moments lack the heat they deserved. Such wasted potential for an actor of his caliber.

Priyanka Mohan looks good but barely gets room to act. Her scenes with Pawan work when they happen, but they’re too few. The supporting actors do their job fine, though none of them get characters worth remembering.

Music and Visuals Hit the Mark

Thaman S delivers a background score that lifts the entire film. The music thumps hard during fights and swells up during emotional beats. I felt the sound design really pulled me into this dark world. Thaman’s work stands out as one of the film’s best parts.

The camera work captures Mumbai’s underworld with a raw feel. Most shots match the film’s mood perfectly. Fight scenes don’t hold back on the violence, giving fans the brutal action they expect. Production quality stays solid throughout, making the film look expensive.

Where It Loses Ground

The story is the weakest link here. OG follows a path we’ve walked before in countless gangster films. Nothing surprises you. The narrative goes exactly where you think it will. High style can’t hide the hollow core underneath.

Characters beyond the lead feel paper-thin. The second half especially drops the ball on developing anyone properly. The film cares more about making Pawan look good than building a complete world around him. That choice pleases fans but leaves everyone else wanting more substance.

What Critics Are Saying

Times of India handed it 3 out of 5 stars. They pointed out how Sujeeth leans too much on star power instead of solid storytelling. 123Telugu went slightly higher with 3.25 out of 5, praising Pawan but calling out the predictable script.

On IMDb, it sits at 6.9 out of 10. Reviews split between die-hard fans who loved every minute and regular viewers who found it ordinary. Most critics agree the film looks great and sounds great but tells a story we’ve heard too many times before.

My Take on This Gangster Drama

They Call Him OG gives Pawan Kalyan fans exactly what they want: a stylish vehicle for their superstar. The film creates enough crowd-pleasing moments to justify their ticket price. But if you’re not already a fan, this won’t convert you.

I think the film works as pure entertainment for the right audience. Pawan Kalyan’s presence and Thaman’s pounding score make it watchable. The first half sets things up well even if the second half doesn’t deliver fully. For regular moviegoers, it’s just another gangster film that doesn’t break any new ground.

Rating: 3.5/5