The anticipation surrounding “They Call Him OG” has reached fever pitch as Pawan Kalyan prepares for what many consider his most significant cinematic comeback. Scheduled for release on September 25, 2025, this gangster drama directed by Sujeeth has already created unprecedented buzz, collecting ₹32 crore globally in advance bookings even before the trailer’s official release. With over 503,900 people expressing interest, the film stands as one of the most anticipated releases of the year.

Movie Overview

Category	Details
Title	They Call Him OG
Release Date	September 25, 2025
Languages	Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam
Genre	Action, Crime Drama
Format	2D
Director	Sujeeth
Producer	D.V.V. Danayya (DVV Entertainment)
Budget	₹250 crore
Interest Level	503,900+ people interested
Advance Bookings	₹32 crore globally

Plot and Character Development

“They Call Him OG” revolves around the compelling character of Ojas Gambheera who returns to Mumbai following his ten year disappearance, to kill another crime boss, Omi Bhau. The narrative explores the brutal underworld of Mumbai during the 1980s and 1990s, presenting a gritty tale of vengeance, loyalty, and survival.

The story follows OG’s calculated return to reclaim his empire from the current tyrant who has taken control during his absence. As loyalties shift and alliances fracture, the film promises to deliver an intense exploration of the criminal underworld where betrayal runs deep and trust is a luxury few can afford.

The decade-long absence has transformed OG from the mob boss he once was into something more dangerous – a man with nothing left to lose and everything to prove. The film examines how time changes both individuals and the criminal landscape they once dominated.

Cast and Star Power

Pawan Kalyan takes center stage as Ojas Gambheera, marking his return to full-fledged action cinema after his political commitments. The portions of Kalyan’s role were wrapped up on 7 June 2025, and his portrayal promises to showcase a different side of the Power Star in an intense gangster avatar.

Emraan Hashmi makes his Telugu debut as the antagonist Omi Bhau, bringing his Bollywood experience to South Indian cinema. Pawan called OG ‘the greatest opportunity to act with Emraan’, highlighting the mutual respect between the two actors and the film’s collaborative spirit.

Priyanka Arul Mohan plays Kanmani, the female lead who adds emotional depth to the intense action narrative. Her role appears crucial in humanizing the otherwise dark world of crime and vengeance.

The supporting cast includes Arjun Das, Sriya Reddy, and Prakash Raj, each bringing their unique strengths to create a comprehensive ensemble that supports the film’s ambitious scope.

Record-Breaking Box Office Phenomenon

The film’s commercial prospects have already created history. In North America alone, over 70,000 tickets have been sold, with advance sales crossing the massive $1.5 million mark ten days before release. This unprecedented response demonstrates Pawan Kalyan’s undiminished star power despite recent political commitments.

Trade experts are anticipating ₹40 crore+ opening in the overseas market, with the domestic box office poised for a ₹75 crore+ start on day 1. If these predictions materialize, OG is looking to be the first movie of Pawan Kalyan that gets a ₹100 crore+ start worldwide.

The film’s advance booking success has been particularly remarkable in international markets. Tickets for the IMAX screen in Melbourne, Australia, sold out in just 2 minutes, showcasing the global appeal of Pawan Kalyan’s return to action cinema.

Technical Excellence and Production Values

Sujeeth’s direction brings his experience from “Saaho” to create what promises to be a visually spectacular gangster epic. The director’s vision for presenting Pawan Kalyan in a new avatar has generated significant expectations among fans and critics alike.

Ravi K. Chandran’s cinematography, along with Manoj Paramahamsa, ensures that the film’s visual narrative matches its ambitious scope. The collaboration between these experienced technicians promises a cinematic experience that rivals international crime dramas.

The film’s soundtrack is composed by Thaman S in his fourth collaboration with Pawan Kalyan. The musical releases have been strategic, with four singles released: “Firestorm” on 2 August 2025, “Suvvi Suvvi” on 27 August 2025, “Trance Of Omi” on 11 September 2025, and “Guns N’ Roses” on 15 September 2025.

Pre-Release Campaign and Fan Response

The film’s promotional campaign has been carefully orchestrated to maximize impact. The OG pre-release event will be held in Hyderabad’s LB Stadium, with expectations of massive fan turnout despite weather challenges.

The trailer release strategy has created additional buzz, with fans eagerly awaiting the trailer of the highly anticipated They Call Him OG. Two major questions remain: Will the trailer feature any powerful dialogue from the star, or stick to the style of the promotional content released so far? And will the makers unveil it in multiple languages or only in Telugu?

Fan engagement has been unprecedented, with DVV Entertainment writing ‘Imagine 40,000+ chanting OG OG OG at LB STADIUM’ to describe the anticipated atmosphere at promotional events.

Industry Impact and Cultural Significance

“They Call Him OG” represents more than just a film release; it marks Pawan Kalyan’s return to his action hero persona after a period focused on political responsibilities. Recently elected to the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly and appointed Deputy Chief Minister of the state, Pawan is now focusing on his political career.

The film’s success could influence the Telugu film industry’s approach to big-budget action dramas and establish new benchmarks for star-driven commercial cinema. The international attention the film has garnered suggests that regional Indian cinema continues to find global audiences.

Production Journey and Challenges

The film’s production journey reflects the complexities of working with a star who balances cinema and politics. The film’s shoot was halted for several months due to Kalyan’s political campaign in 2024 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly election.

Despite these challenges, production resumed on 14 May 2025 with Kalyan, demonstrating the commitment of both the actor and the production team to deliver a quality product.

Critical Expectations and Genre Innovation

The film enters theaters with high expectations for revitalizing the gangster genre in Telugu cinema. Early indicators suggest that “They Call Him OG” could set new standards for action cinematography, character development, and production values in regional Indian cinema.

The collaboration between Sujeeth’s directorial vision and Pawan Kalyan’s star power creates anticipation for a film that could transcend typical commercial cinema boundaries while maintaining mass appeal.

Global Release Strategy

OG is scheduled to release worldwide on 25 September 2025 in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi languages. This multi-language approach demonstrates confidence in the film’s universal appeal and positions it for maximum commercial impact.

The film’s international marketing has been particularly aggressive, with special shows scheduled at 1:00 a.m. and 1:15 a.m. to accommodate fan enthusiasm and maximize opening day collections.

Final Verdict and Expectations

“They Call Him OG” stands positioned to become a landmark release in Pawan Kalyan’s career and Telugu cinema history. The unprecedented advance booking response, combined with strong technical credentials and star power, suggests a film that could redefine commercial cinema expectations.

The movie’s success will likely influence future productions in terms of scale, international marketing, and the viability of star-driven action dramas in the contemporary market. For Pawan Kalyan fans, this represents not just entertainment but a cultural event that celebrates their icon’s return to full-scale action cinema.

With the potential to achieve global box office figures of Rs 350 – 400 crore, “They Call Him OG” carries the weight of enormous expectations. The film’s ultimate success will depend on whether Sujeeth’s execution matches the ambition of the project and whether the narrative can support the spectacular production values and star performances.

As September 25 approaches, “They Call Him OG” represents more than a movie release – it’s a cinematic event that could establish new benchmarks for Indian action cinema while reaffirming Pawan Kalyan’s position as one of the most bankable stars in the industry. The convergence of star power, technical excellence, and unprecedented fan enthusiasm positions this film as potentially one of the most significant releases in recent Telugu cinema history.