After years of anticipation, Telugu cinema’s beloved Power Star Pawan Kalyan has made his thunderous return to the big screen with “They Call Him OG,” a high-octane action crime thriller that’s taking the box office by storm. Released on September 25, 2025, this gangster saga marks a significant milestone in both Kalyan’s career and Telugu cinema.

The Story Behind the Legend

Set against the gritty backdrop of 1990s Mumbai, “They Call Him OG” tells the compelling tale of Ojas Gambheera, a legendary gangster who mysteriously vanished from the city’s underworld a decade ago. The name itself carries weight – “Ojas” meaning master or fight master, and “Gambheera” adding depth to the character’s persona, while “OG” cleverly stands for both the character’s initials and “Original Gangster.”

The plot centers around a deadly power struggle in Mumbai’s criminal empire. Satya Dada, played masterfully by veteran actor Prakash Raj, controls a crucial port in the city. When a missing container filled with deadly explosives becomes the center of a violent conflict, chaos erupts. The twist comes when it’s revealed that the ruthless don Omi Bhau, portrayed by Bollywood star Emraan Hashmi in his Telugu debut, is behind the container’s dispatch.

As violence escalates and bodies pile up, including the tragic death of Satya Dada’s younger son, all eyes turn to one man who can restore balance – Ojas Gambheera, the man they call OG. His return to Mumbai after years in exile sets the stage for an epic showdown between two formidable forces.

Star-Studded Cast Delivers Powerhouse Performances

Pawan Kalyan’s portrayal of Ojas Gambheera showcases the actor at his absolute best. Known for his charismatic screen presence and action prowess, Kalyan brings both intensity and style to the role. His transformation into the gangster avatar has been particularly praised by fans and critics alike, with many noting his commanding presence in action sequences.

Emraan Hashmi’s entry into Telugu cinema as the antagonist Omi Bhau creates a perfect foil to Kalyan’s character. The Bollywood veteran brings his own brand of menace to the role, making their confrontations some of the film’s most memorable moments.

The supporting cast reads like a who’s who of South Indian cinema. Priyanka Mohan plays Kanmani, adding emotional depth to the narrative. Arjun Das, known for his intense performances, takes on a significant role, while Sriya Reddy showcases her versatility as Geetha. The ensemble is rounded out by talented actors including Abhimanyu Singh, Harish Uthaman, and Subhalekha Sudhakar.

Behind the Camera Excellence

Director Sujeeth, known for his visual flair and action choreography, has crafted what many are calling a love letter to Pawan Kalyan and his fans. This marks Sujeeth’s third directorial venture, and he’s pulled out all the stops to showcase Kalyan in the most appealing gangster avatar possible.

The technical aspects of the film deserve special mention. Cinematographers Ravi K. Chandran and Manoj Paramahamsa have captured the essence of 1990s Mumbai with stunning visuals that transport viewers directly into the criminal underworld. Their camera work during action sequences has been particularly lauded for its dynamic and engaging style.

Thaman S, in his fourth collaboration with Pawan Kalyan after “Vakeel Saab,” “Bheemla Nayak,” and “Bro,” has delivered a soundtrack that perfectly complements the film’s intense narrative. His background score elevates crucial scenes, making them more impactful and memorable.

Production Journey and Challenges

The path to bringing “OG” to screens wasn’t without obstacles. With a massive budget of approximately ₹250 crore, making it one of the costliest Telugu productions ever, the film faced several delays due to Pawan Kalyan’s political commitments. Following his election as Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in 2024, filming schedules had to be adjusted multiple times.

Principal photography began in April 2023 in Mumbai, with subsequent schedules in Pune and Hyderabad. The production finally wrapped in July 2025, after overcoming various logistical challenges and ensuring that every frame met the high standards expected from such a prestigious project.

Box Office Storm

The film’s commercial success has been nothing short of phenomenal. “They Call Him OG” shattered records even before its release, with advance bookings crossing ₹75 crore worldwide. The domestic advance bookings alone reached ₹29.93 crore across 4,296 shows, surpassing previous records for a Pawan Kalyan starrer.

On its opening day, the film earned approximately ₹12.63 crore in India across all languages, demonstrating its pan-Indian appeal. The movie was strategically released in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi, ensuring maximum reach across diverse audiences.

Critical Reception and Fan Response

While fan reception has been overwhelmingly positive, critics have offered a balanced perspective. Many praised Pawan Kalyan’s screen presence and the film’s technical excellence, particularly Thaman’s pulsating background score and the cinematography. The action sequences have been highlighted as major strengths, with fans appreciating the stylized fight choreography.

However, some critics noted that while the film excels in style and presentation, the storyline follows predictable patterns typical of the gangster genre. The second half has been described as having pacing issues, though the climax manages to maintain audience engagement.

Cultural Impact and Future Prospects

“They Call Him OG” represents more than just another commercial film – it’s a cultural phenomenon that celebrates the larger-than-life persona that Pawan Kalyan embodies in Telugu cinema. The film has been designed as a complete fan service, giving audiences exactly what they expect from a Power Star vehicle.

Director Sujeeth has hinted at the possibility of expanding this into a cinematic universe, with potential connections to his previous work. The film’s post-credit scenes and certain narrative elements suggest that “OG” might be the beginning of a larger saga.

Technical Brilliance Meets Mass Appeal

The film’s technical team has ensured that “They Call Him OG” offers a premium cinematic experience. Editor Naveen Nooli’s sharp cutting keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, while production designer A.S. Prakash has recreated the authentic feel of 1990s Mumbai with meticulous attention to detail.

The soundtrack features memorable tracks including “Firestorm,” “Suvvi Suvvi,” and “Trance of Omi,” each designed to enhance specific moments in the narrative while also serving as standalone musical pieces.

Streaming and Digital Future

Netflix has acquired the post-theatrical digital streaming rights for an impressive ₹92 crore, highlighting the film’s broad commercial appeal. Following its theatrical run, the film is expected to make its digital debut approximately four weeks after cinema release, ensuring that the OG phenomenon reaches an even wider global audience.

Final Verdict

“They Call Him OG” succeeds in delivering exactly what it promises – a stylish, action-packed gangster drama that showcases Pawan Kalyan in his element. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it certainly provides the kind of mass entertainment that fans crave. The film stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted commercial cinema and Pawan Kalyan’s unshakeable position as one of Telugu cinema’s biggest superstars.

For fans of action cinema and Pawan Kalyan enthusiasts, “They Call Him OG” is an absolute must-watch. It’s a film that understands its audience and delivers the goods with style, swagger, and plenty of adrenaline-pumping moments that make for an unforgettable theatrical experience.