They Call Him OG is the kind of movie that grabs your attention the moment Pawan Kalyan walks into the frame — silent, intense, and dangerous. If you’re a fan of action-packed gangster dramas with mass appeal and slow-motion swagger, this one’s probably been on your watchlist since the trailer dropped. But does the film live up to the hype?
Let’s talk about it.
🔥 The Hype Is Real: Why Everyone’s Talking About OG
From the day it was announced, They Call Him OG became the talk of the Tollywood town. It marks the return of Pawan Kalyan in a full-fledged, larger-than-life role — something his fans have been hungry for. Directed by Sujeeth (known for Saaho), and produced by DVV Entertainment, this film promised an original gangster tale with style, swag, and smashing action.
With a runtime of 2 hours 35 minutes, it’s not just a movie — it’s a cinematic event.
🎬 The Plot (No Spoilers): A Ghost From the Underworld
Ojas Gambheera (OG) was once the kingpin of Mumbai’s criminal underworld. But for a full decade, he disappears without a trace. Suddenly, he’s back — older, wiser, and mad as hell. His goal? Pure vengeance against the crime lords who betrayed him.
The story is built around this revenge arc, layered with themes like loyalty, betrayal, honor among gangsters, and the personal cost of power. It’s a classic one-man army setup but dipped in heavy Tollywood flavor — slow-motion entries, emotional flashbacks, and fiery face-offs.
🎭 Cast & Characters: A Show Run by Power Star
- Pawan Kalyan as Ojas Gambheera (OG): Charismatic, composed, and lethal. He barely speaks, but every stare feels like a threat. His performance is the backbone of the film.
- Emraan Hashmi as Omi Bhau: The ruthless rival — cold, calculated, and deliciously evil.
- Priyanka Arul Mohan as Kanmani: A love interest with limited screen time, but adds softness to OG’s rough world.
- Supporting cast includes Prakash Raj, Ajay Ghosh, Arjun Das, and others who round out the gritty gangster universe.
There’s a cinematic universe feel here — some characters seem to be teased for future spin-offs or a sequel.
🎥 Visuals & Cinematography: Dark, Stylish, Cinematic
The movie looks fantastic. Cinematographer Ravi K Chandran (credited in earlier Sujeeth films) brings a moody, high-contrast style that perfectly suits OG’s world. From the narrow lanes of Mumbai to dim-lit warehouses, every frame feels sharp and purposeful.
There’s also a lot of “elevation scenes” — you know, the kind where the hero walks in slow motion, hair blowing, coat fluttering, music booming. Fans go wild for these moments, and OG has plenty.
🥁 Music & Background Score: Thaman Delivers the Punch
Composer Thaman S does exactly what’s needed here — he amplifies every punch, stare, and pause with heart-thumping background score. The music isn’t just for vibe; it carries the emotion, especially when there’s no dialogue.
The songs, however, are a bit of a letdown. They lack the punch of the BGM and feel like filler.
💥 Action & Mass Moments: A Feast for Fans
If you love high-voltage mass action, They Call Him OG doesn’t disappoint. The fight sequences are well-choreographed, brutal, and stylized — from single-take shootouts to knife fights in the rain.
OG’s character doesn’t speak much, but his fists do all the talking. Every action scene feels personal, not just flashy. And fans will love the interval block — it’s an absolute banger!
🧠 The Deeper Themes: OG Means More Than “Original Gangster”
Fun trivia: “OG” also stands for Ojas Gambheera, the main character’s name. But thematically, he’s the “Original Gangster”, a relic of old-school codes in a world that’s moved on.
The movie plays with this idea — can honor exist in crime? What happens when legends outlive their myth? These ideas give OG some weight beyond the action.
💬 What Viewers and Critics Are Saying
⭐ IMDb Score: 7.3/10 (3.4K+ ratings)
The audience is divided:
- Fans love the visuals, action, and Pawan Kalyan’s screen presence.
- Critics say the story is flat, with weak narration and not much depth.
One user said:
“It’s full of style, but the soul is missing. Still, it’s worth it for Pawan Kalyan.”
Another added:
“Sujeeth went full fanboy mode. Elevation over dialogue — worked for me!”
🆚 Compared to Other Tollywood Gangster Flicks
If you’ve seen movies like:
- Saaho
- Hari Hara Veera Mallu
- Don or Gangs of Wasseypur (Hindi)
You’ll notice that They Call Him OG borrows a little from everywhere but still feels uniquely Tollywood. It’s not trying to be gritty-realistic; it wants to be massive and mythic, and for the most part, it works.
❓FAQs: Quick Answers for the Curious
Q: How long is the movie?
→ 2 hours 35 minutes.
Q: Is OG in Telugu only?
→ Yes, but dubbed versions are expected soon.
Q: Is there a sequel planned?
→ The ending hints at OG II. Fans are already buzzing.
Q: Is it suitable for kids?
→ It’s Not Rated, but due to violence and themes, best for teens and above.
🎯 Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?
If you’re a Pawan Kalyan fan, this is a must-watch. The man owns the screen, and every scene feels tailor-made for his mass persona. The action is top-notch, and the visuals are stunning.
But if you’re looking for a tight, layered story with emotional depth, this might leave you wanting more. The plot doesn’t break new ground, and the narration stumbles at times.
