They Call Him OG Review:
There’s something magnetic about watching Pawan Kalyan walk into a frame — calm, dangerous, and totally in control. In They Call Him OG, that aura is the film’s biggest weapon. Sujeeth, who previously helmed Saaho, brings his signature blend of scale and swagger to this gangster saga, crafting a film that’s all about image, power, and the shadows that follow a man when he’s built a life out of fear and respect.
A Classic Premise with Fresh Energy
The story follows Ojas Gambheera — “OG” to his friends and foes — a once-feared gangster who returns from exile to reclaim his throne in Mumbai’s underworld. It’s a familiar setup, but Sujeeth plays it with operatic flair: slow-motion entries, moody silences, and that pounding Thaman S score that feels like it’s made for theatres rather than living rooms.
The screenplay isn’t revolutionary, but what keeps it engaging is the way it balances grit with emotion. Beneath all the stylized gunfire, there’s a man wrestling with his legacy — and that’s where Pawan Kalyan shines.
Performances That Carry the Film
Pawan Kalyan brings both gravitas and restraint to OG. He’s not just playing the larger-than-life don; he’s exploring the exhaustion that comes with being one. His screen presence is commanding, but it’s the quieter moments that leave a mark.
Emraan Hashmi, making his Telugu debut, is a revelation as Omi Bhau — a ruthless, calculating rival with a wicked charm. His chemistry with Kalyan crackles; their face-offs are some of the film’s most electric scenes.
Priyanka Arul Mohan adds warmth and grounding as Kanmani, OG’s wife. Though her screen time is limited, she brings sincerity to her role. Prakash Raj, ever reliable, adds emotional heft as the father figure who reminds OG of what he’s lost along the way.
Sujeeth’s Vision and Style
Visually, They Call Him OG is stunning. Cinematographers Ravi K. Chandran and Manoj Paramahamsa paint the world in smoky golds and deep blues, giving every frame that cinematic punch. Sujeeth’s direction leans more toward mood than dialogue — long silences, close-ups of eyes that have seen too much, and slow builds that explode into action.
Still, the film does stumble in pacing. The middle act stretches a bit, and some subplots never find resolution. But every time the energy dips, Thaman’s score and Kalyan’s presence pull it back.
Final Thoughts
They Call Him OG isn’t here to reinvent the gangster genre — it’s here to remind you why we love it. It’s a slick, stylish, star-driven spectacle with enough heart to make you care about the man behind the myth.
If you’re a Pawan Kalyan fan, this is pure satisfaction. If you’re new to his world, this film is a pretty good introduction to why he’s called a “Power Star.”
Rating: 4/5
