They Call Him OG (2025) Movie Review – Pawan Kalyan’s Explosive Gangster Comeback
They Call Him OG (2025) is a Telugu action-thriller directed by Sujeeth, starring Pawan Kalyan, Emraan Hashmi, and Priyanka Mohan. The film follows Ojas Gambheera, a dreaded don returning after a decade to reclaim his empire, blending mass action, drama, and stylish visuals.
Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
They Call Him OG, directed by Sujeeth, is a Telugu gangster saga that released on September 25, 2025. Led by Pawan Kalyan as Ojas Gambheera and Emraan Hashmi in his Telugu debut as the antagonist, the film is mounted as a high-voltage mass entertainer that celebrates style, grit, and raw star power.
Fan anticipation was sky-high—and the film largely meets those expectations with adrenaline-filled sequences, stylish world-building, and whistle-worthy moments.
Plot Synopsis
The story follows Ojas Gambheera (Pawan Kalyan), a Mumbai underworld don who resurfaces after ten years of disappearance. His return triggers unrest in the city’s crime syndicates, setting the stage for a bloody power struggle. Betrayals, revenge arcs, and a looming gang war push OG into battles where survival and dominance are at stake.
Performances
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Pawan Kalyan delivers a commanding performance, balancing swag, intensity, and emotional heft. His dialogue delivery and screen presence fuel the film’s larger-than-life moments.
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Emraan Hashmi, as the antagonist, is menacing yet charismatic, marking a strong Telugu debut that complements Pawan Kalyan’s energy.
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Priyanka Mohan plays a supportive yet impactful role, adding emotional grounding.
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Supporting actors add flavor to the underworld drama, though most are primarily designed to elevate the central clash.
Direction & Screenplay
Sujeeth creates a stylish gangster universe, packed with cinematic frames, dramatic slow-motion, and gritty action. The screenplay keeps the pace high but occasionally dips into predictable territory. Still, Sujeeth’s flair for staging action set pieces and building tension pays off, especially in the explosive second half.
Technical Merits
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Cinematography (Ravi K. Chandran & Manoj Paramahamsa): Bold visuals and shadow-heavy framing elevate the gangster aesthetic.
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Music (Thaman S): The background score adds pulse and intensity, amplifying Pawan Kalyan’s presence in key moments. Songs serve as crowd-pleasers, though some could have been trimmed for flow.
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Editing (Naveen Nooli): Maintains brisk pace overall but could have tightened a few narrative stretches in the first half.
Audience & Critical Response
Fans have greeted They Call Him OG with euphoria—packed shows, fan celebrations, and social media filled with chants of “OG.” The mass moments and action sequences are being hailed as some of the year’s best. Critics are more balanced, praising Pawan Kalyan’s powerhouse performance and Sujeeth’s stylish execution, while noting familiar story beats and occasional pacing dips.
Final Verdict
They Call Him OG is a power-packed gangster action film that thrives on Pawan Kalyan’s magnetic presence and Sujeeth’s stylish staging. Though it doesn’t fully escape genre clichés, its energy, technical polish, and mass appeal ensure it’s a highly entertaining big-screen experience.
For Pawan Kalyan fans, it’s a festival. For action lovers, it’s a thrilling ride worth the hype.
