OG Movie Review: Pawan Kalyan Delivers A One-Man Show With Style, Swag And Action

They Call Him OG Movie Review: Sujeeth’s They Call Him OG finally hits theatres, carrying sky-high expectations. The film brings Pawan Kalyan back to the big screen in a full-fledged role after a long

wait, alongside Emraan Hashmi in his Telugu debut and Priyanka Mohan in a crucial part. Billed as a gangster action drama, OG promises blood, bullets, and swag, and while it delivers on the mass spectacle, it falters in story depth.

The Story: Return of a Legend
Set in the turbulent 1990s, the story unfolds around Satya Dada (Prakash Raj), a port owner in Mumbai whose empire is under siege from the ruthless Mirajkar (Tej Sapru) and his hot-headed son Jimmy (Sudhev Nair). When a missing container filled with explosives sparks chaos, Jimmy unleashes terror, killing indiscriminately including Satya Dada’s younger son. But the bigger twist lies with Omi Bhau (Emraan Hashmi), a deadly gangster who desperately wants the container.

With the city spiraling out of control, all eyes turn toward Ojas Gambheera, aka OG (Pawan Kalyan), a once-feared mob boss living in exile. Reluctantly, he returns to Mumbai, setting the stage for a storm of vengeance. Who is OG, why did he vanish, and what binds him to Satya Dada? The film answers these questions while building toward a larger clash with Omi Bhau.

Performances: A Pawan Kalyan Showcase
OG is, without doubt, a Pawan Kalyan showpiece. The star commands the screen with his signature swag, attitude, and larger-than-life presence. From his heroic entry fight to his fiery return to Bombay, every moment is designed to thrill fans. His charisma makes even average scenes sparkle, reminding audiences why he remains a mass favorite. Compared to his previous outing Hari Hara Veera Mallu, this comeback is leagues better and feels like a true feast for his loyal base.

Emraan Hashmi, as Omi Bhau, makes a striking Telugu debut. His face-off scenes with Pawan are electrifying and among the film’s highlights. Priyanka Mohan, as OG’s wife Kanmani, gets limited scope but shares a few warm emotional beats with Pawan. Supporting actors Arjun Das and Sriya Reddy leave a mark, though characters like Prakash Raj and Tej Sapru feel underutilised.

Highlights and Flaws
The film is loaded with whistle-worthy moments. Pawan Kalyan’s ramp-style intro, Emraan’s villainous entry, and the interval bang all set theatres ablaze. Thaman’s music and background score elevate these sequences further, becoming the soul of the film. Fans will also enjoy subtle references to Saaho and Jackie Shroff’s blink-and-miss cameo.

However, OG struggles in consistency. The first half sets up a gripping gangster saga, but the second half loses steam. Unnecessary scenes, a stretched runtime, and underdeveloped character arcs dilute the impact. The climax, where OG single-handedly wipes out hordes of enemies in gunfights, feels exaggerated and borders on superhero fantasy rather than grounded gangster drama. Emotional scenes, particularly between the lead pair, sometimes feel forced and unnatural.

Direction, Music and Verdict
Director Sujeeth clearly sets out to glorify Pawan Kalyan, and in that mission, he succeeds. The narrative may be simple and predictable, but his framing of PK as an unstoppable force works in favour of the film’s mass appeal. Thaman’s rousing background score, especially during hero-villain confrontations, is a massive plus.

On the whole, They Call Him OG is more a fan service celebration than a layered gangster epic. Pawan Kalyan’s towering screen presence, Emraan Hashmi’s strong debut, and Thaman’s music make it worth a watch for fans of the genre. But for those seeking tight storytelling and nuanced drama, the film may feel like style over substance.

Overall, They Call Him OG is a mass entertainer powered by Pawan Kalyan’s swag. Come for the action and aura, stay for the spectacle but lower expectations on story depth.

(Inputs from Teja Kothapalli)