OG Review: Pawan Kalyan’s movie receives mixed reactions, but fans applaud star’s aura

They Call Him OG, starring Pawan Kalyan and Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi, has caused a stir on social media since its premiere on September 25. Early reactions from both fans and critics to paid previews and opening performances show a mix of appreciation and disappointment.

Although the first half's motion has drawn mixed reviews, Pawan Kalyan's appearance and Thaman's music have received widespread accolades. There is a lot of excitement about Emraan Hashmi's Telugu debut as the rival; some have referred to him as the film's most prominent actor.

Here’s what fans and critics expressed over Pawan Kalyan’s film:

One X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “#OG isn’t just stylish, it’s one of the most technically brilliant films in recent times. Absolute treat to watch,” celebrating Pawan Kalyan’s powerful screen presence.

Saw countless emotional smiles, happy tears & wild celebrations from fans today ????#OG isn’t just stylish, it’s one of the most technically brilliant films in recent times. Absolute treat to watch ????

Congrats @PawanKalyan garu, @Sujeethsign, @MusicThaman & team#TheyCallHimOG pic.twitter.com/wOxTV8s6E4

— Nayini Anurag Reddy (@NAR_Handle) September 24, 2025

Producer Naga Vamsi remarked, “#OG is an absolute firestorm ???? Every bit packed with madness! The intro of @PawanKalyan garu is a straight-up BANGER… shown in the most electrifying way possible… And our Sensational @MusicThaman… what a rampage bro, that BGM just lit up every single frame!”

#OG is an absolute firestorm ???? Every bit packed with madness!

The intro of @PawanKalyan garu is a straightup BANGER… shown in the most electrifying way possible.

Interval and Police Station blocks… pure goosebumps, high moments everywhere! The swag, the attitude… Powerstar… pic.twitter.com/YgAO57cuo2

— Naga Vamsi (@vamsi84) September 24, 2025

“#TheyCallHimOG: OG is pure Power Star mania. #Sujeeth crafts a routine gangster drama into a mass feast, giving fans elevations when wanted,” read another positive comment.

#TheyCallHimOG: OG is pure Power Star mania. #Sujeeth crafts a routine gangster drama into a mass feast, giving fans elevations when wanted. #Thaman’s explosive BGM. #PawanKalyan’s screen presence is sheer magic, never shown this powerful before.

Overall: OG isn’t just a…

— ???????????????????????????????? ???????????????????? (@BheeshmaTalks) September 24, 2025

“PK is back. Overall ga chala bagundi movie. 1st half chelvhi chendadu @MusicThaman nv yendi anna aagakunda duty chesav (Overall it is a very good movie. The 1st half is very good and @MusicThaman did her duty without stopping),” another fan praised.

OGReview
PK is back Overall ga chala bagundi movie. 1st half chelvhi chendadu @MusicThaman nv yendi anna aagakunda duty chesav????
Coming to #Sujeeth ni take off aa detailing ki hatsoff ra bakkoda but writing wise you should improve
Overall 2.3/5
#OG #OGvsOMI #OGDay #Pawanakalyan pic.twitter.com/hFuc4nfrgn

— Eswar (@urstrulyeswar5) September 25, 2025

Others praised Emraan Hashmi's portrayal as the adversary. He is referred to as a ‘showstopper,’ who claims that his intensity and menace enhance the film's allure.

“Emraan Hashmi makes an impressive Telugu debut, playing the antagonist with menace and style. He’s being called the showstopper. The action sequences, especially in the climax's last 20 minutes, are said to pack a punch – high energy, with strong visuals,” read one comment.

Emraan Hashmi makes an impressive Telugu debut, playing the antagonist with menace and style. He’s being called the showstopper.

The action sequences, especially in the climax's last 20 minutes, are said to pack a punch – high energy, with strong visuals.

— Daily Fun Facts (@DailyFunFacts_5) September 24, 2025

Alongside the positive, there are significant disappointing reactions as well. The first half, according to critics, lags because it features clichéd setups and character introductions devoid of originality.

“#OG Meh. What an epic disappointment,” one disappointed fan wrote.

#OG Meh. ????
What an epic disappointment. #TheyCallHimOG ????

— ???????????????? (@alone_govi) September 25, 2025

A second fan rated the film 1 out of 5, and wrote, “#TheyCallHimOG 2nd half is mixed with outdated screenplay and @Sujeethsign garu used tired & tested routine hero villain formula with poor illogical twist and made a complete borefest garbage film.”

#TheyCallHimOG 2nd half is mixed with outdated screenplay and @Sujeethsign garu used tired & tested routine hero villain formula with poor illogical twist and made a complete borefest garbage film. #OG my rating 1/5 https://t.co/56crzR58SV

— Vaibhav Bharadwaj (@VaibhVick69) September 24, 2025

“Below Average Second half, only style, no substance. Except police station scene and the port scene, nothing works. Had high expectations for Sujeeth, but it turned out to be a below-average outing. #TheyCallHimOG - 2/5,” rated another.

Below Average Second half, only style, no substance. Except Police station scene and Port scene, nothing works. Had high expectations for Sujeeth but turns out to be a below average outing. #TheyCallHimOG - 2/5 https://t.co/DR9tKYslFP

— Peter Reviews (@urstrulyPeter0) September 24, 2025

One user called the film ‘overdramatic’ by writing, “#OGFirstReview 2/5 It's an Uninteresting gangster drama movie, but the BGM is the Soul of the Film & Emraan Hashmi is looking Badass first time ever, but he has also wasted.”

#OGFirstReview 2/5⭐
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"It's an Uninteresting gangster drama movie, but the BGM is the Soul of the Film & Emraan Hashmi is looking Badasss first time ever, but he has also wasted."#OG / #TheyCallHimOG (#OGReview)#PawanKalyan, #EmraanHashmi & #Sujeeth... pic.twitter.com/UHH18cRoxK

— Zohaib Shah ???????? (@Zohaib4Sweety) September 23, 2025

The plot of OG revolves around a mobster named Ojas Gambheera (Pawan), who returns to Mumbai after going missing for ten years in order to execute Omi Bhau (Emraan), another crime lord. Priyanka Mohan, Arjun Das, Prakash Raj, Rao Ramesh, Shriya Reddy, and Subhaleka Sudhakar also appear in the Sujeeth-directed movie.