Introduction
They Call Him OG is one of the most anticipated action thrillers of 2025, starring the ever-charismatic Pawan Kalyan in the lead role. Directed by Sujeeth, known for his work in Saaho, this high-octane Telugu film has generated massive buzz across India and beyond. From its explosive teasers to the viral title song, They Call Him OG has become a cultural storm, marking Pawan Kalyan’s comeback in a stylish, larger-than-life avatar.
Fans have been eagerly waiting for the release, and social media has been flooded with hashtags like #OGStorm and #TheyCallHimOG, making it one of the most discussed Indian films of the year. With its promise of action, drama, and emotional intensity, They Call Him OG aims to redefine Telugu cinema’s gangster genre.
Overview
- Movie Title: They Call Him OG
- Genre: Action, Gangster, Drama
- Director: Sujeeth
- Producer: D.V.V. Danayya (DVV Entertainment)
- Lead Cast: Pawan Kalyan, Emraan Hashmi, Priyanka Arul Mohan, Arjun Das
- Music Composer: Thaman S
- Cinematography: Ravi K. Chandran
- Editor: Navin Nooli
- Release Date: 11 October 2025
- Language: Telugu (with dubbed versions in Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam)
- Format: Theatrical release, with a post-theatrical OTT release expected on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video
Story / Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
They Call Him OG tells the story of Ojas Gambheera (Pawan Kalyan), a feared gangster who returns from exile to confront his past and reclaim his empire. Set against the gritty backdrop of Mumbai’s underworld, the film blends action and emotion, exploring themes of loyalty, revenge, and redemption.
Emraan Hashmi plays the formidable antagonist — a ruthless mob boss who challenges OG’s power. The dynamic between the two characters forms the core of the story. Priyanka Mohan plays an emotionally grounded role, providing depth to OG’s personal life and struggles.
Without giving away spoilers, the movie is said to have massive action sequences, stylish cinematography, and powerful dialogues that celebrate the OG persona — a symbol of dominance and fear in the crime world.
Cast & Performances
- Pawan Kalyan as Ojas Gambheera (OG): A powerhouse performance that blends charisma and intensity. His screen presence commands every frame, making it one of his most memorable roles in recent times.
- Emraan Hashmi as Omi Bhai: Marking his Telugu debut, Emraan delivers a menacing performance with style and subtlety, creating a worthy rival for Pawan Kalyan.
- Priyanka Arul Mohan: Plays the emotional anchor of the story, balancing the film’s action with grace and depth.
- Arjun Das: Impresses with his strong supporting role, adding a fresh layer of tension to the gang war narrative.
- Sriya Reddy and Prakash Raj: Appear in pivotal supporting roles that elevate the dramatic stakes.
Every actor brings their A-game, but it’s Pawan Kalyan’s magnetic portrayal of OG that steals the show, reaffirming why he remains one of Telugu cinema’s biggest superstars.
Direction, Cinematography & Music
Director Sujeeth showcases a matured vision in They Call Him OG, combining high production value with emotional storytelling. Unlike his earlier film Saaho, Sujeeth keeps the focus tight on character-driven action and gangster drama, giving fans the “mass” and “class” balance they love.
Ravi K. Chandran’s cinematography captures the urban chaos of Mumbai with style — every frame feels cinematic, rich in color grading and contrast. The camera movements during fight scenes are fluid, making the action both raw and visually stunning.
Thaman S delivers a thunderous soundtrack that adds energy and soul to the movie. Songs like “OG Anthem” and the background score have already gone viral, setting the tone for every major scene. The BGM elevates Pawan Kalyan’s heroic moments to goosebump levels.
Budget & Box Office
- Production Budget: ₹250 Crores (approx.)
- Promotion & Marketing: ₹30 Crores
- Total Estimated Budget: ₹280 Crores
Box Office Performance
| Region | Collection | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (India) | ₹70 Crores | Record-breaking opening |
| Day 3 (Weekend Total) | ₹170 Crores | Excellent growth |
| First Week (Worldwide) | ₹250+ Crores | Hit |
| Expected Lifetime Collection | ₹400+ Crores | Blockbuster |
With its massive opening and strong word-of-mouth, They Call Him OG is set to be one of the biggest blockbusters of 2025. Its success also proves the unstoppable fan base of Pawan Kalyan, whose movies continue to dominate the box office despite competition.
Critical Reception & Audience Reviews
Critics and audiences have largely praised They Call Him OG for its powerful storytelling, strong performances, and grand visuals. While some found the pacing slightly uneven in the second half, most agree that the film delivers a complete mass entertainer experience.
Critics’ Ratings:
- IMDb: 8.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes (Audience Score): 92%
- Times of India: 4/5
- Pinkvilla: 4.2/5
Audience Reactions:
- Fans have called it a “festival for Powerstar fans.”
- The action choreography and Thaman’s BGM have received immense applause.
- The face-off between Pawan Kalyan and Emraan Hashmi is being hailed as one of the best rivalries in recent Telugu cinema.
Comparisons & Similar Movies
They Call Him OG has been compared to iconic gangster dramas like Lucifer and Vikram. However, Sujeeth’s directorial style and Pawan Kalyan’s magnetic performance set it apart. The film also draws subtle inspiration from Hollywood classics like The Godfather and John Wick — particularly in its character tone and stylized action.
This movie also continues the trend of pan-India action thrillers, similar to KGF, Pushpa, and Salaar, making it a strong contender in India’s expanding cinematic universe of crime epics.
FAQs About They Call Him OG
1. When is They Call Him OG releasing?
They Call Him OG released worldwide on 11 October 2025.
2. Who is in the cast of They Call Him OG?
The movie stars Pawan Kalyan, Emraan Hashmi, Priyanka Mohan, Arjun Das, and Prakash Raj in key roles.
3. Who directed They Call Him OG?
The film is directed by Sujeeth, known for Saaho.
4. What is the budget of They Call Him OG?
The total estimated budget is ₹280 Crores, including production and promotion.
5. Is They Call Him OG available on OTT platforms?
Post its theatrical run, the movie is expected to stream on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.
6. What is the box office collection of They Call Him OG?
As of the first week, the worldwide collection stands at ₹250+ Crores, marking it a major hit.
7. Is They Call Him OG part of a franchise?
While not officially announced, the ending hints at a potential sequel, sparking speculation about a shared gangster universe.
Conclusion
They Call Him OG is more than just an action film — it’s a celebration of Pawan Kalyan’s legacy and a testament to Telugu cinema’s growing dominance in India’s pan-Indian film market. With a gripping storyline, jaw-dropping action, and soul-stirring music, it delivers everything fans expected and more.
Whether you’re a die-hard Powerstar follower or just someone who loves intense gangster dramas, They Call Him OG is a must-watch cinematic experience. Don’t miss it on the big screen — and keep an eye out for its OTT release if you want to relive the OG storm at home!