Pawan Kalyan’s much-awaited gangster drama They Call Him OG has finally hit theatres amid grand fanfare and excitement. Directed by Sujeeth, this 2025 Telugu action extravaganza is a dazzling showcase of the Power Star’s charisma, backed by blistering action, compelling music, and grand visuals. However, while it’s a mass feast for hardcore fans, critical response points to a mixed overall experience. Here’s an in-depth review capturing all angles from first reactions, box office collections, and audience verdicts.
First Half Shines with Pawan Kalyan’s Screen Presence
The first half of OG impresses with Pawan Kalyan’s electrifying introduction and screen presence which ignites the atmosphere. Stunning stunts and exceptional camerawork highlight his retro gangster style. Thaman’s fiery background score (BGM) adds tremendous energy, especially around the interval block, which is hailed as a “marana mass scene,” making the wait worth every ticket. However, some feel the first half builds up slowly, mostly focusing on style and setup with limited storytelling.
Thaman’s Score: A Musical Powerhouse
Thaman’s music is a standout element of the film. The interval BGM roars with intensity, and the second half’s score, along with the climax, delivers high-octane thrills. Although the first-half soundtrack has some misses, the key tracks and “Teddy BGM” significantly elevate the post-interval sequences, infusing the narrative with swag and tension that keeps viewers engaged.
Action and Style: A Visual Treat
From the frenetic police station sequences to the high-voltage attitude showcased by the lead, the movie offers striking visuals and action choreography designed to maximize Pawan Kalyan’s mass appeal. The film’s aesthetics and style resonate well with fans, producing moments that transform theatres into festivity zones cheering every appearance of the Power Star.
Mixed Reviews and Audience Response
Despite electrifying moments, the overall storyline has been called “average” and “half-baked” by several viewers. Critics point out the weak narrative depth with too many characters and lack of emotional connection. Online reviews vary from calling it an okayish, average gangster drama to praising it as a feast for fans of Pawan Kalyan and Mega Star. Emraan Hashmi’s debut as the villain has been widely appreciated as a positive highlight in an otherwise mixed bag.
Box Office and Fan Mania
They Call Him OG rewrote premiere day records in many cities, with staggering collections in Anantapur, Tirupati, and other smaller towns, overtaking recent blockbusters in the region. The film’s pre-sale numbers touched nearly Rs 100 crores, signaling a solid commercial success. Outside theatres, fans erected massive cutouts and celebrated the Power Star’s return with immense zeal, proving that Pawan Kalyan’s crowd-pulling power remains unmatched.
Sequel Confirmed: International Saga Ahead
Building on its hype, the makers officially confirmed a sequel, They Call Him OG 2, taking the story to international waters with Tokyo as the backdrop. The film features subtle references to a previous cinematic universe, creating an exciting franchise foundation for fans to look forward to.
Verdict: Power Star’s Mass Fan-Fest with Narrative Flaws
They Call Him OG is undeniably a power-packed showcase of Pawan Kalyan’s star aura, filled with memorable music and stylized action that fans crave. However, the film’s weak screenplay, stretched second half, and predictable plot prevent it from being a universally acclaimed gangster saga. It works best as a fan-centric mass entertainer that packs a punch in key moments but falls short in delivering emotional depth and a gripping storyline. Overall, it earns a fair rating around 3 out of 5 stars, celebrated more for style than substance.
For readers searching about Pawan Kalyan’s latest blockbuster, They Call Him OG offers a blend of electrifying mass moments, music, and action, reinforcing PK’s iconic status while setting the stage for an ambitious sequel.
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Ashish Rai is a professional automotive writer with four years of experience crafting reviews, features, and technical guides. Passionate about vehicles, he translates complex engineering concepts into engaging content. Covering market trends, EV developments, and driving experiences, Ashish delivers insightful, reader-friendly articles that ignite automotive enthusiasm worldwide consistently with integrity.
