In a cinematic landscape where formulas often falter, They Call Him OG roars to life on the sheer magnetism of one man—Power Star Pawan Kalyan. Director Sujeeth’s gangster drama may flirt with familiar tropes and redundant elements. Yet, it’s Pawan’s blazing charisma that turns the tide for the audience, proving once again that stardom isn’t just earned—it’s embodied.
From the moment Ojas Gambheera makes his entrance, backed by Thaman’s thunderous score, the film becomes less about plot and more about presence. Sujeeth, a Power Star power fan himself, crafts the first thirty minutes as a relentless celebration of elevation scenes. Each one is designed to amplify Pawan’s aura. And it works. The crowd doesn’t just watch—they erupt.
At its core, They Call Him OG is Sujeeth’s ode to Pawan Kalyan. It’s not perfect, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a film that thrives on moments—moments where the screen ignites, the music swells, and the legend of OG is etched deeper into fan folklore.
The interval block is a masterclass in mass elevation. Ojas Gambheera’s confrontation with Omi Bhau (Emraan Hashmi) is staged with cinematic flair—Thaman’s score pounds, the visuals dazzle, and Pawan Kalyan’s aura dominates. It’s the kind of moment fans live for. And Sujeeth delivers it with reverence.
After an explosive first half that rides high on elevation scenes and Pawan Kalyan’s magnetic entry, OG enters its second act with a promise of deeper drama and emotional stakes. But while the setup is grand, the payoff is uneven.
Second half: A dip in drama
Post-interval, the narrative attempts to deepen the stakes with flashbacks and emotional turns. Arjun Das’s backstory adds to the depth, and the Johnny reference is a nostalgic punch. But the emotional beats—especially the kidnapping trope—feel dated and predictable. The drama lacks weight, and the pacing begins to drag.
Despite this, Pawan Kalyan’s presence remains the OG’s saving grace. His reduced screen time is compensated by stylish action blocks and commanding visuals. Even when the story falters, the screen lights up every time he appears.
Also read Powerstar firestorm: Pawan’s OG shatters box office rule book – YK TV
Ravi K Chandran and Manoj Paramahamsa’s cinematography keeps the second half visually rich. Thaman’s background score continues to elevate even the weaker scenes. The film may not reinvent the gangster genre, but it knows its audience—and it delivers what they came for.
Emraan Hashmi’s villain may be underwritten, but the ensemble—Prakash Raj, Sriya Reddy, Arjun Das—adds value to the OG‘s narration. And yes, there’s a post-credit surprise that fans won’t want to miss.
28,250 tickets in one hour
Despite mixed reviews and predictable plot points, They Call Him OG has witnessed an extraordinary surge in bookings—28.25k tickets sold in just one hour (11:13 am). That’s not just hype; it’s a testament to the unwavering devotion of fans and the magnetic pull of a star who transcends narrative flaws. When Pawan Kalyan walks into frame, logic takes a backseat. Adrenaline takes the wheel.
Verdict: Charisma wins
Forget the flaws. Forget the formula. OG is a reminder that when Pawan Kalyan steps into the spotlight, the rules change. The numbers speak for themselves. The crowd has spoken. And in the world of mass cinema, charisma still beats all odds.
