They Call Him OG (2025): Why Pawan Kalyan’s Gangster Return Feels Both Familiar and Fresh

Pawan Kalyan makes his much-awaited return to the big screen with They Call Him OG, a film that promises high-octane action and underworld drama. Director Sujeeth brings together Emraan Hashmi, Priyanka Arulmohan, and Prakash Raj in this ambitious project. The film attempts to blend Japanese samurai origins with Mumbai’s gritty crime world.

Released on September 25, 2025, this Rs. 250 crore venture aims to establish itself as a major commercial success. The movie has generated significant buzz among Telugu cinema fans and marks Emraan Hashmi’s first venture into South Indian films. Initial responses suggest a mixed reception from both critics and audiences.

The Story

Ojas Gambheera, known as OG, vanishes from Mumbai’s criminal landscape for a decade before returning with a single mission. His target is Omi Bhau, the current ruler of the city’s underworld. The narrative kicks off in 1970s Japan during a violent Yakuza attack on a martial arts school.

The sole survivor of this massacre becomes our protagonist, who eventually reaches Mumbai. Here, Satya Dada controls the city’s port while his former ally Mirajkar plots to overthrow him. A shipment of explosives becomes the catalyst for an all-out war between these factions.

What unfolds is a familiar tale of betrayal, loyalty, and revenge. The story structure feels predictable, following well-worn paths of the gangster genre. I noticed the film struggles to bring fresh elements to this crowded space.

Performances

Pawan Kalyan commands every frame he appears in, delivering the kind of performance his fans expect. His portrayal of the weathered gangster showcases both physical intensity and emotional vulnerability. The actor successfully carries the film despite its narrative shortcomings.

Emraan Hashmi brings his trademark intensity to the role of the main antagonist. His performance feels natural, though the character could have been written with more depth. The face-offs between him and Pawan Kalyan provide some of the film’s strongest moments.

Prakash Raj delivers another dependable performance as the port owner caught between conflicting loyalties. Priyanka Arulmohan makes the most of her limited screen presence. The rest of the cast provides adequate support, though several characters remain underdeveloped throughout the runtime.

Technical Excellence

The film’s visual presentation stands as its strongest asset. Production designers have recreated 1970s Mumbai with remarkable attention to detail. Every set piece feels authentic, from the narrow lanes to the grand port facilities. The cinematography captures both the beauty and darkness of this world effectively.

Action choreography deserves special praise for creating sequences that feel both stylish and brutal. Thaman’s musical score complements the narrative well, though it occasionally drowns out important dialogue. The sound design adds weight to the action scenes but becomes overwhelming during emotional moments.

However, the 2 hour 35 minute runtime feels excessive. Several sequences could have been trimmed without losing narrative impact. The pacing becomes particularly problematic in the second half when the story loses momentum.

What Works Well

The film succeeds in creating a visually stunning gangster epic. Production values remain consistently high throughout, making every frame feel expensive. Action sequences are expertly crafted and provide genuine thrills for viewers seeking entertainment.

Pawan Kalyan’s screen presence elevates even ordinary scenes through sheer charisma. His fans will find plenty to celebrate in his commanding performance. The film also benefits from strong cinematography that brings Mumbai’s underworld to life convincingly.

Areas for Improvement

The screenplay fails to offer anything new to the overcrowded gangster genre. Plot developments feel predictable from early scenes, reducing suspense significantly. Character development suffers as the focus remains primarily on style over substance.

Several story threads remain unresolved or hastily concluded. The emotional core of the revenge tale never fully develops, leaving viewers disconnected from the protagonist’s journey. Dialogue writing occasionally feels forced and unnatural, particularly during dramatic confrontations.

Critics and Audience Response

They Call Him OG has received a 7.3 rating from viewers on popular movie platforms. Critics have offered mixed reviews, praising the technical aspects while criticizing the predictable storyline. Most reviewers acknowledge Pawan Kalyan’s star power while pointing out the film’s narrative weaknesses.

Professional critics describe it as more style than substance. Several reviews mention that the film works primarily as a showcase for Pawan Kalyan’s screen presence rather than offering compelling storytelling. Audience reactions have been more positive, especially from the actor’s dedicated fanbase.

Final Thoughts

They Call Him OG delivers exactly what it promises – a stylish showcase for Pawan Kalyan’s return to action cinema. The film succeeds as a visual spectacle but fails to offer anything meaningful beyond surface-level entertainment. Director Sujeeth has created a competent commercial film that prioritizes star power over storytelling innovation.

Fans of Pawan Kalyan will likely enjoy this return to form, while general audiences might find the familiar plot tiresome. The film works best when viewed as a celebration of star charisma rather than a groundbreaking gangster drama. It’s a decent watch for action lovers but doesn’t reach the heights it aspires to achieve.

Rating: 3.5/5