They Call Him OG Movie Review: Pawan Kalyan’s Gangster Drama is High on Style, Moderate on Story

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Power Star Pawan Kalyan’s much-anticipated gangster saga They Call Him OG has finally hit the big screens. Directed by Sujeeth, the film arrived with massive hype, promising a stylish action spectacle and a powerhouse performance from Pawan Kalyan. But does it deliver on the expectations? Let’s dive in.

The Story of OG

The film follows Ojas Gambheera, better known as OG, a dreaded gangster who resurfaces after a decade to reclaim his empire in Mumbai’s underworld. His return sparks a deadly confrontation with rival don Omi Bhau, played by Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi in his Telugu debut. What unfolds is a tale of revenge, power struggles, and blood-soaked retribution.

What Works

Pawan Kalyan’s Mass Appeal

The biggest strength of They Call Him OG is undoubtedly Pawan Kalyan’s screen presence. His stylish entry scenes, intense dialogues, and commanding aura keep the audience glued to the screen. Fans will have plenty of whistle-worthy moments to cherish.

Technical Brilliance

The film looks stunning, thanks to the slick cinematography by Ravi K. Chandran and Manoj Paramahamsa. Action sequences are mounted on a grand scale with stylish visuals, backed by a powerful background score. The production values are top-notch, giving the film an international gangster-drama vibe.

First-Half Momentum

The initial half sets the right tone with engaging action, stylish set pieces, and well-crafted character introductions. Emraan Hashmi makes a solid impression as the menacing antagonist, adding weight to the story.

What Falls Short

Predictable Storyline

Despite its stylish packaging, the film sticks to a familiar gangster-revenge formula. The narrative doesn’t offer many surprises, making it feel a bit routine in parts.

Second-Half Weakness

While the first half maintains momentum, the second half slows down with pacing issues and predictable turns. A tighter screenplay could have kept the energy consistent until the climax.

More Style, Less Substance

The movie sometimes prioritizes spectacle over emotional depth. Character arcs and relationships take a backseat to larger-than-life action, which might leave some viewers less invested.

Performances

• Pawan Kalyan shines in a larger-than-life role, delivering intensity and swag.

• Emraan Hashmi makes a strong Telugu debut, playing his part with menace.

• Supporting cast members like Prakash Raj, Arjun Das, Priyanka Mohan, and Sriya Reddy add value but mostly orbit around the central conflict.

Verdict

They Call Him OG is a stylish gangster drama that thrives on Pawan Kalyan’s charisma and high production values. While it doesn’t break new ground in terms of storytelling, it delivers plenty of mass moments for fans and serves as a visual treat.

👉 If you’re a Pawan Kalyan fan, this film is a festival of swag. If you’re looking for a fresh or layered gangster tale, it may feel like a familiar ride.

Final Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)