They Call Him OG is an action drama that shows the tremendous comeback of Telugu superstar Pawan Kalyan as a cold-blooded gangster. The film, directed by Sujeeth and produced by DVV Danayya (RRR fame), is a blend of action in the gritty underworld and the emotional meaning, released across the globe on September 25, 2025, after production delays because of the political obligations of Pawan Kalyan. With the Telugu debut of Emraan Hashmi and a star supporting versus a supporting OG cast, it created enormous hype as the teaser and trailer had raw mass appeal. On Netflix, the release date will be October 23, 2025, in various languages.
Cast of They Call Him OG
| Role | Actor/Actress | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ojas Gambheera (OG) | Pawan Kalyan | Ruthless gangster; lead role with mass elevation |
| Naidu | Emraan Hashmi | Antagonist; Telugu debut as a cunning rival |
| Kanmani | Priyanka Arul Mohan | OG’s wife; emotional core |
| Bhargav | Arjun Das | Key ally/antagonist |
| Rachamma | Sriya Reddy | Supporting role |
| Cameo/Supporting | Prakash Raj | Veteran presence |
| Director | Sujeeth | Known for Saaho |
| Music | Thaman S | High-energy score |
| Cinematography | Ravi K. Chandran, Manoj Paramahamsa | Stylish visuals |
| Editor | Naveen Nooli | Tight pacing |
| Producer | DVV Danayya (DVV Entertainment) | Pan-India scale |
Plot Summary
Based in the harsh environment of the underworld of Mumbai, They Call Him OG tells the story of Ojas Gambheera (Pawan Kalyan), a don who ruled the world but disappeared and was never found again. Years back, OG comes back to wreak havoc on traitors who are headed by Naidu (Emraan Hashmi). The flashback shows how he came back and his family relationships with his wife Kanmani (Priyanka Arul Mohan), and the violent code by which he lives. Laden with graphic action, betrayals, and mass dialogues, the story deals with the issue of power, loyalty and redemption. Certified A in violence, it is an unfiltered gangster movie, with the BGM by Thaman taking slow-motion fights and emotional clashes to a higher level.
Budget and Box Office Breakdown
| Parameter | Amount (₹ Crores) |
|---|---|
| Budget | 450-500 (including Pawan Kalyan’s ₹100+ Cr salary) |
| Day 1 Collection (India Net) | 155 (biggest 2025 opener) |
| India Net Total | 650+ |
| Worldwide Gross | 1200+ |
| ROI | 140-150% |
OG cast and crew‘s salaries: Pawan Kalyan (100-125 Cr), Emraan Hashmi (15-20 Cr), Priyanka Mohan (5 Cr). Record openings were powered by the massive pre-sales of the film as well as the Dussehra timing in Andhra Pradesh-Telangana.
Critical and Commercial Verdict
They Call Him OG was an instant Blockbuster Hit, taking the Box office by storm with Pawan Kalyan delivering a mass appeal that was truly his best. Rating: 3.5/5 (IMDb: 7.2/10). Critics applauded action choreography, swag of Pawan Kalyan and menacing villainy of Emraan Hashmi but mentioned a second half that was predictable and formulaic. It was praised by the mass audiences as a Pawan Kalyan festival of dialogues and emotional scenes. It broke Telugu opening records, and it triumphed pan-Indian in the Hindi markets.
Hit or Flop Verdict: Super Hit/Blockbuster- Makes a profit even with the huge budget, enhanced by the value of repeat viewings and the hype of Netflix.
Technical Brilliance
The direction by Sujeeth sets mass masala at a new level with a style of sleek frames by Ravi K. Chandran and Manoj Paramahamsa. The score of Thaman S, particularly the interval block and finale BGM was a chart-topper. Action scenes are full of VFX and realistic gun fights and slow-mo elements. Runtime: 2h 35m. The ‘A’ cut preserves the graphic violence and makes it more realistic.
Why They Call Him OG Stands Out
- Pawan Kalyan’s gangster avatar – Bald look, tattoos, and dialect deliver a power-packed performance.
- Emraan Hashmi’s debut – Serial kisser turns menacing don, matching Pawan’s intensity.
- Mass moments – Elevation songs, fights, and “OG” chants went viral.
- Pan-India appeal – Dubbed versions succeeded in Hindi (₹150 Cr+ share).
- Fan frenzy – Premieres caused stampedes; theaters ran 100% occupancy for weeks.
OTT and Legacy
On Netflix (Oct 23, 2025) in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam. It became a global trend after theatrical, making OG the largest success of Pawan Kalyan after his Government character. It re-crafted the Telugu gangster genre and fused KGF-style spectacle with an emotional interest. To the fans, it is the Power Star Showcase of the ultimate.
Fan Reactions and Trivia
- Trivia: Filming wrapped in July 2025 after delays; censored 2 mins for gore.
- Social Media Storm: #OGonSept25 trended worldwide; teaser crossed 100M views.
- Quotes: “Pawan Kalyan fires like never before!” – Fans.
They Call Him OG proves mass heroes thrive in 2025, blending stardom, action, and emotion. A must-watch for Pawan fans and action lovers.
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