- Cast: Pawan Kalyan Emraan Hashmi, Priyanka Mohan, Arjun Das, Sriya Reddy and Prakash Raj
- Director: Sujeeth
- Genre: Action-drama
- Certification: ‘A’
- Rating: 3.5/5 stars
After nearly three years of anticipation, the highly awaited They Call Him OG (OG) finally hits cinemas, bringing Pawan Kalyan’s fierce persona back to the big screen. Directed by Sujeeth, this high-octane action-gangster drama has created a storm of excitement, especially with the much-anticipated collaboration of Kalyan as Ojas Gambheera (OG) and Bollywood’s Emraan Hashmi making his Telugu debut as the menacing don Omi Bhau.
Plot
In 1940s Japan, young Ojas Gambheera ‘OG’ survives a brutal Yakuza raid on his dojo, escaping to Bombay where he becomes loyal to Telugu businessman Satyanarayana ‘Satya Dada’. Over the years, Gambheera helps protect Satya Dada’s thriving port, built with the intention of benefiting the people. However, in 1993, a deadly confrontation unfolds when gangster Jimmy smuggles explosives through the port, leading to the death of Satya Dada’s son. The incident sends shockwaves through the underworld, as Mirajkar, a former gangster and now a powerful government minister, fears the wrath of the legendary Gambheera, who once single-handedly decimated his gang. What happens next is the story you see on the big screen, a gripping clash of vengeance, power, and survival.
Performances
They Call Him OG is a cinematic treat that showcases Pawan Kalyan in a role that truly roars in style. His performance is next level, effortlessly capturing the charisma and power that his fans adore. Kalyan’s portrayal of the protagonist leaves a lasting impression, reminding us why he’s considered one of the most influential stars in Telugu cinema.
Emraan Hashmi, in his Telugu debut, delivers a powerful performance as the antagonist. His character serves as the perfect foil to Pawan Kalyan’s hero, bringing a sense of menace and complexity that elevates the film’s intensity. Hashmi’s role is one of the highlights, showing that he can easily adapt to different industries and bring his A-game to a film that requires both subtlety and strength.
The supporting cast, including Priyanka Arul Mohan, Arjun Das, Sriya Reddy, and Prakash Raj, are all solid in their roles. They add depth and substance to the narrative, never overshadowing the leads but ensuring that the film feels well-rounded.
Direction
Director Sujeeth does a superb job of bringing this high-octane action thriller to life. The pacing is mostly tight, and the film doesn’t linger too long on any single moment, keeping viewers engaged. Ravi K. Chandran’s cinematography is another major plus. The visuals are absolutely stunning, with each frame carefully composed to add to the grandeur of the story.
Editing
That said, one minor flaw is the film’s runtime. While the editing by Navin Nooli keeps things fairly tight, there are moments where the film could have been trimmed by 15-20 minutes. A tighter pace could have made the overall experience even more impactful.
Verdict:
Overall, They Call Him OG is a thrilling and visually impressive film. It’s a perfect showcase for Pawan Kalyan’s star power, with a strong performance from Emraan Hashmi as the antagonist. Sujeeth has crafted a high-energy action-packed film that is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
