“When a cyclone strikes, bow down to the tide. When OG arrives, run and hide.” This line captures the essence of Sujeeth’s They Call Him OG, a stylish action entertainer led by Pawan Kalyan, who plays Ojas Gambheera (Original Gangster). While the dialogue packs mass appeal thanks to Pawan Kalyan’s commanding delivery, it also hints at the film’s core issue — a heavy reliance on star power and style rather than strong storytelling.
A Visual Spectacle Backed by Style
The film, in production for nearly four years, has Sujeeth channeling his admiration for Pawan Kalyan through fan-service-driven sequences. Backed by a powerhouse technical team — cinematographers Ravi K Chandran and Manoj Paramahamsa, production designer AS Prakash, editor Navin Nooli, and composer S Thaman — OG impresses visually with fiery, earthy tones and meticulously crafted action set-pieces.
Highlight: The background score by S Thaman elevates several sequences, giving the film a high-energy feel that resonates with Pawan Kalyan fans.
Plot: A Familiar Gangster Arc
At its core, They Call Him OG follows a middle-aged gangster returning from exile to protect his loved ones and reclaim his city from rivals. While there’s a hint of novelty in its Japanese-origin backstory, with martial arts-inspired fight choreography and anime-style visuals, the narrative remains predictable.
The film borrows heavily from popular gangster sagas, making the outcome obvious and reducing emotional investment.
Strengths: Style, Action, and Easter Eggs
Sujeeth’s love for cinematic references is evident:
- A container named “Basanti” nods to Sholay.
- Dialogues reference Amitabh Bachchan’s Shahenshah.
- Visuals evoke John Wick-style aesthetics.
- Pawan Kalyan fans will spot hints at his directorial venture, Johnny.
These clever Easter eggs add layers of fun for cinephiles and hardcore fans.
Weaknesses: Wafer-Thin Storytelling
While the film looks visually stunning, it struggles to create tension or emotional stakes:
- OG is invincible throughout, reducing suspense.
- A subplot around the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts fails to generate the intended drama.
- Emraan Hashmi’s antagonist is underwritten and weakened further by poor Telugu dubbing.
- Priyanka Arul Mohan has little scope, despite her spirited screen presence.
“Strip away the aesthetic, and OG offers little beyond its star’s charisma,” says our reviewer.
Performances
- Pawan Kalyan delivers a magnetic performance, effortlessly commanding the screen with his swagger and action sequences.
- Prakash Raj, Sriya Reddy, and Arjun Das provide solid support.
- Rahul Ravindran surprises in a memorable supporting role.
- Emraan Hashmi disappoints with a lackluster villain portrayal.
Cinematography and Action
The action sequences are undoubtedly the film’s strongest point. Influenced by Japanese Aikido martial arts, they showcase innovative choreography and clever use of symbolism, especially with recurring fire motifs.
The opening action set-piece, showing splashes of red on brown surfaces to imply brutality without explicit gore, is a standout moment.
Language & Authenticity Issues
Scenes set in Madurai and Japan use Tamil and Japanese effectively with subtitles, enhancing realism.
However, the Mumbai gangster scenes suffer due to Hindi dialogues delivered in Telugu, making them feel less authentic for today’s multilingual streaming-savvy audience.
Technical Brilliance
| Department | Contributor | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Direction | Sujeeth | Strong visuals, weak narrative |
| Cinematography | Ravi K Chandran, Manoj Paramahamsa | Stylish, moody frames |
| Editing | Navin Nooli | Crisp but lacks emotional rhythm |
| Music & BGM | S Thaman | Elevates action and mass moments |
Verdict: Style Over Substance
They Call Him OG is a stylish tribute to Pawan Kalyan, packed with fan service and technical brilliance. However, it falls short in delivering a compelling narrative. For hardcore fans of Pawan Kalyan, the film is a visual treat. For others, it may feel like an overlong exercise in style with little emotional depth.
Rating: 2.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Final Thoughts
They Call Him OG had all the ingredients for a blockbuster — star power, budget, technical excellence — but it ultimately becomes a case study of form over function. For the festival season, it offers high-octane action and nostalgia for fans, but for the general audience, it may lack the substance needed for a lasting impact.
