They Call Him OG Movie: Cast, Story, Release & Review

They Call Him OG is more than just a film title—it’s a statement, a legend reborn. Directed by Sujeeth, this 2025 Telugu-language action drama brings Pawan Kalyan back to the big screen with a roar. The movie blends emotion, crime, and cinematic style into one massive spectacle that celebrates power, legacy, and redemption.

Fans had been eagerly waiting for a high-octane Pawan Kalyan comeback, and They Call Him OG delivers that and more. It’s stylish, powerful, and rooted in the gangster genre with an emotional core that strikes deep. The anticipation around the movie wasn’t just about another star vehicle—it was about witnessing the making of a myth.

Quick Highlights Table

The Storyline: The Legend of Ojas Gambheera (OG)

At the heart of They Call Him OG lies the story of Ojas Gambheera, a man once feared and revered as the most ruthless gangster of his era. After years of disappearance, OG returns to a world that has changed—but his empire, enemies, and memories await him.

The narrative begins with rumors of OG’s death. Rivals celebrate, new leaders emerge, and chaos brews in the underworld. But when a sudden massacre shakes the city, whispers return—“He’s back.” From there, Sujeeth builds a world of crime, loyalty, and vengeance that feels as personal as it is epic.

As OG reclaims his place, the story delves into his inner conflicts. He’s not just fighting for power but for legacy—for his name to live on. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption intertwine to make this more than just a gangster film. It’s about a man reclaiming his soul.

Cast & Characters: Power in Every Frame

Pawan Kalyan as Ojas Gambheera (OG)

Pawan Kalyan delivers one of his most intense performances as Ojas Gambheera, embodying both raw power and emotional vulnerability. His dialogues, silent glances, and perfectly choreographed fight scenes remind the audience why he’s called the “Power Star.”

Emraan Hashmi as Omi Bhai

In his Telugu debut, Emraan Hashmi stuns audiences as Omi Bhai, the film’s antagonist. Cold, cunning, and charismatic, he provides the perfect counterbalance to OG’s fire. The confrontation scenes between Emraan and Pawan are explosive, adding tension and depth.

Priyanka Arul Mohan as Anjana

Priyanka brings grace and emotional weight to the story. Her chemistry with Pawan Kalyan adds tenderness amidst the chaos. She represents the human side of OG—the heart behind the legend.

Supporting Cast

Prakash Raj shines as the political mastermind orchestrating the chaos, Arjun Das delivers another strong performance as OG’s loyal lieutenant, and Sriya Reddy adds fierce determination as a cop torn between justice and admiration for OG.

Every actor plays their part like a piece of a grand puzzle, contributing to the film’s layered world.

Direction and Vision: Sujeeth’s Bold Comeback

After the visually ambitious Saaho, Sujeeth returns with a tighter, more emotional story in They Call Him OG. He retains his signature flair for style—slow-motion shots, grand set pieces, and intense color tones—but this time, he anchors it in strong storytelling.

His vision brings the best of both worlds: cinematic spectacle and human emotion. The way Sujeeth frames OG’s re-entry scene—with rain, fire, and Thaman’s music thundering in the background—is nothing short of iconic.

Sujeeth’s direction ensures that every scene carries meaning, from the way OG lights a cigarette to the way he stares at his enemies. He transforms a typical gangster narrative into an emotional redemption saga.

Music and Background Score: Thaman S at His Peak

Music is the heartbeat of They Call Him OG, and Thaman S delivers one of his career’s most powerful soundtracks. From the electrifying background theme “OG Anthem” to the soulful track “Nee Jathalona,” each song amplifies emotion and energy.

The background score defines the movie’s rhythm—it roars during action and softens during emotional moments. Thaman’s collaboration with Pawan Kalyan once again proves magical, making the soundtrack trend across streaming platforms.

Cinematography & Technical Brilliance

Ravi K. Chandran’s cinematography gives the movie an international feel. His mastery of light and shadow elevates OG’s world into something visually poetic. The night sequences, in particular, glow with neon vibrance and noir-inspired framing.

Every frame looks meticulously crafted, from aerial shots of the underworld’s hideouts to emotional close-ups that reveal OG’s pain.

Combined with A. Sreekar Prasad’s tight editing and DVV Entertainment’s production design, the film achieves a perfect balance between scale and intimacy.

Themes and Symbolism: The True Meaning of “OG”

The term OG—short for “Original Gangster”—is not just a label here. In Sujeeth’s story, it becomes a metaphor for authenticity, loyalty, and survival. OG is not merely a criminal; he’s a symbol of legacy, of how one man’s choices ripple through generations.

The film explores three key themes:

• Power and Responsibility: Every act of violence comes with emotional consequences.
• Legacy and Redemption: OG’s journey is about reclaiming his identity and correcting past mistakes.
• Morality and Survival: The line between good and evil blurs, showing the human beneath the myth.

The “havoc in silence” sequences—where OG walks through destruction calmly—highlight how control defines true power.

Public Response and Critical Review

Upon release, They Call Him OG became an instant sensation. Fans hailed it as one of Pawan Kalyan’s best performances in years. The film’s opening weekend witnessed massive crowds across South India and international markets.

Critics gave it mixed to positive reviews. They praised its visuals, acting, and music, though some felt the second half stretched slightly. Yet, most agreed—it’s one of the most technically stunning Telugu films in recent times.

Box Office Records and Performance

The box office numbers speak volumes. They Call Him OG grossed over ₹70 crore on day one, making it one of the biggest openings in Telugu cinema history.

In its first week, it crossed ₹200 crore worldwide, with strong runs in the US, UAE, and Karnataka. It became the highest-grossing Pawan Kalyan film, surpassing earlier records held by Bheemla Nayak.

The film’s success was a testament to the fan power and mass appeal that still surrounds Pawan Kalyan’s name.

OTT Release and Streaming Updates

While They Call Him OG enjoyed an extended theatrical run, fans eagerly awaited its digital debut. Industry buzz suggests that Netflix secured the streaming rights for a record price. The expected OTT release window is 45–60 days after theatrical release, placing it around mid-November 2025.

Once available, it will stream in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi, ensuring pan-Indian reach. The dubbed versions will help the film gain traction among non-Telugu audiences who admire Pawan Kalyan’s charisma.

Behind the Scenes: The Making of a Legend

The production of They Call Him OG began in 2022 and took nearly three years, involving massive sets, international stunt teams, and high-end VFX. Sujeeth shot key sequences in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Goa, and Poland, blending realistic locations with stylized action choreography.

Pawan Kalyan performed several stunts himself, insisting on authenticity. In interviews, Sujeeth revealed that he wanted OG’s world to feel “larger than life, but grounded in pain.” That’s exactly what the team achieved.

Why Fans Call It a Masterpiece

Fans don’t just watch They Call Him OG—they experience it. The dialogues became memes, the action sequences went viral, and theaters turned into celebration zones.

Here’s why audiences loved it:

• Unforgettable Hero Entry: Pawan Kalyan’s first scene redefines mass cinema.
• Stylish Action: Gunfights choreographed with precision and grace.
• Music Magic: Thaman’s score pulses through every moment.
• Emotional Depth: Beyond the action lies a heartfelt story of redemption.

The film struck a perfect balance between spectacle and substance, proving that Telugu cinema can rival any global production in quality and storytelling.

Symbolic Scenes Fans Still Talk About

• The Rain Fight Sequence – Symbolizing cleansing and rebirth.
• The Bridge Confrontation – A battle between legacy and ambition.
• The OG Monologue – “They call me OG because I don’t follow rules—I make them.”
• Final Shot – OG walking into the sunset, leaving behind both fear and fame.

Each scene carries emotional weight, showing how visuals and dialogue merge to create cinematic art.

Impact on Telugu Cinema

“They Call Him OG” is a turning point for modern Telugu cinema. It sets a new benchmark in how star-driven movies can be meaningful yet massy. It bridges the gap between traditional heroism and contemporary storytelling.

Sujeeth’s direction and Pawan Kalyan’s command inspire a new wave of ambitious filmmakers. The film’s visual grammar—dark tones, slow-motion storytelling, and symbolic lighting—will likely influence future action films across industries.

Gangster Saga Worth Remembering

“They Call Him OG” is more than a film—it’s a phenomenon. It stands tall on Pawan Kalyan’s shoulders, supported by Sujeeth’s vision, Thaman’s soundscape, and a team that believed in creating something timeless.

While it’s not flawless—some pacing dips occur—the overall experience is monumental. It’s cinematic poetry wrapped in bullets and emotion.

FAQs

Q1. Who is the main actor in They Call Him OG Movie?

Ans: The lead role of OG, a fierce and charismatic gangster, is brilliantly portrayed by Pawan Kalyan. His powerful screen presence and intense dialogue delivery make the character unforgettable, showcasing why he remains one of Telugu cinema’s most celebrated stars.

Q2. Who directed They Call Him OG?

Ans: The film is directed by Sujeeth, who earlier gained fame for his stylish action film Saaho. With They Call Him OG, Sujeeth returns to deliver a more emotionally charged story, combining strong visuals, tight direction, and a gripping screenplay.

Q3. When was They Call Him OG released?

Ans: They Call Him OG was released worldwide on 25 September 2025 in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi. The film opened to packed theaters and became a massive success among fans and critics alike.

Q4. Where can I watch They Call Him OG Movie online?

Ans: The film is expected to stream soon on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video after completing its theatrical run. Once released on OTT platforms, it will be available in all major South Indian languages and Hindi for global audiences.

Q5. What is the genre of They Call Him OG Movie?

Ans: They Call Him OG falls under the action crime thriller genre. It masterfully blends high-octane sequences with deep emotional undertones, creating a perfect balance between mass entertainment and meaningful storytelling.

Q6. Who composed the music for They Call Him OG Movie?

Ans: The music for They Call Him OG is composed by Thaman S, known for his electrifying soundtracks and impactful background scores. His work amplifies the tension and emotion in the film, making each scene more engaging and memorable.

Q7. What makes They Call Him OG unique?

Ans: What truly sets They Call Him OG apart is its combination of emotional depth, cinematic grandeur, and Pawan Kalyan’s commanding performance. The film captures the essence of modern Telugu cinema — stylish, powerful, and full of heart.

Final Thoughts

“They Call Him OG” isn’t just another Telugu action blockbuster—it’s a cinematic tribute to power, purpose, and perseverance. The film captures the essence of what makes a hero timeless: the ability to rise above chaos and define his own destiny. Every frame of Sujeeth’s direction, every note of Thaman S’s music, and every dialogue delivered by Pawan Kalyan resonates with passion and precision.

Beyond the guns and gang wars, it’s a story about legacy, loyalty, and redemption. The visuals are striking, the performances magnetic, and the emotional depth unforgettable. It’s not merely a movie—it’s a movement, a reminder of why audiences fall in love with cinema that moves both the heart and the senses.

For fans, “They Call Him OG” reaffirms one truth — legends don’t fade away. They return, stronger than ever, to prove why they’re still called OG.