They Call Him OG Review: Pawan Kalyan Roars in a Bloated Mumbai Gangster Saga

This They Call Him OG review starts with a simple point: Sujeeth's Telugu action film cares far more about swagger than story. It builds a mythic entrance for Pawan Kalyan and then spends 155 minutes trying to live up to it. Fans of big-screen hero worship will find plenty to cheer, but everyone else may tire before the end.

They Call Him OG Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The They Call Him OG plot follows Ojas Gambheera, a fighter trained in Japan who has settled into a peaceful life far from Mumbai. That calm does not last. Trouble in the city pulls him back to help the people he promised to protect.

The setup is classic crime-action fare: a feared man with a past, a city under pressure and rivals who remember old wounds. Sujeeth, who also shares writing credit with Bannu Kishore Sarella, Anurag Kautoori and Mithilesh Sivagani, leans on legend. Characters talk about OG in hushed tones long before the film lets us see what he can do.

That approach gives the first act a slow-burn menace. It also sets expectations very high.

What Works in They Call Him OG

The film's biggest asset is its sense of occasion. Every major entrance is staged like an event, with slow motion, low angles and a booming score that tells you exactly when to cheer. If you came for a larger-than-life action hero, the film delivers that mood.

• Star power: Pawan Kalyan commands the screen with minimal dialogue.

• Villain energy: Emraan Hashmi gives the rivalry some bite.

• Style: The Japan-inspired fighting background adds a distinct flavour to the genre.

The music also deserves a mention. The Firestorm theme, with lyrics credited to Vishwa Vemuri, Srinivasa Mouli, Raja Kumari and Adviteeya Vojjala, gives the film a rousing identity. The tagline, "Firestorm is coming," suits the tone perfectly.

They Call Him OG Cast and Performances

The They Call Him OG cast is led by Pawan Kalyan as Ojas "OG" Gambheera. He plays the role with quiet intensity, letting posture and silence do the work. It is a performance built for fans, and it plays to his screen persona.

Emraan Hashmi plays Omkar "Omi Bhau" Varthaman, the rival force in the story. He brings a cool, controlled menace that works well against the hero's brooding presence. Their scenes are among the film's strongest.

Priyanka Arul Mohan appears as Kanmani, Prakash Raj as Satya Dada, Sriya Reddy as Geetha and Arjun Das as Arjun. The supporting players are capable, but the script gives most of them limited room. Prakash Raj in particular feels like an actor who could do more with better material.

Where They Call Him OG Stumbles

The main problem is length. At 155 minutes, the film repeats its hero-worship beats until they lose force. Scenes that build a legend are not always followed by scenes that deepen the characters.

The story itself is also thin. A revenge-tinged return to Mumbai is familiar ground, and the film rarely surprises within the crime genre. Emotional moments, including the bond with Kanmani, feel secondary to the next big action set piece.

Outside its core audience, the film's formula may feel loud and predictable. Our editor's 5.7/10 score reflects that split: strong style, uneven substance. If you enjoy more grounded action, our action movie reviews include other options.

Is They Call Him OG Worth Watching?

It is worth watching if you love Pawan Kalyan or enjoy stylised gangster action, but it is a harder sell for general viewers. The film offers a few thrilling moments and a memorable look, yet it stretches a modest story too far.

The film arrived in cinemas on 24 September 2025, and it is rated NR. Check local listings for current availability, as we have no confirmed streaming details. If you like your crime stories darker and more character-driven, browse our crime movie reviews as well.

For background on the production, the IMDb page for They Call Him OG lists full credits.

Who Will Enjoy They Call Him OG

• Fans of Pawan Kalyan who want a showcase for his star presence.

• Viewers who like stylised, music-driven Indian action cinema.

• Crime-thriller fans willing to trade plot depth for atmosphere.