**"They Call Him OG"** (also known as **OG**) is a 2025 Telugu-language period gangster action film directed by Sujeeth (of *Saaho* fame), starring **Pawan Kalyan** in the titular role as Ojas Gambheera (OG), a retired gangster who returns to 1990s Bombay after a decade in exile (trained in Japanese martial arts and swordsmanship) to reclaim his empire and seek vengeance against a ruthless crime lord played by **Emraan Hashmi** (Omi Bhau). The cast also includes Prakash Raj, Priyanka Arul Mohan, Arjun Das, and others. It features high-octane action, thunderous background music by Thaman S, and connects to the Sujeeth Cinematic Universe.
The film hit theaters on September 25, 2025, and became a major commercial success, grossing around ₹293–300 crore worldwide. It later streamed on Netflix starting October 23, 2025, in multiple languages.
### Overall Reception
Reviews are **mixed to average**, with a lot of polarization between fans and critics/general audiences. Pawan Kalyan's commanding screen presence, intense performance, and stylish action sequences are widely praised as the film's biggest strengths—he looks unstoppable and delivers the mass elevations fans crave. Thaman's BGM is often called explosive and a major highlight, turning routine scenes into high-energy moments.
However, the **storyline and writing** get the most criticism: it's seen as predictable, routine, and emotionally flat, with weak character development, laggy pacing (especially in the second half), and a lack of depth or emotional connect. Many call it a "technically superb but narratively uneven" film—great visuals, production quality, and action blocks, but the script feels half-baked or overly focused on hero worship.
### Quick Pros & Cons
**Pros**:
- Pawan Kalyan's charismatic, powerful performance (he "never looked better" in many opinions)
- Stylish, brutal action (martial arts, gunfights, swordplay)
- Top-notch music, cinematography, and production values
- Fan-service moments (interval block is a standout)
**Cons**:
- Weak, predictable plot with poor emotional depth
- Overhyped scenes that feel repetitive
- Second half feels rushed or labored for many
If you're a **Pawan Kalyan fan** or enjoy high-energy South Indian mass action films (think stylish gangster revenge dramas), you'll likely have a blast—it's tailor-made for that crowd and delivers on spectacle. For general viewers looking for strong storytelling or emotional weight, it might feel like "style over substance" and a bit underwhelming.



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