They Call Him OG (2025) Movie ft. Priyanka, Pawan, and Emraan
Pawan Kalyan makes a forceful comeback with this gangster thriller directed by Sujeeth. The film reunites action fans with their favorite star after a long gap. Emraan Hashmi enters Telugu cinema as the ruthless antagonist, bringing his Bollywood flair to the role.
Priyanka Mohan appears as the romantic interest alongside veteran actors Arjun Das, Sriya Reddy, and Prakash Raj. The music director Thaman S crafts an intense soundscape while Ravi K. Chandran captures the gritty visuals. The September 25, 2025 release sparked huge interest among moviegoers.
From Samurai Student to Mumbai’s Underworld King
The film opens with an unexpected Japanese connection in the 1970s. Young Ojas Gambheera witnesses a violent attack that destroys his training ground. This tragedy pushes him toward India where his transformation into a crime lord begins.
The main plot unfolds in 1993 Mumbai when OG emerges after a decade-long absence. His mission centers on toppling Omi Bhau who now controls the criminal networks. I found this setup intriguing because it blends revenge with territorial warfare across different time periods.
Lead Actor Carries the Entire Weight
Pawan Kalyan brings raw energy that hasn’t been seen in his recent work. His physical presence commands attention even during silent moments. The transformation into a feared gangster feels authentic through his expressions and movements. This performance clearly shows an actor fully invested in his character.
The supporting cast struggles to leave their mark though. Priyanka Mohan’s character vanishes into the background with barely any screen presence. Her chemistry with the lead never develops beyond surface level. I noticed the screenplay gives her nothing substantial to work with.
Emraan Hashmi delivers what audiences expect from a quality antagonist. His villainous turn adds layers that make confrontations worthwhile. The scenes where both leads clash generate real excitement. Watching their power struggle unfold became my favorite aspect of the entire experience.
Technical Team Delivers Outstanding Work
The camera work stands out as truly exceptional throughout. Ravi K. Chandran creates a moody atmosphere that pulls you into this criminal universe. Every shot feels deliberately crafted to enhance the storytelling. The color grading emphasizes the darkness surrounding these characters’ lives.
Thaman S proves why he’s trusted with big projects. His background music elevates ordinary scenes into memorable moments. During action sequences, the score builds intensity that makes your pulse race. I genuinely felt the music carried me through slower portions of the story.
Action choreography embraces realism over flashy movements. Director Sujeeth chooses brutal fight sequences that don’t shy away from violence. The stunts feel grounded which makes them more impactful. Production quality remains consistently high with detailed set designs transporting viewers to the 90s era.
Narrative Falls Into Familiar Patterns
The screenplay follows a predictable path that action films have explored countless times. OG’s revenge journey hits expected story beats without surprising twists. While the setup promised something different, the execution stays within safe boundaries. I kept hoping for unexpected turns that never materialized.
Runtime issues plague the middle portions significantly. Scenes drag when they should move forward quickly. The emotional connections between characters never deepen enough to make you care. Relationships feel functional rather than meaningful throughout the film.
The ending rushes to tie up loose threads after a slow buildup. Three hours of investment leads to a conclusion that feels incomplete. Style wins over substance in almost every creative decision. Female characters exist merely as background elements with zero agency or development.
Review Platforms Show Split Opinions
IMDb currently lists the film at 7.0 out of 10 based on viewer ratings. 123Telugu assigned 3.25 stars while praising technical execution but questioning story depth. They suggested the film appeals primarily to existing fans rather than general audiences.
Critic Umair Sandhu rated it 3.5 stars, labeling it a violent thriller worth watching. Koimoi was less generous with 2.5 stars, pointing out that spectacle overshadows storytelling. Greatandhra noted strong visuals but weak narrative substance. Most reviews acknowledge impressive craft while criticizing hollow storytelling.
Audience Reactions Split Between Fans and Others
Pawan Kalyan’s supporters celebrated his return with overwhelming enthusiasm online. Fan communities highlighted his powerful screen presence and memorable dialogue delivery. Thaman’s music received special praise for creating an electrifying atmosphere. Action lovers appreciated the uncompromising violence and stylish presentation.
Regular moviegoers without fan loyalty expressed disappointment with story quality. Many found themselves checking their watches during extended dialogue scenes. The overrated label appeared repeatedly in critical audience reviews. I understand both perspectives because the film clearly prioritizes fan service over universal appeal.
The verdict seems clear – this works mainly for Pawan Kalyan devotees or action enthusiasts. Those seeking meaningful narratives with strong character arcs should lower expectations. Technical excellence can’t compensate for predictable storytelling and underdeveloped emotional depth.
Rating: 3/5
