“They Call Him OG Review: Pawan Kalyan Steals the Show with Magnetic Aura”

‘They Call Him OG’ Review: Pawan Kalyan’s Magnetic Aura Elevates a Familiar Gangster Tale

All superstars share one trait: an undeniable screen presence. Telugu icon Pawan Kalyan, fondly known as Power Star, exemplifies this. Even a single glance from him can electrify the screen. Director Sujeeth’s They Call Him OG leans heavily on this aura, offering fans exactly what they’ve come to expect.

The film opens in 1940s Japan, with a samurai gang wiped out in an internal clash, leaving OG (Ojas Gambheera, played by Pawan Kalyan) as the sole survivor. He escapes on a ship alongside Satya Dada (Prakash Raj), aiming to build a port in Mumbai.

By the 1970s, Satya Dada and Geetha (Sriya Reddy) confront Mirajkar (Tej Sapru) over the port and a mysterious cargo container. OG, the protector of Satya Dada’s family, leaves Mumbai following an untoward incident, setting off a power struggle. Years later, a new threat looms over the city, forcing questions: Will OG return? Who endangers Satya Dada and Mumbai?

Sujeeth’s film is a love letter to Pawan Kalyan. From the outset, the story dives into high-octane sequences, building up to OG’s electrifying introduction. The first 30 minutes deliver one adrenaline-pumping scene after another, amplified by Thaman’s chest-thumping score. Pawan Kalyan’s screen presence compensates for his limited dialogue, with action sequences choreographed to maximize impact. The film’s conviction is evident: one man’s mayhem feels larger than life.

The first half establishes Mumbai’s underworld and the antagonist Omi Bhau (Emraan Hashmi). While predictable, the narrative maintains drama. The second half, particularly the climax, falters. Classic fan-service tropes—kidnapping a child, killing a wife—feel outdated and overly familiar, reducing emotional impact.

Action remains a highlight. From the opening frames, blood-soaked sequences dominate, with Pawan Kalyan’s stylish OG commanding attention. Supporting actors including Prakash Raj, Tej Sapru, Sriya Reddy, and Priyanka Mohan enhance his presence. Arjun Das’s flashback sequence also strengthens the latter half. Fans should stay through the end credits for a surprise.

Technical aspects impress. Thaman’s music, Ravi K Chandran and Manoj Paramahamsa’s cinematography, and choreographed action sequences amplify the masala entertainment. Yet, inconsistencies in tone, visual effects, and dubbing are noticeable, and the second half’s emotional lapses make the runtime feel longer.

They Call Him OG delivers thrilling moments tailored for Pawan Kalyan fans, though the story remains a familiar gangster narrative. For those seeking high-voltage action and the star’s invincible aura, the film is a satisfying ride—but beyond these moments, the plot treads predictable ground.