They Call Him OG (2025)
Film Review: They Call Him OG (2025)
A Stylish Spectacle with a Familiar Core
They Call Him OG, the high-octane action-crime drama directed by Sujeeth, is a film designed as a full-throttle showcase for its lead star, Pawan Kalyan. The movie successfully delivers on its promise of a stylish, larger-than-life cinematic experience, though it occasionally struggles to match its visual flair with narrative originality.
The story centers on Ojas Gambheera, or "OG," a formidable figure with a mysterious past rooted in a Samurai dojo in 1940s Japan. After a violent event, OG finds his way to Mumbai and rises to power calongside a visionary businessman, Satya Dada (Prakash Raj), only to disappear into exile after a devastating incident. The plot leaps to the 1990s, where OG is forced to resurface to protect his allies and confront the menacing new crime lord, Omi Bhau (Emraan Hashmi), setting the stage for an explosive confrontation in the Mumbai underworld.
Pawan Kalyan is the undisputed heart of the film, commanding every frame with a charisma and intensity that is a pleasure to watch. The direction is clearly a fan's homage to the star, successfully crafting a massy yet classy gangster persona. The action choreography is a major highlight, blending martial arts, swordplay, and visceral gunfights into dynamic, beautifully shot sequences. Ravi K. Chandran and Manoj Paramahamsa's cinematography is exceptional, employing a moody, stylized color palette that elevates the gangster milieu. Thaman S's background score is equally crucial, providing a pulsating, dynamic energy that underpins the action and the star's presence.
However, where the film stumbles is in its writing. Beneath the superb technical execution and star power, the core plot is a relatively familiar gangster revenge tale. The first half is engaging, setting up the origin and the conflict effectively, with a powerful interval block. Yet, the second half occasionally feels over-reliant on high-octane elevation moments and exposition, sometimes making the narrative progression feel uneven or predictable. The potential for deeper emotional resonance, particularly with the protagonist's personal relationships, is often sidelined in favor of the next big action set piece.
Emraan Hashmi, in his Telugu debut, makes an impactful entry as the antagonist Omi Bhau, though the script doesn't always provide his character with the narrative depth to truly be a formidable counterweight to OG's magnetism. The supporting cast, including Priyanka Mohan, Sriya Reddy, and Arjun Das, are solid in their respective roles.
Verdict:
They Call Him OG is a visually stunning and fiercely entertaining action spectacle that is a triumph of style and a celebration of its lead star. If you are looking for a relentless, well-executed action film that prioritizes spectacle and charisma, it delivers in spades. Those expecting a layered, intricately plotted gangster drama may find the narrative less compelling than the presentation. Ultimately, the film is a blast of pure, cinematic energy that proves that a great star, dazzling action, and killer style can sometimes be enough to sweep the audience along for the ride.
