They Call Him OG Movie Review: Pawan Kalyan shines in a stylish but shallow gangster saga

After months of anticipation, They Call Him OG finally hits the screens, bringing Pawan Kalyan back in an intense, larger-than-life gangster role. Set in 1990s Mumbai, the film follows Ojas Gambheera, a feared don who is forced out of exile to protect a port ruled by Satya Dada (Prakash Raj). What follows is a battle for power, revenge, and dominance, as new enemies emerge and old scars resurface.

The first half of the film focuses heavily on setup – introducing several characters, establishing conflicts, and slowly building tension. While the pacing feels flat in parts, the intrigue is maintained, thanks to Pawan Kalyan’s magnetic presence. His intro and interval blocks are easily the highlights of the half, executed with style and mass appeal. There’s a sense of build-up that hints at a powerful second half.

However, that’s where the film starts to falter. The second half struggles to carry the weight of its buildup. With too many characters and subplots packed in, the narrative becomes cluttered and occasionally confusing. There’s an overuse of elevation sequences, moments crafted to thrill but they often lack emotional grounding or proper narrative build-up. Almost every scene tries to feel big, which ends up diluting their actual impact.

While Pawan Kalyan is in top form and arguably presented in his best way in recent times, the supporting cast doesn’t get the same treatment. Emraan Hashmi makes an impressive Telugu debut as the stylish and menacing Omi Bhau, but his character is underutilized and doesn’t get the space to truly evolve. Sudhev Nair, playing Jimmy, makes a solid impression in the first half but disappears too quickly. Sriya Reddy, Priyanka Mohan, Arjun Das, and Prakash Raj all show potential, but their roles lack depth or resolution. The emotional beats never quite land, which keeps the audience at arm’s length from the drama.

Technically, though, the film soars. Thaman’s background score is a standout, it adds life to even the dullest stretches and amplifies the high points. The cinematography by Ravi K Chandran and Manoj Paramahamsa is rich and well-composed, giving the film a polished and cinematic look. Director Sujeeth clearly knows how to craft stylish frames and elevation moments that cater to fans, but where he falls short is in storytelling. The narrative never feels cohesive or emotionally satisfying, and that’s what holds the film back from being truly impactful.

In the end, They Call Him OG feels like a film designed primarily for fan service and it does deliver in that department. But beyond the style and swagger, it lacks soul. It’s technically strong, features a commanding lead performance, and has moments that will thrill fans, but as a complete cinematic experience, it leaves you wanting more.

They Call Him OG Movie Rating: 2.75/5