They Call Him OG Review: I walked into the theatre with zero expectations. Honestly, three days before its release, I didn’t even know They Call Him OG was a thing. The trailer dropped, people spammed comments, and I thought, “Fine, let’s see what this is about.” Bought my ticket, grabbed my seat, and within the first five minutes, I had this gut feeling: this movie isn’t going to go easy on my eyes… and by the 10-minute mark, I realized it wasn’t going easy on my ears either.
Background of the Film
Directed by Sujeeth and starring Pawan Kalyan, the movie had all the makings of a typical South Indian mass entertainer. The trailer promised high-octane action, a stylish hero, and heavy dialogue. But trailers can be deceptive, and this one was no exception.
My Rating: 3.0/5
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | They Call Him OG |
| Director | Sujeeth |
| Lead Actor | Pawan Kalyan (as Ojas Gambhira / OG) |
| Other Cast | Priyanka Arul Mohan, Emraan Hashmi (villain role), Arjun Das, Sriya Reddy |
| Music / BGM | Thaman S |
| Genre | Action, Thriller, Mass Entertainer |
| Runtime | 2h 35m |
| Production | DVV Entertainment |
| Release Date | September 2025 |
The First 10 Minutes
That’s all it took for me to understand the core problem: the action style. Instead of showing punches land or swords cut, the scenes jumped abruptly. One guy swings, the other drops, no impact, no weight. It reminded me of someone skipping the best part of a fight just to rush through it.
Action Sequences – The Big Disappointment
The movie tries hard to look stylish, but in doing so, it loses substance. Action should thrill you, give goosebumps, and make you feel the hit. Here, it’s like watching a badly edited highlight reel. The director clearly wanted a “KGF vibe,” but OG ends up feeling like a cheap imitation.
Soundtrack & Background Score
Now, here’s where I’ll give credit: Thaman’s background score is the lifeline of this film. From the opening sequence to the high-tension moments, the BGM carried the weight the visuals couldn’t. It was loud, punchy, and actually fun to listen to, even when the scenes didn’t deserve it.
The Storyline – Familiar Yet Forced
At its heart, the film is about Ojas Gambhira (OG), born in Japan, trained in martial arts, and later moving to India to run a port business under the shadow of another family. There’s rivalry, betrayal, politics, and the usual power struggles. And of course, they tried to throw in a cinematic universe connection (linking it to Saaho). Honestly, it felt more like an attempt to ride the trend than tell a meaningful story.
Writing Flaws That Hurt the Film
The script is full of loopholes. Characters who introduced OG earlier in the story later ask, “Who is he?” The dialogues repeat, the logic breaks, and the writing feels lazy. Instead of building mystery, it becomes frustrating.
Visuals & Cinematic Style
Yes, it’s stylish. Wide shots, dark tones, slow-motion walks, it’s all there. But style without clarity is just noise. You can see the effort to mimic blockbusters like KGF and Salaar, but OG doesn’t add anything new.
Character Development
- OG (Ojas Gambhira): Pawan Kalyan brings the swag. He looks cool, walks cool, talks cool. But beyond the aura, the character has no emotional depth.
- Villains: Standard-issue bad guys, angry faces, loud voices, zero impact.
- Supporting Cast: Most of them are reduced to props, delivering dialogues just to push the hero forward.
Pawan Kalyan’s Performance
Here’s the thing: Pawan Kalyan’s presence is undeniable. He owns the screen, and fans will cheer for his entry, his one-liners, and his walk. That charisma is real. But the movie doesn’t give him enough to showcase his range. It’s all style, little substance.
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What Worked for Me
- Thaman’s background score (the real hero of the movie).
- A few stylish moments that looked good in theatres.
- Pawan Kalyan’s undeniable screen aura.
What Didn’t Work for Me
- Weak and abrupt action sequences.
- Repetitive writing that insults the audience’s intelligence.
- Overstuffed plot with forced Japan-origin backstory.
- Lack of emotional connection to characters.
Comparison to Other South Indian Masala Films
If you’ve seen KGF, Salaar, or Saaho, you’ll notice OG tries to borrow elements from all three. The problem is, instead of blending into something better, it averages out into a “meh” experience. Neither as gritty as KGF, nor as sleek as Salaar, nor as ambitious as Saaho. Just stuck in the middle.
Good & Bad in They Call Him OG
| Good | Bad |
|---|---|
| Thaman’s BGM keeps the energy alive | Action sequences lack impact |
| Pawan Kalyan’s screen presence | Lazy and repetitive writing |
| A few stylish visuals | Overstuffed plot with no emotional weight |
| Fan service moments | Characters underdeveloped |
| Some theatre-worthy moments | Feels like an average mix of other movies |
Final Verdict – Timepass or Worth Skipping?
At the end of the day, They Call Him OG feels like a half-hearted attempt at a mass entertainer. If you’re a die-hard Pawan Kalyan fan, you’ll probably enjoy the swag and the music. But if you’re looking for solid action and gripping storytelling, this one doesn’t deliver. For me, it’s a timepass watch, fun in moments, frustrating in most.
Conclusion
I walked out of the theatre with mixed feelings. Thaman’s music still rang in my ears, but the action left me unsatisfied. They Call Him OG could have been something fresh, but it settles for being another “average masala flick.” Watch it only if you’re in for fan service or want to see Pawan Kalyan light up the big screen. Otherwise, you’re not missing much.
FAQs
Q1. Is They Call Him OG worth watching in theatres?
Only if you’re a Pawan Kalyan fan or love loud BGM; otherwise, it’s skippable.
Q2. How is Pawan Kalyan’s performance in the movie?
His screen presence is strong, but the weak script doesn’t let him shine fully.
Q3. Does the movie connect to Saaho?
Yes, it hints at a cinematic universe, but it feels forced rather than organic.
Q4. Is the action good in the film?
Sadly, no. The execution is abrupt, lacking impact, and disappointing for an action film.
Q5. What’s the best part of the movie?
Without a doubt, Thaman’s background score it carries the entire film.