OG Movie Review: Pawan Kalyan’s Mass Entertainer That Fans Can’t Miss

After years of waiting, Pawan Kalyan storms back to the big screen with 'They Call Him OG', and boy, does he make an entrance. Director Sujeeth has crafted what feels like a love letter to the Power Star, packed with everything fans have been craving - blood-soaked action, whistle-worthy moments, and that unmistakable Kalyan charisma.

Familiar Story

In OG, the action takes us straight back to the rough, dangerous lanes of 90s Mumbai. At the center of it all is Ojas Gambheera, the dreaded name that once made the underworld tremble. Known to all simply as OG, he resurfaces after a decade in the shadows, when his beloved mentor Satya Dada’s port business falls under the threat of the merciless Omi Bhau. What begins as a straightforward revenge track soon explodes into a storm of betrayals, hidden agendas, deep-rooted family ties, and the kind of vintage gangster politics fans crave.

The film doesn’t shy away from tradition. You’ll find a protective father-figure dynamic, the beauty of a quiet family life disrupted by chaos, and the big face-off between hero and villain that every fan awaits. The beats are expected, yes, but it’s the 90s aesthetic, the streets, the sea, and the underworld styling, that makes the familiar ride feel stylish and engaging, adding a nostalgic punch for audiences.

Pawan Kalyan Owns Every Frame

This movie exists for one reason, and that's to remind everyone why Pawan Kalyan is called the Power Star. His portrayal of Ojas Gambheera is pure magic. The retro gangster look suits him perfectly, and he appears more energetic than he has in years. The police station sequence stands out as a masterclass in controlled intensity.

Watch how he shifts from calm calculation to explosive rage - it's the kind of acting that sends shivers down your spine. The action blocks, especially the introduction fight and interval sequence, are designed as pure fan service, and they deliver exactly what they promise.

Supporting Cast Brings Their A-Game

Emraan Hashmi makes a solid Telugu debut as Omi Bhau, bringing genuine menace to his antagonist role. His face-offs with Pawan Kalyan crackle with tension, though his character could have used more depth. Though Priyanka Mohan doesn’t get much time on screen as Kanmani, every scene with her and the lead hits the heart. She makes her moments count, leaving fans wishing there was more of her in the story. The supporting ensemble, including Prakash Raj, Arjun Das, and Sriya Reddy, provides solid backup. However, with such talented actors in the mix, it's disappointing that many feel underused. There was definitely room for more character development.

Technical Team Delivers the Goods

OG doesn’t just look good, it looks lethal. Thanks to masters Ravi K. Chandran and Manoj Paramahamsa, every shot feels loaded with style and intensity. The Mumbai underworld has never looked this cool before: shadowy, raw, dangerous, and yet breathtakingly glossy. Fans will walk out remembering the visuals as much as the action.

Then there’s Thaman, not so much composing music as conducting electricity straight into the audience. Those moments when you feel your chair vibrate? That’s not the theater sound system, that’s Thaman handing out goosebumps like party favors. And when the fists and katana blades come out, the choreography doesn’t just aim for realism, it swings for jaw-dropping. These highs are staged for cheers, whistles, and maybe even a few sore throats the morning after.

Storytelling and Pacing Flaws

OG has the swagger, the style, the smashing visuals, but where it stumbles is in keeping its story straight. The first half crackles with energy, but by the time the second half hits, the pacing sputters. Suddenly, scenes feel scattered, stretched, and not half as compelling as what came before. The script banks on tropes so dated they belong to another era, kidnapped kids, wives in danger, only reminding us how much more demanding audiences are in 2025.

The love track barely flickers, left criminally undercooked and failing to strike any emotional chord. And let’s talk tone, the film can’t decide if it wants to be a serious tale or a fireworks show for Pawan Kalyan fans. Too often, it feels like watching a string of elevation clips stitched together for applause moments, instead of a story that breathes and flows.

Fan Factor

Here’s the deal with OG. It knows exactly what it wants to be and who’s going to love it. This is pure power-packed fan service, and every shot screams celebration of Pawan Kalyan’s big return to action. The massive advance bookings, crossing Rs 50 crore even before release, show how much audiences were waiting for something like this. It begins with a symbol carved in fire, a title card that declares war. Into this world strides Jackie Shroff, a fleeting guardian cloaked in charisma. And at its edges, ghostly echoes of Sujeeth’s earlier ventures whisper to those who care to listen. Thus, OG spins its legend, captivating fans and seekers of lore alike.

Verdict

They Call Him OG unfolds like a grand stage play set not in words but in action. The narrative leaves spaces unfilled, but those voids are overshadowed by the sheer theatricality of Pawan Kalyan’s return. Every frame gleams with technical precision, every action sequence resonates with the weight of spectacle. For seekers of depth and originality, the film may falter, but as a celebration of the Power Star’s charisma, it rises higher than its flaws. To view it is to go beyond plot and enter a festival of sound, fury, and cinematic flourish.

Rating: 3.25/5 – A stylish comeback that delivers on style but could have used more substance.