OG Movie Review: Pawan Kalyan’s Action Saga Shines in Style, Stumbles in Story
After years of anticipation, Pawan Kalyan’s gangster drama “They Call Him OG” directed by Sujeeth has finally hit the screens. Billed as a high-octane action entertainer, the film arrives on the back of massive hype, promising a blend of style, mass elevation sequences, and a larger-than-life portrayal of Pawan. But does the film manage to balance fan service with strong storytelling?
The Story
The narrative follows Ojas Gambheera (Pawan Kalyan), once a loyal protégé of Satya Dada (Prakash Raj), who rules over Mumbai’s port business. Circumstances force OG to walk away from his mentor and city, building a peaceful life with his wife Kanmani (Priyanka Mohan) and daughter in Madurai.
Fifteen years later, the emergence of mafia don Omi Bhau (Emraan Hashmi) threatens Satya Dada’s empire and OG’s family. Inevitably, Gambheera is drawn back into the violent world he abandoned, setting the stage for a saga of vengeance, betrayal, and redemption.
The film also explores OG’s mysterious past, tracing his samurai-inspired training in Japan and his battles against yakuza forces, with hints at a wider cinematic universe.
Performances
- Pawan Kalyan dominates the film with his commanding screen presence. His fiery dialogues, stylish slow-motion shots, and intense action sequences provide plenty of whistle-worthy moments for fans. The police station confrontation scene in particular is a highlight, showcasing his raw intensity.
- Priyanka Mohan is graceful and convincing, though her role is limited.
- Emraan Hashmi makes his Telugu debut as the antagonist but feels underutilized in a character that lacks depth.
- Prakash Raj delivers a mature and layered performance, while Arjun Das and Sriya Reddy add weight to the ensemble.
Technical Brilliance
S. Thaman’s background score is easily one of the film’s strongest assets, amplifying the energy of every major sequence. Ravi K. Chandran and Manoj Paramahamsa’s cinematography gives OG a glossy, international look, particularly in action blocks and Mumbai’s port backdrops. The production design and action choreography, influenced by Japanese martial arts, elevate the stylish presentation.
Highs
- Pawan Kalyan’s electrifying performance
- Thaman’s rousing background score
- Slick action choreography with Japanese-inspired visuals
- Engaging first half with a powerful interval block
- Easter eggs referencing Pawan’s “Johnny” and Sujeeth’s “Saaho”
Lows
- Predictable and wafer-thin storyline
- Second half loses steam with repetitive elevation scenes
- Overemphasis on style at the cost of substance
- Underwritten villain and underwhelming emotional depth
- Forced cinematic universe connections
Analysis
Director Sujeeth clearly crafts OG as a love letter to Pawan Kalyan’s stardom. From stylish visuals to nostalgic Easter eggs, every frame screams fan service. While this approach guarantees applause in theatres packed with Pawan’s admirers, the lack of a compelling story leaves general audiences wanting more.
The film’s first half sets a strong tone, with gripping action, fan-friendly dialogues, and an explosive pre-interval sequence. However, the second half falters, bogged down by unnecessary subplots, predictable twists, and a weak emotional core. Despite attempts to add novelty through Japanese flashbacks and references to real-world events like the Mumbai blasts, the screenplay struggles to maintain momentum.
Verdict
They Call Him OG is a stylish action saga that thrives on Pawan Kalyan’s charisma and Thaman’s music, but falters with its thin plot and over-reliance on fan service. For die-hard fans, it’s a feast filled with nostalgia, action, and mass moments. For others, it’s an entertainer high on style but low on depth.
Bottom Line: A celebration of Pawan Kalyan’s stardom — unmissable for fans, passable for everyone else.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
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