Story
The narrative unfolds across various timelines - the 1940s, 1970s and 1990s. Ojas Gambhiraa (Pawan Kalyan), raised in Japan, is part of a secretive group that stands as a shield for good. When their rivals launch a brutal assault, the entire group is wiped out - except OG, who narrowly escapes. He returns to Bombay, where he crosses paths with Satya Dada (Prakash Raj). A strong bond forms between the two, and OG rises to become Satya Dada’s most trusted lieutenant. Together, they work towards building a dream venture - a private port in Colaba. However, after a few dramatic events, OG vanishes without a trace. Fifteen years later, when Satya Dada’s family and empire face a grave threat, only one man can help - OG. The rest of the story unravels the mystery behind OG's disappearance and his epic return to protect the man he once stood by.

Artists Performance

Pawan Kalyan: This film presents Pawan Kalyan in his most stylish avatar since Kushi - and it’s nothing short of magical. Director Sujeeth, a true fanboy, has crafted every frame with admiration, ensuring that Pawan Kalyan looks dapper and delivers peak screen presence, especially in the high-octane action sequences. His intense eyes - always a highlight - are used to stunning effect in close-up shots, adding a layer of gravitas to the action. It’s truly a visual feast for fans. Adding to the excitement, Sujeeth cleverly weaves in nostalgic elements like a ‘Johnny’ reference and the iconic “I’m a Travelling Soldier” track into a fight sequence - moments that are guaranteed to send fans into a frenzy.

Others: The casting of OG is spot-on, with each actor bringing depth and presence to their roles. Priyanka Arul Mohan appears briefly, but her role is crucial - and she delivers with grace. Prakash Raj is outstanding as Satya Dada, bringing gravitas and emotional weight. Emraan Hashmi is menacing as the villain with sinister ambitions, while Arjun Das commands attention with a powerful character arc. Sriya Reddy is phenomenal as a fierce, courageous woman - one of the film’s standout performances. Sudev Nair impresses as a formidable antagonist, and Rahul Ravindran shines in a key role, even recreating a classic PK gesture in one memorable scene. Harish Uthaman and Abhimanyu Singh add solid support - the latter playing a menacing corrupt cop. Upendra Limaye convincingly portrays a serious Chief Minister, and Tej Sapru is excellent as yet another villainous force. Suhas makes a brief guest appearance as a quirky gun-seller, while Jackie Shroff, reprising his Saaho character, makes a surprise cameo as part of the SCU. Though Ajay Ghosh barely registers, the film is packed with familiar faces that add richness to the cinematic world.

Story - screenplay - direction: The story of OG is rooted in the mafia genre - a space Telugu cinema had overexplored a decade ago, making it feel somewhat familiar. While the genre itself doesn’t break new ground, Sujeeth breathes fresh life into it through slick presentation, stylized visuals, and excellently choreographed action sequences.

Director Sujeeth ensured that Pawan Kalyan’s aura lingers even in scenes where he isn’t physically present

Being a die-hard Pawan Kalyan fan, Sujeeth ensures that the Powerstar appears in his most stylish avatar ever. The film is loaded with swag - from buildup shots to elevation moments to explosive action scenes. This is Pawan Kalyan like you’ve never seen before.

Sujeeth, who earlier drew criticism for the convoluted screenplay in Saaho, keeps things more lucid and engaging this time around. That said, the film does carry a slight narrative confusion—especially around the interval block, which shifts between Mumbai and Nashik. When a crucial reveal happens in the climax, questions arise around the Omi character’s timeline, but it’s worth noting that Mumbai and Nashik are just 20 minutes apart by chopper, which could explain the overlap.

Despite such minor hiccups, Sujeeth succeeds in crafting scenes where Pawan Kalyan’s presence is felt even in his absence. Filmed over three years with significant logistical constraints, Sujeeth uses these limitations to his advantage, creatively designing the screenplay and maximizing PK’s limited dates to deliver non-stop energy on screen.

The film is peppered with whistle-worthy moments - notably the interval sequence and the police station episode. While the tempo dips slightly during the Arjun Das - Sriya Reddy subplot in the pre-climax, the climax delivers a solid payoff. However, the gun-seller scene featuring Suhas doesn’t quite land as intended.

Sujeeth, who honed his technical finesse in Saaho, brings that expertise here - backed by pulsating background score and striking cinematography. The Japanese connection is woven in with intrigue, including a reference to Netaji, teasing potential for a sequel. He even introduces characters from Waaji City, subtly linking this film to Saaho and hinting at a larger Sujeeth Cinematic Universe (SCU).

In the end, OG is a redemption arc for Sujeeth as a filmmaker and a celebratory gift for Pawan Kalyan fans - delivering mass, style, and substance in equal measure.

Other departments: Thaman’s background score is electrifying and immersive, easily ranking among the finest works of his career. It’s evident he poured his heart and soul into the project, delivering a soundtrack that elevates every frame.

Cinematography by Ravi K Chandran, along with Manoj Paramahamsa, is visually stunning. The slick frames and fresh visual treatment bring out Pawan Kalyan’s most refreshing on-screen look in years.

Editing by Naveen Nooli is crisp and impactful, though the timeline confusion around Omi during the interval block slightly hampers the flow.

The action choreography—handled by a stellar team including A Vijay, Peter Hein, Dhilip Subbarayan, Kevin Kumar, Stunt Silva, Sunil Rodrigues, Kecha Khampakdee, Juji, Supreme Sundar, Jashwa, and Parvez—is top-notch. Each sequence is stylishly crafted, maximizing Pawan Kalyan’s screen presence, aura, and iconic eye expressions to thrilling effect.

Production design by AS Prakash is commendable, seamlessly blending locations across Mumbai, Tamil Nadu, and Japan with imaginative set pieces and creative execution.

The film boasts high production values, with producers DVV Danayya and Kalyan Dasari ensuring a polished and grand cinematic experience throughout.

Analysis: OG is the film that Pawan Kalyan fans and Telugu cinema audiences have been longing for from Pawan Kalyan. It took a passionate fan like Sujeeth, armed with the technical finesse he showcased in Saaho, to bring that long-awaited vision to life. The film’s major strengths include Pawan Kalyan’s powerful/suave screen presence, Sujeeth’s stylish direction, Thaman’s pulsating background score, Ravi K Chandran’s slick visuals, and spectacularly choreographed action sequences. Overall, They Call Him OG is a must-watch for PSPK fans and delivers a massive theatrical experience that appeals to all Telugu movie lovers.