Introduction
Director Sujeeth’s They Call Him OG is designed as a tribute to Power Star Pawan Kalyan. While the gangster saga leans on familiar tropes, it thrives on electrifying elevation sequences and the superstar’s unmatched aura.
The Storyline
The film opens in 1940s Japan, narrating the fall of samurai gangs with one survivor—OG, later revealed as Ojas Gambheera (Pawan Kalyan). He escapes to India alongside Satya Dada (Prakash Raj), who dreams of building a port in Mumbai.
By the 1970s, Satya Dada and Geetha (Sriya Reddy) face off against Mirajkar (Tej Sapru) over control of the port and a mysterious container. Ojas, once their protector, abandons Mumbai after a tragic incident, leaving room for a power struggle. The central conflict revolves around whether OG will return to defend Satya Dada from a looming threat.
Elevation and Fan Service
Sujeeth wastes no time in setting the tone. The first thirty minutes are filled with rousing elevation sequences, setting up Pawan Kalyan’s explosive entry backed by Thaman’s thumping score. These moments deliver pure mass entertainment, compensating for reduced screen time and minimal monologues.
The director’s admiration for Pawan Kalyan is evident in every frame, crafting the film as a love letter to his fandom.
Action and Screen Presence
From the opening frame, bloodshed and chaos dominate the narrative. The action is relentless, exaggerated, yet convincing in the world Sujeeth creates. Pawan Kalyan, as Ojas Gambheera, owns the screen with effortless charisma.
Emraan Hashmi plays Omi Bhau, the adversary, but his character feels underwhelming. Supporting actors like Prakash Raj, Sriya Reddy, Priyanka Mohan, and Tej Sapru add strength, while Arjun Das shines in a flashback portion that keeps the second half afloat.
Weaknesses in the Narrative
The film falters in the second half, relying on outdated tropes like child kidnapping and wife-killing. Predictability creeps in, weakening emotional depth. While the gangster framework is intact, the lack of fresh drama makes the story feel stretched.
Technical hiccups such as uneven visual effects, dubbing issues, and tonal inconsistencies further affect the overall impact.
Technical Strengths
Despite shortcomings, They Call Him OG excels in certain departments. Thaman’s music lifts the energy, while cinematographers Ravi K Chandran and Manoj Paramahamsa deliver striking visuals, especially in high-octane sequences.
Fans are also treated to a surprise after the credits, adding to the theatrical thrill.
Verdict
They Call Him OG may not reinvent the gangster drama, but it delivers powerful theatrical moments anchored by Pawan Kalyan’s invincible presence. With Sujeeth’s fan-service approach and Thaman’s pulsating score, the film is a treat for die-hard fans, even if its story feels familiar and inconsistent.
