The Call Him OG- Movie Review- Telugu (2025)

Movie: They Call Him OG- 2025

Director: Sujeeth

Production: DVV

Cast: Pawan Kalyan, Emraan Hashmi, Priyanka Mohan, Prakash Raj & Others

Music: S. S. Thamman

Editor: Naveen Nooli 

Cinematography: Ravi K Chandran & Manoj Parmahamsa

Release Date: 25/09/2025

Language: Telugu 

Rating: 'A' (Loads of Violence)

3.25/5

Same Old Gangster Grind, Salvaged by Powerstar's Shine

01. What's OG upto?

The most hyped 2025 Telugu cinema is finally out at your nearest theatres. Fans and moviebuffs have been waiting since 2 years for this hyped movie & finally it's out. 

I don't want to waste time in explaining any plot but just want to delve into the review. Basically it's an old school, already seen gangster revenge drama with ample of Powerstar's Shine. We have many characters like Satya Dada, OMI, Mirajkar, Geetha, Kanmani etc which all revolve around one person - that's OJAS GAMBHEERA OG. 

It's an out and out Pawan Kalyan's commercial film, either he's present on screen or the characters just talk about him, but ultimately it's only about him. 

02. Is it all worth that hype?

To answer this question, I have to say- it's YES. Powerstar Pawan Kalyan is presented in a never before avathar & that too with ample of extravaganza. It's a feast for his fans, Sujeeth just caught the pulse of audience as him being one among them for this film. No one expected that Pawan Kalyan would be presented or sketched in such a stylish Gangster role, not atleast now! He comes as a banger, whenever he's on screen he made sure that there's only action around him & only ACTION! Fans would definitely love to see the Powerstar back in such a stylish Gangster role. There's no limit to the elevations, ofcourse they do the needful but still that goes beyond extents but still in a neat well mannered comercial way. 

There are so many characters enacted by Prakash Raj, Sriya Reddy, Shubhaleka Sudhakar, Tej Sapru, Priyanka Mohan, Arjun Das- all get their due, but central plot is between Omi & OG by Emraan Hashmi & Pawan Kalyan respectively. 

03. What clicks?

Pawan Kalyan got some career best looks & loads of action sequences specifically designed for him with interest in such a way that audience are in awe. Though he gets minimal dialogues or drama, he shines thoroughout the film. OG comes with so much violence than one expects, but not in an eerie or horrible way. Some how felt those cherubic action sequences are the actual saviours. The way Pawan Kalyan is presented just makes us drop our jaws. He's just amazing. It is sure that when he's on screen it's for only action with very minimal dialogues but still that works. Sujeeth though having a weak plot, made use of all those extravaganza commercial elements to make the movie elevate from a mediocre to an above average film. Direction is a plus. Screenplay & cinematography are other two wheels of the chariot. Then comes the crucial part- the Music & BGM by Thamman! Thamman was on a high no doubt working for this project - what score was that!! Damn!! He just rocked the action sequences with his banger music. 

The way Japanese elements were introduced & some action sequences were designed, especially the interval bang, police station warning scene or the pre climax fight with Washi O Washi gig makes it memorable or a fresh experience for the audience, even to the rare cinema goers. I felt it ultra stylish & I loved the VFX too. Pawan & Kanmani by Priyanka Mohan pair looked cute, but sad part is their love track was the most predicated ones in recent times. 

So, majorly it's all Sujeeth, stylish cinematography, music & Powerstar that make this a workable outing. 

04. What went wrong?

The plot! Yes! You heard it right, there's minimal or actually no plot at all! It's a basic old aged revenge drama with a gangster backdrop on both sides, but between the two gangs- Good VS Bad. Movie goes on to take an eternity to just keep on introducing characters throughout the film & that's absolutely irritating. We know it's OG, the other one is OMI. But still director isn't satisfied by saying it once, he has tens of flasbacks to tell about the back stories. 

First half goes in introducing the OG & OMI with their backstories, second half goes in connecting the predictable dots left in the beginning. Entirely, it's a very predictable, silly, already known plot but again what saves is the extravaganza - Music, screenplay & Powerstar. Pawan Kalyan though gets a minimal screen space in first half or only used for action sequences, again gets the same in later part but with a little increased screentime. Arjun Das is underutilized. 

The family bonding & the love track or Father-Daughter sentiment brings boredom & adds artificiality too the flow. The extended Suvvi Suvvi versions in second half lags or irritates, when there isn't so much of realistic feeling coming from heart to the audience, how can that appeal though? Some illogical things irritate, but again the extravaganza covers up here too. Introducing so many characters in second part messes up a bit & however plot goes too flat from later part. Repeated elevations, showing PSPK as a God & someone who instils chills just by announcing the name- OG is again annoying, I dunno how many times PK gets these scenes in all his films. 

05. Finally?

I cannot strike it off completely saying - STRICTLY FOR FANS! But, partially I have to agree on that. There is nothing to expect from the plot or story, it's all about the elevations, highs that it gives to audience with a theatre experience & the banger music is something that runs this film. I can quote it as the - New Age/ Modern Cinema for the Telugu audience. We have been seeing these kind of films off late & expect many such like these in future too. No story, no proper plot but only about the theatre experience & highs it gives. 

However if not talking about all the other elements, I personally enjoyed the film to an extent. I cannot guarantee that same can be experienced via OTT, but for sure this film is for a kind of EXPERIENCE in theatres. If you love watching the Power Star playing an ultra stylish Gangster role with loads of action sequences specifically designed in a way with ample dedication - then this is for you. If you're expecting plot or story, then am Sorry! 

But one last thing, who can believe that Pawan Kalyan is coming back with this craze & unanimous acceptance with double the hype for OG after a film like HHVM!! Powerstar for a reason! 🙌