They Call Him OG arrived in theaters on 25 September 2025 as one of Telugu cinema’s most anticipated releases of the year. Directed by Sujeeth, the film brought back Pawan Kalyan in a hard‑hitting action saga, paired with Emraan Hashmi in his Telugu debut. The movie’s journey from record‑setting early numbers to mixed audience reviews reflects something bigger: the challenges and possibilities in mainstream Indian action cinema today.
| Attribute | Details |
| Movie Title | They Call Him OG |
| Release Date | 25 September 2025 |
| Director | Sujeeth |
| Producer | Dil Raju |
| Writer | Sujeeth |
| Lead Cast | Pawan Kalyan, Emraan Hashmi |
| Supporting Cast | Priyanka Arul Mohan, Prakash Raj, Arjun Das, Sriya Reddy |
| Music Composer | Thaman S |
| Cinematography | R. Madhi |
| Editor | Naveen Nooli |
| Production Company | Sri Venkateswara Creations |
| Language | Telugu |
| Genre | Action, Crime |
| Running Time | 155 minutes |
| Certification | A (Adults Only) |
| Budget | ₹120 crore |
| Box Office | ₹283 crore worldwide |
| OTT Platform | Netflix |
What They Call Him OG Is About
They Call Him OG is a Telugu‑language action crime drama centered on Ojas “OG” Gambheera, a powerful underworld figure whose return to the criminal landscape sets off a chain of violent confrontations. The film blends stylized set pieces, fan‑service moments, and character‑driven beats into an overall entertainment package designed for mass audiences.
At its core, the story explores power struggles, loyalty, revenge, and the mythos of a larger‑than‑life hero navigating a brutal world. The narrative places OG at the heart of nearly every key sequence, with every character, scene, and fight reflecting his influence and aura.
Unlike many crime dramas that focus on ensemble storytelling or emotional arcs, the movie steers more toward spectacle and impact, aiming to appeal to viewers seeking fast‑paced action and striking visuals.
Cast & Performances
The cast of They Call Him OG is a major reason behind its hype and attention:
- Pawan Kalyan as Ojas “OG” Gambheera – The film centers on his persona, aura, and action sequences. Kalyan’s presence drives most scenes, providing the film its central gravity and fan appeal.
- Emraan Hashmi as Omi Bhau (Antagonist) – Emraan Hashmi’s appearance marked his Telugu cinema debut. His character serves as the main opposition force to OG, bringing a new flavor to the traditional antagonist role.
- Priyanka Arul Mohan, Prakash Raj, Arjun Das, and Sriya Reddy in key supporting roles, each adding dimension to OG’s world with their distinct contributions to the narrative and action dynamics.
The cast combination reinforced the film’s ambition: appealing to fans of mainstream mass heroes, action lovers, and audiences outside the Telugu belt due to Emraan Hashmi’s pan-Indian presence.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
They Call Him OG follows OG, a dominant figure returning after a long absence to face rival gangs and betrayals threatening his empire. The screenplay emphasizes action, visual spectacle, and hero-centric sequences, with OG’s aura shaping the narrative momentum.
The film opens with a violent backdrop and quickly establishes OG as a powerful, almost mythic presence. Confrontations, alliances, and power shifts occur steadily, usually through fight scenes or dramatic dialogue exchanges. Emotional arcs exist but are underdeveloped, focusing on OG’s relationships with allies and foes rather than deep personal evolution.
As the story progresses, strategic showdowns escalate power conflicts, culminating in a climax that relies on visual style and a rhythmic score rather than nuanced character introspection. The plot is tailored for spectacle, mass appeal, and star-driven storytelling.
Music & Technical Craft
The soundtrack, composed by Thaman S, plays a significant role in elevating the film’s action sequences and dramatic moments. Energetic beats and emotive motifs heighten tension and add emotional weight to character moments. Viewers frequently cited the music and background score as one of the film’s most engaging elements.
Technically, the film shines in cinematography, production design, and sound mixing. The action choreography, lighting, and visual framing create memorable cinematic moments, even when the narrative or pacing receives critique.
Box Office Performance: Actual Numbers
Opening Day & Premiere
They Call Him OG had one of the biggest opening days of 2025. The film reportedly earned around ₹21 crore from premiere shows alone, followed by a massive first-day total of approximately ₹70 crore domestically. Including international screenings, the worldwide total on day one was close to ₹90 crore.
Domestic & Overseas Totals
Over its theatrical run, the film earned approximately:
- India domestic gross: ₹219 crore
- Overseas gross: ₹64 crore
- Worldwide total: ₹283 crore
In North America, the premiere day collection of nearly USD 3.13 million made it the highest-grossing Telugu film in that market in 2025.
Mid-Run Box Office Trends
After a strong opening, collections dipped in subsequent weeks, a typical pattern for films relying heavily on fan turnout. Despite this, the film maintained solid performance across Telugu-speaking regions, cementing its place as one of the top-grossing films of the year.
Reviews & Reception
Critic Reviews
Critics gave mixed reviews. Positive remarks focused on the film’s technical excellence, including cinematography, action choreography, and music. However, many reviews noted:
- Predictable plotlines and reliance on familiar gangster tropes
- A second half that struggled to maintain momentum
- A story tailored heavily for fans of the lead star, which might not satisfy viewers seeking narrative depth
Audience Response
Audience reactions ranged widely:
Positive feedback emphasized:
- Stylish action sequences
- Strong performances by Pawan Kalyan and Emraan Hashmi
- Energetic soundtrack and background score
- An entertaining cinematic experience for fans of action and mass entertainers
Mixed responses highlighted:
- Predictable plotlines
- Lack of emotional depth
- Underdeveloped supporting characters
Critical comments included:
- Pacing issues
- Underutilized supporting cast
- Overly stylized fight sequences at the expense of narrative coherence
Overall, the movie resonated most with fans who enjoy high-energy action, while general audiences and critics noted gaps in storytelling and character depth.
Controversies & Release Issues
The international release faced challenges due to delayed content delivery, causing cancellations or postponements of screenings in North America and Europe. Some distributors criticized the timing, arguing it affected box office performance in overseas markets.
The film received an ‘A’ certificate for graphic violence, which restricted family audiences and could have impacted wider mass appeal. This marked a rare adult rating for a mainstream Telugu hero’s film and influenced audience demographics.
OTT & Digital Release
After theaters, They Call Him OG released on Netflix in multiple languages, including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. The OTT rights reportedly sold for ₹92 crore, one of the largest digital deals of 2025 for a regional film. The release expanded the audience reach globally and allowed viewers who missed the theatrical run to engage with the film.
Conclusion
They Call Him OG stands as a major commercial and stylistic release in Telugu cinema. It combined high box office performance, fan engagement, and discussion on narrative versus spectacle.
If you enjoy large-scale action, star-driven entertainment, and dynamic visuals, the movie is a must-watch. If you prioritize tight storytelling and character development, some parts may feel uneven. Nevertheless, the film is a landmark release in 2025, leaving a significant mark both theatrically and digitally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When was They Call Him OG released in theaters?
They Call Him OG was released on 25 September 2025 in India and internationally, with premiere shows generating record-breaking early collections.
Q2. Who are the lead actors in the film?
The film stars Pawan Kalyan as Ojas “OG” Gambheera and Emraan Hashmi as the antagonist Omi Bhau. The supporting cast includes Priyanka Arul Mohan, Prakash Raj, Arjun Das, and Sriya Reddy.
Q3. How much did They Call Him OG earn at the box office?
The movie grossed approximately ₹219 crore in India and ₹64 crore overseas, bringing the worldwide total to about ₹283 crore. It was one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of 2025.
Q4. What kind of reviews did the film receive?
Critics gave mixed reviews, praising the action sequences, visuals, and music but noting predictable storylines and underdeveloped character arcs. Audience reactions were also mixed, with fans loving Pawan Kalyan’s performance and mass entertainment value.
Q5. Where can I watch They Call Him OG online?
The film is available on Netflix in multiple languages, including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. The digital rights were reportedly sold for ₹92 crore, making it one of the most expensive OTT deals for a regional film in 2025.