A Storm of Style, A Drizzle of Story : In They Call Him OG, director Sujeeth crafts a visual spectacle that leans more on atmosphere than narrative weight. The film introduces Ojas Gambheera, a character cloaked in fire and myth, played by Pawan Kalyan with a sense of ease that suggests comfort rather than challenge. The cyclone metaphor, repeated in dialogue and design, sets the tone — but it’s the fire that truly shapes the film’s mood.
Fire and Frames: OG’s Visual Ride – OG Review in Short
Pawan Kalyan has scripted history with OG. The film, most likely his last for a while, has registered the biggest opening by a non-pan-India film in history, crossing the ₹150 crore mark worldwide on day 1 itself.
- Visual Composition: The cinematography by Ravi K Chandran and Manoj Paramahamsa creates a textured world of ash, flame, and shadow. The use of earthy tones and stylized violence gives the film its identity.
- Sound Design: S Thaman’s score pulses with energy, often doing the heavy lifting when the plot slows down.
- Cultural Layering: Japanese martial arts, anime-inspired choreography, and nods to Indian cinema legends add flavour, even if they don’t always integrate seamlessly.
Style Over Struggle in Sujeeth’s OG
- Narrative Depth: The story follows a familiar arc — exile, return, revenge — without adding new layers. Emotional stakes are hinted at but never fully explored.
- Character Development: OG remains untouchable throughout, which limits tension. Supporting characters, especially Emraan Hashmi’s Omi, feel underwritten.
- Language Choices: While Tamil and Japanese are used effectively, the absence of Hindi in Mumbai-based scenes feels like a missed opportunity for realism.
OG Lights Up the Screen, Leaves the Heart Waiting
- Pawan Kalyan: Commands the screen with presence, though the role doesn’t stretch his range.
- Sriya Reddy and Arjun Das: Bring grit and conviction to their roles.
- Priyanka Arul Mohan: Offers warmth in limited scenes.
- Emraan Hashmi: Appears disconnected, possibly due to dubbing and a thin character sketch.
They Call Him OG is a film that celebrates its lead actor and visual grammar more than its story. It’s a stylized action piece that entertains in bursts but leaves little behind once the flames die down. For fans of Pawan Kalyan, it’s a welcome return. For others, it may feel like a missed chance to tell a deeper tale.
Industry trackers suggest that They Call Him OG has made a strong impression in overseas markets, particularly in North America and Southeast Asia. The film reportedly pulled in $3 million (₹26 crore) from paid premieres alone in the United States. Its total overseas opening haul is pegged at approximately $6 million (₹50 crore), contributing to a global opening of ₹154 crore. With these numbers, OG has secured a spot among the top 10 biggest opening weekends in Indian cinema, currently placed at number seven.