Movie Review: ‘They Call Him OG’ a film made for the fans

OG is a mass entertainer built around Pawan Kalyan’s fiery screen presence. Packed with whistle-worthy elevations and stylish action, it entertains fans while keeping the story secondary and setting up Part 2.

Hyderabad: Pawan Kalyan’s films have always been more than just cinema, they are celebrations. With OG, director Sujeeth brings back the star in a fierce, mass-heavy avatar that promises whistle-worthy moments and high-voltage action. But behind all the style and swagger, how well does the film hold as a story?

Plot

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The story of OG follows Ojas Gambheera, a former gangster and warrior, who returns to Bombay in the 1990s after disappearing for ten years. His mission is to take down crime boss Omi Bhau. Gambheera is mentored by Satya Dada, and the film raises questions about their relationship: who Gambheera really is, why he walked away from Satya Dada, and whether he will return to support him. These questions form the base of the story.

How the Film Plays Out

OG is built as a fan-centric film, with its heart set on giving Pawan Kalyan the most powerful elevations. The narrative itself takes a back seat; scenes often feel disconnected, and the flow of emotions is weak. The chemistry between Pawan Kalyan and Priyanka Mohan is pale, and the flashback portions don’t leave much impact. That said, the elevation sequences are thrilling to watch, with the interval block standing out as one of the biggest highlights.

Cast Performances

Pawan Kalyan lives up to his screen name “Gambheera.” Fierce and commanding, he brings fire to every frame. Priyanka Mohan, on the other hand, feels less like a heroine and more like a guest appearance, her role could have been skipped without much difference.

Prakash Raj as Satya Dada is reliable, while Sudev Nair shines as Jimmy. Sriya Reddy as Geetha is powerful in parts, and Arjun Das, though impactful, doesn’t get enough scope. Tej Sapru has a decent presence, and Shubhaleka Sudhakar and Harish Uthaman fit well into their roles.

The real disappointment lies with Emraan Hashmi as Omi Bhau. An actor of his range could have delivered a truly menacing villain, but the writing underplays him in order to elevate Pawan Kalyan. As a result, the antagonist lacks the weight to match the hero. Supporting actors like Rahul Ravindran, Upendra Limaye, and Saurav Lokesh are good in their limited screen time. With characters like Satya Dada, Geetha, and Arjun expected to continue in the next part, their arcs remain to be seen.

Technical Aspects

Director Sujeeth’s main focus seems to be on showcasing Pawan Kalyan’s mass presence rather than building a solid story. The lack of a strong plot holds the film back, though the presentation is stylish. Thaman’s music, however, is a massive plus. His background score lifts the mass moments and provides the goosebumps the film promises.

Cinematography by Ravi K Chandran and Manoj Paramahamsa is top-class, giving the film a rich visual appeal. Editing by Naveen Nooli, however, doesn’t live up to expectations. The scattered sequencing makes the film feel confusing in places, which is surprising given his track record as a National Award winner.

Final Verdict

OG is a film made by a fan, for the fans. It gives Pawan Kalyan’s admirers exactly what they’ve been waiting for: high-energy elevations, intense action, and a mass-heavy avatar. What it lacks in story, it makes up for in star power and style.

All eyes now turn to the second part, where the audience hope the real story will unfold.