Director Sujeeth makes no secret of his admiration for Pawan Kalyan. Every frame feels designed to glorify the actor, whether through stylish shots, powerful background score, or larger-than-life entries.
The problem is that this admiration overshadows storytelling. Instead of building tension or emotion, the movie spends time on elevation sequences that repeat the same tone. It works in theatres full of fans, but others may feel it lacks substance.
Still, for those who grew up watching Pawan’s massy blockbusters, Sujeeth delivers a film filled with nostalgia. It’s clear that the director wanted OG to be a celebration, not just a narrative.
Pawan Kalyan as Ojas Gambheera
Pawan Kalyan plays Ojas Gambheera, a retired samurai with a tragic past. His screen presence is magnetic, and his action blocks are choreographed to amplify his charisma.
The chemistry between Priyanka Mohan and Pawan feels believable, especially in the family portions. However, the romantic song Suvvi Suvvi slows down the already stretched screenplay instead of adding emotional weight.
As an actor, Pawan seems fully invested in OG, especially while reciting the iconic haiku “Washi Yo Washi.” But the film rarely allows him to explore depth beyond his stylish exterior.
Emraan Hashmi Feels Wasted
The biggest disappointment is Emraan Hashmi as Omi Bhau. The promos promised a deadly villain, but his role is written weakly and fails to match Pawan’s dominance.
His character could have been a layered gangster, but instead, he feels like a token antagonist. Almost anyone could have played the part, which wastes Emraan’s versatility.
On the brighter side, Sriya Reddy shines as Geetha. After her breakout in Salaar, she once again proves her ability to command attention in testosterone-heavy setups.
Action, Easter Eggs & Fan Moments
The action sequences are one of OG’s biggest strengths. From katana fights to explosive set pieces, they are staged with flair, though at times they feel more like fan service than organic storytelling.
The film is loaded with Easter eggs. Sujeeth openly references Pawan’s 2003 cult classic Johnny, and even teases connections to his previous film Saaho. Fans enjoy spotting these, though they don’t push the story forward.
Pawan’s fans will also enjoy his stylish looks, one-liners, and attitude. Every slow-motion entry feels like a mini-celebration inside the theatre, showing just how much the film relies on his charisma to carry it through.
Final Verdict
They Call Him OG is less of a gangster epic and more of a cinematic love letter to Pawan Kalyan. For die-hard fans, it’s a festival; for neutral audiences, it’s a predictable ride.
The film struggles with pacing, emotional weight, and villain design. However, the elevation sequences ensure that fans walk away satisfied, even if the story feels familiar.
Don’t leave before the credits. The post-credit scene teases a sequel, hinting that there’s more to Ojas Gambheera than we’ve seen—though after 2 hours and 34 minutes, that might be a tough sell for casual viewers.
