OG Movie Review: Pawan Kalyan’s Star Power Shines, But Story Falls Short
It’s been over a decade since Pawan Kalyan last appeared in a gangster flick—the 2011 cult favorite Panjaa. While that film has stood the test of time, Sujeeth’s They Call Him OG (aka OG) leans heavily on fan service, prioritizing Pawan Kalyan’s charisma over a compelling plot or emotional depth.
OG Movie Story
Years ago, a young samurai named Ojas Gambheera trained under a secret society in Tokyo, only to survive a brutal Yakuza massacre. Circumstances led him to pledge allegiance to Satyanarayana (Satya Dada, played by Prakash Raj), who dreams of establishing a port in Mumbai.
Years later, OG is retired, living a peaceful life with his wife Kanmani (Priyanka Mohan) and daughter Tara. But when Omi Bhau (Emraan Hashmi) threatens his family and city, OG is forced out of retirement, reigniting a story of vengeance and power.
OG Movie Review
The film tries to build intrigue around a familiar revenge tale, but Sujeeth seems more invested in crafting a “love letter” to Pawan Kalyan than in delivering a tight narrative. Much of the movie revolves around hyping OG as a character, leaving little room for plot development or emotional resonance.
Emraan Hashmi’s villain feels underwritten, serving more as a token antagonist than a layered character. It’s a disappointing follow-up to his memorable cameo in The Ba**ds of Bollywood.
Supporting Storylines
OG occasionally detours to side stories meant to deepen audience empathy for OG, but these moments largely fall flat. The chemistry between Pawan and Priyanka is believable, yet their romance—including the song Suvvi Suvvi—feels like a delay rather than an enhancement.
Arjun Das’s motives for revenge appear contrived, with twists that are easy to predict. The only supporting role that stands out is Sriya Reddy as Geetha, who manages to leave an impression amidst a cast dominated by Pawan Kalyan’s presence.
The High Moments
Unsurprisingly, OG is all about Pawan. Fans will revel in his charisma, slow-motion action sequences, costumes, and one-liners. Compared to his previous outing, Hari Hara Veera Mallu, the action is largely well-choreographed, giving viewers plenty of adrenaline-filled moments. Pawan appears fully invested, even while delivering the quirky “Washi Yo Washi” haiku, though the film’s other characters and the director shoulder much of the narrative weight.
Easter Eggs and Fan Service
The movie is peppered with Easter eggs, some of them quite blatant. Connections to Saaho (2019) and nods to Pawan’s 2003 film Johnny serve nostalgia, but add little to the overall story. Fans familiar with his career will enjoy these moments, but they don’t compensate for the lack of plot depth.
Conclusion
They Call Him OG is a spectacle for Pawan Kalyan fans, celebrating his stardom with style and charisma. However, as a film, it offers little that’s new or emotionally engaging. The revenge plot is recycled, and the story feels like a framework built around five “elevation sequences” for Pawan.
That said, the post-credit scene teases more adventures for Ojas Gambheera, hinting at future installments. For now, viewers get 2 hours and 34 minutes of Pawan Kalyan slashing enemies like a ninja—a treat for fans, but not a cinematic triumph.
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