They Call Him OG: A Stylish Gangster Drama That Delivers on Star Power
They Call Him OG: A Stylish Gangster Drama That Delivers on Star Power : The anticipation was sky-high when “They Call Him OG” hit theaters on September 25, 2025. With Emraan Hashmi making his explosive South cinema debut and Power Star Pawan Kalyan returning with extraordinary action sequences, audiences were buzzing with excitement. The film promised big stars, bigger action, and naturally, expectations soared through the roof. What really caught everyone’s attention was Emraan Hashmi stepping into South Indian cinema – and that too in a negative role! This casting choice created a unique buzz that had film buffs talking weeks before release.
The Story: Familiar Territory with Star Treatment
Let’s be honest – “They Call Him OG” doesn’t reinvent the wheel when it comes to storytelling. It’s your typical underworld saga: a hero with a dark past, connections to the criminal world, and an inevitable comeback. But sometimes, it’s not about breaking new ground; it’s about how well you execute the familiar. Set in 1990s Mumbai, the story revolves around “Ojas Gambhira” (Pawan Kalyan), a gangster and skilled fighter known as OG. The film opens in Japan, where OG faces off against samurai gangs in brutal confrontations. After everyone else perishes in these deadly encounters, our hero manages to escape and makes his way to India. In Mumbai, “Satya Dada” (Prakash Raj) takes OG under his wing, treating him like a third son and entrusting him with the family business and protection duties. However, a serious incident forces OG to leave Mumbai behind. He relocates to Madurai, where he builds a new life with “Dr. Kanmani” (Priyanka Mohan), marrying her and becoming a father to a daughter.
The Real Game Begins
The plot takes a dramatic turn with the entry of **Omi Bhau** (Emraan Hashmi), an international mafia don who sets his sights on Satya Dada’s port operations. When an unauthorized container filled with RDX lands at the port – belonging to none other than Omi Bhau himself – tensions explode. This ruthless villain will stop at nothing to reclaim what’s his, and that’s when OG is forced to return to Mumbai for the real showdown.
Performances: Stars Shine Bright
“Pawan Kalyan” delivers exactly what his fans expect – powerful screen presence, incredible action sequences, and that signature charisma that makes him the Power Star. There’s really no need to elaborate on his acting prowess; the man knows his craft inside out.
But all eyes were on “Emraan Hashmi”, and boy, does he deliver! Transitioning from his “serial kisser” image straight into a menacing antagonist, Hashmi brings a fresh energy to Telugu cinema. His style, his calculated menace, and his overall performance add serious weight to the film. There’s definitely a trend these days of pairing Bollywood and South stars, and it works because it pulls audiences from across India. When you release in multiple languages with beloved stars from different industries, you’re bound to create pan-India appeal. Both stars absolutely nail their respective roles, making their scenes together electric to watch.
Direction and Technical Brilliance
“Sujeeth Reddy”, who previously directed Saaho, takes the helm here and does justice to the 1990s setting. The characters feel authentic to that era, and his direction captures the essence of ’90s gangster aesthetics beautifully. The visual treatment perfectly reflects the typical gangster looks and styling of that decade. The action choreography deserves special mention – it’s martial arts-style combat at its finest. Camera movements are fluid and purposeful, while the sound effects sync perfectly with every punch and explosion. You can tell serious thought went into crafting these action sequences.
Music: The Soul of the Film
Here’s where **They Call Him OG** truly excels – the background music. **Thaman S** has composed an absolutely stellar BGM that elevates every scene. South Indian films have this beautiful tradition of creating special musical themes for main characters, and this film follows that perfectly. Pawan Kalyan gets his powerful, thunderous musical identity, while Emraan Hashmi’s theme music has that menacing undertone that makes his presence even more impactful. The music doesn’t just accompany the film; it becomes the heartbeat that drives the entire experience.
Final Verdict
“They Call Him OG” is definitely worth a watch, especially if you’re a fan of stylish gangster dramas and stellar performances. While the story might tread familiar ground, the execution, star power, and technical brilliance make it an entertaining ride. The film works primarily because of its leading men – both Pawan Kalyan and Emraan Hashmi bring their A-game, supported by solid direction and outstanding music. It’s a visual treat that knows exactly what it wants to be and delivers on those promises.
Ratings:
Filmikaarbhai – 7.0/10
IMDb – 7.2/10
Google – 4.5/5.0
What did you think of the film? Drop your thoughts in the comments below – I’d love to hear your take on this gangster saga!