They Call Him OG Movie Review: A Fan-Centric Tribute with Limited Appeal
Director Sujeeth’s “They Call Him OG” is primarily a tribute to Pawan Kalyan’s stardom that caters strongly to his fans but struggles to hold the attention of a broader audience. The film, starring Pawan Kalyan as the titular Ojas Gambheera, attempts a gangster revenge narrative intertwined with fan service but falls short of delivering a coherent storyline or emotional depth. It is a familiar tale of vengeance set against a backdrop of action, yet it leans heavily on the persona of Pawan Kalyan rather than a compelling plot.
The narrative revolves around OG, a former samurai trained in Tokyo, whose peaceful life with his family is disrupted by a gangster named Omi Bhau (played by Emraan Hashmi), forcing OG to return from retirement. Despite the intriguing setup, the film spends more time glorifying OG than developing the story meaningfully. Emraan Hashmi’s role feels underplayed and generic, missing the impact it could have had.
Supporting characters add little to the film’s emotional quotient, with some subplots failing to resonate. However, Pawan Kalyan’s chemistry with Priyanka Mohan, who plays his wife Kanmani, is somewhat believable, and the action sequences stand out compared to his previous film. The film also contains various Easter eggs, including subtle nods to Pawan Kalyan’s iconic movies and a connection to Sujeeth’s earlier film Saaho, enhancing the experience for hardcore fans.
Overall, “They Call Him OG” is a cinematic homage filled with style and charisma that primarily appeals to Pawan Kalyan’s fanbase. For viewers seeking a deeper or fresher gangster story, it may not satisfy, but its post-credit scene hints at more revelations about OG’s character in future installments. The film earns a moderate rating for its fan service but is less successful as a standalone narrative.
Key Highlights:
Pawan Kalyan delivers charismatic performances, with notable costume and action sequences.
Emraan Hashmi’s villain role underwhelms due to generic writing.
Plot and subplots lack novelty and emotional engagement.
Film is packed with Easter eggs for fans of Pawan Kalyan and Sujeeth’s earlier work.
Ends with a post-credit scene teasing continuation.
“They Call Him OG” is a well-intended tribute that works best as fan service rather than a groundbreaking gangster film