Plot
Ojas Gambheera (Pawan Kalyan), raised by the Black Dragon Society in Japan, becomes a dreaded gangster in Bombay. His journey through power, betrayal, and return to Bombay to face Omi Bhau (Emraan Hashmi) forms the story. Themes of loyalty, crime, and redemption drive the narrative.
Overview
They Call Him OG is a stylish action drama directed by Sujeeth. With sky-high expectations from fans, the film delivers powerful high moments, slick visuals, and Pawan Kalyan’s unmatched screen presence. However, the lack of emotional depth and routine narrative prevent it from becoming a classic.
Performances
-
Pawan Kalyan: Charismatic, stylish, and brimming with swag. His police station sequence and climax scenes are highlights.
-
Emraan Hashmi: A solid debut in Telugu cinema as the antagonist, though underwritten.
-
Priyanka Mohan: Limited screen presence but effective.
-
Prakash Raj: Strong as Satya Dada, bringing gravitas.
-
Arjun Das, Sriya Reddy & others: Good performances but limited scope due to weak writing.
Technical Aspects
-
Direction: Sujeeth focuses heavily on hero elevation and action over drama.
-
Cinematography: Ravi K. Chandran & Manoj Paramahamsa deliver rich, cinematic visuals.
-
Production Design: Authentic and grand, complements the visuals.
-
Editing: Naveen Nooli’s cuts are inconsistent; some portions drag, especially pre-climax.
Music
Thaman S elevates the film with a powerful score. Background music during action blocks, especially the “Johnny gun” sequence, intensifies the theatre experience. Songs blend well with the narrative.
Editing
Editing feels uneven. While high-energy portions shine, several repetitive action sequences and prolonged scenes reduce the film’s sharpness.
Positives
-
Pawan Kalyan’s charisma and style
-
Interval block and post-interval sequences
-
Well-executed commercial high points
-
Thaman’s score and music
-
Excellent cinematography and visuals
Negatives
-
Weak emotional depth in key moments
-
Uneven pacing in first half and pre-climax
-
Predictable storyline and underdeveloped characters
Analysis
The film works as a mass entertainer primarily because of Pawan Kalyan’s unmatched screen presence and Sujeeth’s fan-pleasing elevation moments. The technical brilliance, music, and a handful of stylish sequences ensure high points. However, the film falters with its lack of strong emotional drama and predictable storytelling. Fans will rejoice, but general audiences may find it just a decent one-time watch.
Bottomline: Stylish Entertainer
Rating: 2.75/5
