They Call Him ‘OG’ Review: A Stylish Mafia Tribute with Fan Fever – Grok’s Review (2.75/5)

Quick Verdict: Directed by Sujeeth and starring Pawan Kalyan (PK) in a gritty mafia avatar, They Call Him OG is a slick, elevation-packed commercial entertainer that roars to life in bursts of mass heroism but stumbles in its emotional core. It's a feast for Power Star devotees craving larger-than-life moments, but the uneven pacing and shallow family threads make it a middling watch for neutral audiences. Thaman S' score is the unsung hero, amplifying the highs. Overall: 2.75/5 – Solid for fans, skippable filler for others. Go in with tempered expectations for a glossy revenge saga inspired by classics like Johnny.

Story & Plot (2.5/5)
Set against a multi-layered Mumbai underworld, the film follows OG (Pawan Kalyan), a reformed don pulled back into chaos by betrayal and vendettas. Sujeeth crafts an intriguing premise with stellar casting in villain roles, building intrigue through a web of mafia loyalties and unexpected twists. The narrative shines in its setup – think high-octane re-entries and revenge arcs – but falters in the back half. The pre-climax drags heavily for about 30 minutes, feeling bloated with repetitive elevations that overdose on fan service. Family drama, including Prakash Raj's subplot and OG's personal life, lands flat and unresonant, coming off as obligatory rather than heartfelt. It's a devoted idol tribute at heart, but the shallow character depth leaves OG feeling more archetype than anti-hero.

Performances (3.5/5)

•  Pawan Kalyan as OG: The undisputed star. PK delivers exactly what fans crave – stylish intensity, brooding charisma, and explosive mass moments. His introduction sequence is a career-best firestorm, with top-gear energy in the first 20 minutes. Post-interval re-entry to Mumbai and the police station scene are pure adrenaline highs, showcasing his command in action and dialogue. It's fan-pleasing gold, though the script doesn't fully elevate him beyond the archetype.
• Supporting Cast: Emraan Hashmi (as the antagonist) adds layers of villainy, while Priyanka Mohan feels underutilized in dull heroine segments that serve as first-half filler. Side players like Prakash Raj bring gravitas but can't salvage the emotional beats. Stellar cameos and ensemble work in elevation blocks keep the intrigue alive.

Direction & Technical Aspects (3/5)
Sujeeth nails the commercial blueprint with a grand scale – from sleek Mumbai visuals to polished action choreography. The interval block and post-interval feast (especially the first 20 minutes of the second half) are standout highs, blending mafia intrigue with fan whistles. Technically, it's outstanding: Crisp editing, immersive production design, and a premise that hooks early. However, the overdose of elevations by mid-second half feels forced, and the Johnny-inspired climax, while powerful, can't fully redeem the heavy pre-climax slog. It's well-crafted for its niche but lacks the emotional punch to transcend.

Music & Background Score (3.75/5)
Thaman S steals the show. The BGM is a beast – repetitive at times, but it boosts every key scene, from the outstanding intro to mass re-entries. Songs integrate seamlessly, adding polish without disrupting flow. A big asset that elevates the average to watchable.

Plus Points

• Pawan Kalyan's commanding presence and career-best intro.
• Grand scale, stylish visuals, and fan-pleasing elevations (interval, post-interval action).
• Thaman's powerhouse score and solid technical execution.
• Intriguing mafia layers with strong villain setup.

 Minus Points

•  Shallow family drama and underwhelming emotional resonance.
•  Draggy pre-climax and overdose of hero worship.
•  Dull heroine/filler segments in the first half.
•  Uneven narrative – builds intrigue but doesn't sustain depth.

Who Should Watch?

• Must for: Pawan Kalyan superfans – it's a tribute packed with highs that'll have theaters erupting.
• Skip if: You're seeking tight storytelling or emotional depth; opt for something punchier.

This aggregated review draws from live premiere reactions and final verdicts as of September 24, 2025. The film's buzz is electric among fans, with early screenings drawing celebs like Prashanth Neel and Kiran Abbavaram, but critics note it's no blockbuster revolution. If theaters near you have it, catch the fan energy – just brace for the highs and lows.