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They Call Him OG (2024) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 24 Apr 2026

They Call Him OG (2024) Review

Directed by Sujeeth, They Call Him OG (2024) is a Telugu action, drama film starring Pawan Kalyan, Emraan Hashmi, Priyanka Arul Mohan. After vanishing from Mumbai's underworld for a decade, mob boss Ojas Gambheera resurfaces—feared, unstoppable, and with a single goal: to reclaim his empire and exact vengeance on the current tyrant, Omi Bhau. As loyalties fracture and alliances shift, OG reignites a brutal criminal war, confronting... Our Rating: 2.75/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Released: 27 Sept 2024. Runtime: 2h 35m.

They Call Him OG
ABOVE AVERAGE

They Call Him OG(2024)

Firestorm is coming.

Telugu · Action, Drama

2h 35m · 27 Sept 2024

Music: S. Thaman | DOP: Ravi K. Chandran, Manoj Paramahamsa | Writer: Sujeeth

ActionThriller

Ratings

IMDbIMDb6
LetterboxdLetterboxd2.6
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB60
Rotten Tomatoes AudienceRotten Tomatoes Audience85

Our Rating

2.75

📖 Story

The story is set in Mumbai, where Satya Dada (Prakash Raj) reigns as the port-king. When his younger son is brutally murdered by Jimmy (Sudhev Nair) on behalf of the ruthless Omi Bhau (Emraan Hashmi), the city descends into chaos. To stop the carnage and reclaim the port, the legendary gangster Ojas Gambheera, aka OG (Pawan Kalyan), must return from a self-imposed decade-long exile in Japan to restore order and settle old scores.

🔍 Analysis

They Call Him OG is a visually stunning action epic that leans heavily into 'fan service' and stylistic flair. Director Sujeeth creates a gritty, noir-inspired Mumbai underworld that contrasts beautifully with serene, samurai-themed flashbacks to Japan. The first half is a high-octane setup that focuses on building the mythos of Ojas Gambheera, culminating in one of the most stylish interval blocks in recent Telugu cinema.

The screenplay, while engaging in its 'high moments,' follows a relatively predictable trajectory in the second half. The film shines during its stylized action sequences, particularly the police station scene and the katana-wielding climax, which are elevated by Thaman's high-energy background score. However, the emotional core and romantic track feel slightly underdeveloped, and the antagonist's depth doesn't quite match the protagonist's towering screen presence.

Technically, the film is a masterclass. Ravi K. Chandran's cinematography captures the raw intensity of the gangster war with unique color palettes, while the sound design and music provide a propulsive energy throughout. While the story might be a standard 'return of the king' trope, the execution is modern, sleek, and undeniably entertaining for the target audience.

🎭 Performances

Pawan Kalyan: Dazzles with unmatchable swagger and intensity. His portrayal of OG as a silent yet lethal samurai-gangster is being hailed as his most stylish role in decades.

Emraan Hashmi: Delivers a sharp, stylish performance as Omi Bhau, though critics noted that his character could have been more formidable in direct confrontations.

Priyanka Arul Mohan: Plays the role of Kanmani with charm and sincerity, serving as the calm anchor to OG’s fiery world.

Prakash Raj: Brings depth and authority to the role of Satya Dada, providing the narrative with its essential emotional stakes.

Arjun Das: Commands attention with his voice and intense presence in a pivotal supporting role that drives the narrative forward.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Pawan Kalyan's vintage look and screen presence
  • Thaman’s high-octane background score (BGM)
  • Superior cinematography and international-grade production design
  • Stylized action sequences and interval block

Weaknesses

  • Predictable and thin storyline
  • Slightly disjointed pacing in the second half
  • Underwritten character arcs for supporting cast
  • Lack of strong emotional depth

🎬 Direction & Writing

Sujeeth demonstrates a keen eye for visual storytelling and hero elevations. His direction is a 'love letter' to Pawan Kalyan fans, prioritizing 'vibe' and aesthetic over narrative complexity. While his writing is formulaic, his execution of action and style remains top-tier.

🛠️ Technical Aspects
  • - Cinematography by Ravi K. Chandran & Manoj Paramahamsa
  • - Music and Background Score by S. Thaman
  • - Martial Arts Choreography (Aikido and Katana combat)
  • - Editing by Naveen Nooli

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
123Telugu123Telugu
3.25 / 5
GulteGulte
3.00 / 5
Times of IndiaTimes of India
3.00 / 5
Hindustan TimesHindustan Times
2.75 / 5
GreatAndhraGreatAndhra
2.75 / 5
M9 NewsM9 News
2.75 / 5
CineJoshCineJosh
3.00 / 5

Our Rating

2.75/5

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

🏆 Records & Box Office

  • - Opening Day Worldwide Gross: ₹155 crore
  • - 11 Days Worldwide Gross: ₹300+ crore
  • - Highest Grossing Telugu film of 2025

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive65%
Neutral20%
Negative15%

Critics

Critics appreciated the technical brilliance and Pawan Kalyan's powerful screen presence, while pointing out the thinness of the plot. Public reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly from the core fan base who celebrated the 'vintage' Pawan Kalyan experience.

Final Box-Office Result

ABOVE AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did They Call Him OG release in theatres?

They Call Him OG released on 27 September 2024 (2024).

Is They Call Him OG a hit or flop?

They Call Him OG is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.

Where to watch They Call Him OG online? OTT release date?

They Call Him OG is available on Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads from 23 October 2025.

Who directed They Call Him OG?

They Call Him OG directed by Sujeeth. Produced by DVV Danayya, Kalyan Dasari.

Who are the main cast members of They Call Him OG?

They Call Him OG stars Pawan Kalyan, Emraan Hashmi, Priyanka Arul Mohan, Prakash Raj, Sriya Reddy.

What is the Tollybo rating for They Call Him OG?

Tollybo rates They Call Him OG 2.75/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.

Who composed the music for They Call Him OG?

Music for They Call Him OG composed by S. Thaman.

What is the genre and runtime of They Call Him OG?

They Call Him OG — Genre: Action, Drama, Runtime: 155 minutes, Language: Telugu.

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