Movie Review: "OG" – A Storm Called Pawan Kalyan Returns to Rule the Screen
Title: They Call Him OG
Language: Telugu
Director: Sujeeth
Starring: Pawan Kalyan, Priyanka Arul Mohan, Emraan Hashmi, Prakash Raj
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Music: Thaman
Runtime: ~2.5 hours
Introduction
After years of political engagements and sporadic film appearances, Power Star Pawan Kalyan makes a thunderous return to full-fledged action cinema with "OG" (They Call Him OG), directed by Sujeeth. The title itself, “OG” — short for “Original Gangster” — sets the tone for a film that seeks to present Pawan Kalyan in his most intense, rugged, and stylized avatar yet.
But does the film deliver the punch it promises? Let's dive into a detailed review of this much-awaited action saga. codeflixnews
Plot Summary (No Major Spoilers)
Set against the gritty backdrop of Mumbai’s criminal underworld, "OG" tells the story of Ojas Gambhira, a man who once ruled the streets and vanished without a trace. Years later, he returns — not to reclaim his throne, but to burn it down. His return disrupts the delicate balance of power, drawing attention from law enforcement and rival gang lords alike.
The narrative unravels through flashbacks and present-day confrontations, building a mystery around Ojas’s past, his motives, and his connection to a city drowning in blood and betrayal.codeflixnews
Performance Analysis
Pawan Kalyan as Ojas Gambhira
Pawan Kalyan’s screen presence is magnetic. From his intense eyes to his calm yet commanding dialogue delivery, he portrays Ojas as a mythic figure — part messiah, part monster. It's a performance rooted in restraint and strength, avoiding the over-the-top stylization some action films fall into.
This is not just a fan-service film; it’s a calculated comeback where Pawan Kalyan owns every frame. Whether he’s delivering poetic lines or taking down a dozen men in a rain-soaked alley, he reminds the audience why he’s still one of the biggest stars in Telugu cinema.codeflixnews
Emraan Hashmi as the Antagonist
In a surprising yet effective casting move, Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi plays the chief antagonist — a cold-blooded mafia leader who views Ojas’s return as both a threat and a challenge. Hashmi delivers a nuanced performance, elevating the villain beyond the usual caricature. His face-offs with Pawan Kalyan are electric.
Priyanka Arul Mohan
Playing the emotional anchor in a world of violence, Priyanka Mohan brings softness to the story. Though her role is limited in terms of screen time, she leaves a strong impression, especially in the emotionally charged scenes.codeflixnews
Supporting Cast
Veterans like Prakash Raj and Arjun Das contribute significantly to the film's depth. Their presence lends credibility and gravitas to the story, ensuring it never feels hollow.
Direction & Screenplay
Sujeeth, who earlier directed "Saaho," brings a stylish and gritty approach to "OG". While "Saaho" was criticized for style over substance, he seems to have taken lessons from that experience. Here, the story is tighter, characters more layered, and the action more grounded.
The screenplay is not linear, which might confuse some viewers initially. However, the fragmented narrative slowly starts making sense, especially in the second half where the emotional and moral complexities of Ojas’s character come to light.
One of the strongest aspects is the dialogue writing — it’s sharp, philosophical, and often reflective of Pawan Kalyan’s own worldview, blending cinema with subtle political undertones.codeflixnews
Music and Background Score
Thaman S delivers one of his best works in recent times. The background score is thunderous, heightening the impact of every major scene. The theme for Ojas, in particular, is bound to become iconic among fans.
The songs are well-placed and don’t interrupt the flow of the story. A couple of romantic and emotional tracks add depth to the narrative without dragging it down.codeflixnews
Action & Cinematography
The action choreography in "OG" is stylized yet brutal. Every punch feels real, every explosion has weight. The action doesn’t just serve as a spectacle but acts as a narrative tool to reveal character depth.
Cinematographer Ravi K Chandran captures the underbelly of Mumbai with a neo-noir aesthetic — dimly lit streets, reflective surfaces, heavy shadows, and blood-stained rain. Visually, the film is stunning and elevates the overall experience.codeflixnews
Themes & Symbolism
At its core, "OG" is not just a gangster drama. It explores themes of:
- Redemption and Revenge
- The burden of legacy
- Power vs. peace
- The cyclical nature of violence
Ojas is portrayed almost like a tragic hero — a man who once embraced violence and is now seeking liberation from it, even if it means going through hell once more.
There are strong allusions to mythology — Ojas often mirrors characters like Karna or Bhishma, caught between duty, destiny, and destruction.codeflixnews
Strengths
- Pawan Kalyan’s performance – a career-defining act.
- Stylish yet meaningful action sequences
- Compelling background score by Thaman
- Layered storytelling with emotional depth
- Top-notch production design and cinematography
Weaknesses
- Pacing issues in the first 30 minutes – the non-linear storytelling might alienate casual viewers.
- Some may find the emotional drama a bit heavy-handed in parts.
- Limited screen time for secondary characters, especially Priyanka Mohan.
Audience Verdict
"OG" is not just a mass entertainer. It’s a massive cinematic statement. For fans of Pawan Kalyan, it’s a celebration. For general audiences, it offers a rare blend of style, substance, and soul.
This isn’t the usual commercial fare — it's a film that respects its audience’s intelligence while delivering whistle-worthy moments. Whether you’re in it for the action, the philosophy, or just to see Power Star back in action, "OG" is worth your time.codeflixnews
Final Verdict: 4.5/5
“OG” is an epic gangster drama that redefines the mass hero genre. Pawan Kalyan is back — not just with fire, but with purpose.”
Should You Watch It?
✅ If you love action dramas with emotional depth
✅ If you're a fan of Pawan Kalyan
✅ If you're tired of formulaic action movies
❌ Skip only if you dislike non-linear narratives or intense violence
This post is written by codeflixnews.
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