OG - Hungry and Angry Cheetah
Samurai Senani delivers a blockbuster punch with “They Call Him OG”, directed by Sujeeth and produced by D.V.V. Danayya under the DVV Entertainment banner. Here, OG refers to Ojas Gambheera, the samurai warrior brought to life by Power Star Pawan Kalyan. Curated on a Japanese theme, the film strikes the right chord with fans and cinephiles, standing out as one of the biggest films in Pawan Kalyan’s career. Though the film hits most of the right notes, it does stumble in certain parts. Here’s our review.
Like many action dramas, They Call Him OG revolves around the themes of dominance, power, and the classic battle between protagonist and antagonist. What sets it apart is its Japanese backdrop, which adds freshness to the narrative and elevates the story.
The protagonist, Ojas Gambheera (played by Pawan Kalyan), is a young samurai who once trained under a secret society in Tokyo. When the Yakuza massacres the samurai and seizes control of the city, Ojas is forced to migrate to India. Amidst this chaos, Satya Dada (Prakash Raj), who amassed wealth in Japan, decides to establish a port in Mumbai. The film traces how Ojas becomes associated with him and stands by the family through immense challenges. The conflict intensifies with the entry of Emraan Hashmi, who plays the antagonist running mafia ships laden with RDX through Satya Dada’s port sparking a fierce rivalry with the hero. As Emraan Hashmi the new villain face in the telugu circle created and buzz and anticipation to the film
The film sparkles with several high points Pawan Kalyan’s power-packed introduction, exhilarating elevation scenes, and nostalgic callbacks, including his vintage Thammudu song. Sujeeth also weaves subtle connections with his earlier film Saaho. However, the narrative falters in parts, especially in exploring Ojas’s return from Tokyo and his early association with Satya Dada while building the empire. A few over-the-top action sequences and background score mismatches also dilute the impact. Still, compared to Hara Hara Veera Mallu, this film stands stronger with an engaging plot.
On the technical front, Sujeeth delivers a more mature effort in his second outing, framing his shots with precision. The music and background score emerge as the film’s biggest strengths, adding depth and grandeur while keeping audiences hooked. Cinematography is striking, costumes fit the characters perfectly, and Naveen Nooli’s sharp editing ensures a crisp narrative. Without Sujeeth’s vision, this cinematic spectacle would not have been possible.
The performances shine across the board, with each actor fitting seamlessly into their roles. Arjun Das’s commanding voice emerges as the film’s silver lining, elevating key moments. While Pawan Kalyan’s last gangster film Panjaa failed to hit the mark, They Call Him OG strikes gold. Like Panjaa, music plays a crucial role here but this time, it amplifies the film’s impact. For fans, it’s a festival; for movie lovers, a commercial delight; and for the youth, a trendsetter.
Promising to unfold in two parts, with the first loaded with twists and highs, They Call Him OG ensures an unforgettable theatrical experience.