They Call Him OG Review

What happens when an ardent fan directs his favourite star with the sole aim of thrilling the fanbase? Pure inception-level fan service. They Call Him OG is exactly that - a film built entirely around a relentless chain of elevation moments for the star, often at the expense of story and subtlety. Yet, despite sacrificing depth and nuance, it somehow manages to remain entertaining.

Ojas Gambheera aka OG (Pawan Kalyan) once worked for Satyanarayana aka Satya Dada (Prakash Raj), helping him control the Mumbai port and the city's mafia. To protect a boy from Dada's family, OG takes the blame for the death of one of Dada's relatives and, due to some compelling situations, also leaves the city. 15 years later, Mumbai is under the terror of mafia don Omi Bhau (Emraan Hashmi), who plans to wipe out Dada's family and blow up the city. Now, OG must return to Mumbai and take matters into his own hands.

It's a PK show from pretty much the get-go. "Tuphanu rabotondi. OG rabotondi." Right after this ominous utterance from a helpless captive, signs of a cyclone follow - furious winds, shattering windows, billowing dust - and then OG appears from God knows how many kilometres away. His speed is definitely faster than light, his movements more agile than a samurai's. This is how They Call Him OG introduces its protagonist, and this is how the movie begins.

The film continues in the same vein, repeatedly driving home one point - OG is invincible. Characters keep saying it in different ways, all essentially meaning the same thing. And just when you think the film might finally break its own rule after OG is shot with the deadliest firearm and appears to be on the brink of death, he is back in the very next moment - driving a bulletproof truck mowing down henchmen, somersaulting through the air, firing weapons more powerful than bazookas, and slicing through hundreds of goons with a katana, all without so much as a pause for breath. The twist? His injury seems to have only made him even more powerful. RIP logic!

Indeed, it would be facile to expect a layered narrative or complex characters in an agenda such as this one's - the story is so predictable that even a child who does not understand a word of Telugu will guess what happens next. And in a clear sign that the director knew just what he was doing, none of that matters - everyone in the theatre is still having a blast. And so there really is not much else to say about this movie writing-wise.

Prakash Raj as Satya Dada delivers the standout performance of the film, bringing natural ease and quiet gravitas to the role of a seasoned mafia patriarch. Close on his heels is Sriya Reddy, who shines as Geetha, the fearless mafia lady of the family, and leaves a lasting impression with her commanding screen presence.

The onscreen chemistry between Prakash Raj and Pawan Kalyan is superb and unexpectedly endearing. It is especially commendable given their off-screen dynamic: Raj is a vocal critic of Kalyan, and the two stand on opposite ends of the current political spectrum.

Emraan Hashmi as Omi is another revelation. Making his Tollywood debut and taking on his first-ever villain role, he surprises with a menacing yet magnetic performance, offering a side of his acting rarely seen since his early Bollywood days.

As for Pawan Kalyan, there is not much room for nuanced acting, but he is firmly in his element as an action star. OG might just be his most stylish and swagger-filled role yet - a full-course action buffet tailor-made for the Power Star's fanbase.

Technically, They Call Him OG is a masterpiece. Director Sujeeth seems determined to immortalise Pawan Kalyan's style and swagger, and spares no effort in crafting a visual and sonic spectacle. The background score thunders with impact, the cinematography dazzles with scale and precision, the fight choreography is razor-sharp, and the post-production - from editing to effects - is executed with meticulous flair. Ignore the thin narrative, and the film shines like pure cinematic gold.

For Power Star fans, this is an unmissable feast. And even if you are not part of the fandom, anyone who loves adrenaline-pumping action will find plenty to enjoy.