A Power-Packed Premiere Ignites Theatres

As the clock struck midnight on September 25, 2025, theatres across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and beyond erupted into a frenzy for They Call Him OG—or simply OG—the long-awaited gangster thriller starring Pawan Kalyan. Directed by Sujeeth, this high-stakes tale of underworld vengeance marks the Telugu debut of Bollywood's Emraan Hashmi as the ruthless Omi Bhau. Fans, decked in Power Star merchandise, turned screenings into jubilant celebrations, with whistles piercing the air during Pawan Kalyan's grand entry. Social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), lit up instantly, capturing the raw energy of a film that's already shattering box-office records with over ₹116 crore in advance bookings.

The story follows Ojas Gambheera, aka OG, a exiled mob boss who storms back to 1990s Mumbai for a brutal reckoning. Packed with knife fights, betrayals, and Thaman's thunderous score, OG promised a stylish adrenaline rush. But as the credits rolled, Twitter verdicts painted a vivid, divided canvas—one where hero worship clashed with narrative gripes.

Pawan Kalyan's Aura: The Unbeatable Hero Highlight

No review on X skimped on praising Pawan Kalyan's magnetic pull. "Power Star is back after 12 years—ease in every frame, unmatched swag!" tweeted one fan, echoing a chorus of 4/5 ratings for his portrayal of the calm-yet-ferocious OG. His minimal dialogues amplified the impact; a single katana twirl or steely glare sparked goosebumps, backed by Thaman's explosive BGM that users called the "film's oxygen."

From the ramp-style title card to the interval block's mass frenzy, Pawan's sequences dominated discussions. "One man show—Pawan redefines gangster cool," gushed @TeluguBulletin, while @CricVarunSRH hailed it as his "ORIGINAL GLORY." Even critics conceded: his commanding presence elevates routine moments into cult-worthy highs, making OG a visual feast for devotees. In a year of political duties sidelining his cinema, this role feels like a triumphant reclaiming of the spotlight.

Sujeeth's Fanboy Flair: Style Over Substance?

Sujeeth's direction drew cheers for its glossy ambition—raw action choreography, Ravi K. Chandran's rain-drenched visuals, and a 1990s Bombay vibe laced with Japanese flair. "Stylish execution, conviction in every elevation," raved @PoliticalMissile, rating it a blockbuster for its scale. Yet, many on X slammed it as overt "fanboy mode," prioritizing hero worship over tight storytelling. "Overdose of buildups without payoff—feels like Saaho 2.0," quipped @MovieReview_Hub, pointing to predictable twists and forced subplots that dilute the intrigue.

The screenplay hooks early with gritty mafia wars but wanders in emotional beats, leaving supporting arcs underdeveloped. Twitter users appreciated the hero-villain clash's spark but questioned Sujeeth's restraint: "Great for fans, but cinema lovers get average fare."

Second-Half Stumbles and Hashmi's Villain Verdict

The film's Achilles' heel? Its dragging second half. "Excellent first half, unforgivable second—pacing kills the vibe," vented @mamehissi, a sentiment rippling through threads. Subplots multiply without resolution, turning high-octane promise into a tiring slog. Climax overkill felt "like trying too hard," per IMDb users, with one calling it "messy and flat."

Emraan Hashmi's Omi Bhau split opinions sharply. Fans adored his menacing restraint—"showstopper with brutal dialogues," tweeted Umair Sandhu, giving OG 3.5/5 for the combo. But detractors dismissed him as "underutilized, like a joker standing around," arguing his arc lacks depth amid Pawan's shadow. Priyanka Mohan's emotional flashback added fleeting warmth, yet many wondered, "Why even a heroine?"

Echoes of Good Bad Ugly: Fan Feast or Formula Flop?

Twitter's sharpest barbs drew parallels to Ajith Kumar's Good Bad Ugly—both "pure fan service, nothing beyond," as @MovieReview_Hub put it. Like that film, OG thrives on star mania (stylish visuals, BGM highs) but falters in drama and character growth, earning tags like "shallow entertainer." "Routine gangster story—predictable, no emotional connect," lamented @SakshiPost users, rating it 2.5/5 overall.

Still, for Pawan loyalists, it's a "paisa vasool mass thriller," with @StormBrekerr capturing auditorium roars: "Blockbuster energy!" Mixed as it is—fan highs vs. script sighs—OG underscores Pawan's enduring pull, poised to dominate 2025's box office despite narrative niggles.

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