OG (2025) - Story, Cast & Crew, Performance, Review & Rating
OG movie is a 2025 Telugu action crime film that aims to deliver high-voltage drama, intense gangster rivalry, and emotional stakes. Directed and written by Sujeeth, it promises strong visuals, gritty confrontations, and a potent mix of style and substance. My overall impression is that it is ambitious in scale, with some of its moments hitting hard, though certain familiar tropes may hold it back slightly.
Cast and Crew
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Director | Sujeeth |
| Producer(s) | D. V. V. Danayya & Kalyan Dasari |
| Lead Actor(s) | Pawan Kalyan, Emraan Hashmi, Priyanka Mohan |
| Supporting Cast | Arjun Das, Prakash Raj, Sriya Reddy, Harish Uthaman, Subhalekha Sudhakar, others |
| Music By | Thaman S |
| Cinematography | Ravi K. Chandran & Manoj Paramahamsa |
Story
The plot centers on Ojas Gambheera, a feared gangster known by the moniker “OG,” who vanished from Mumbai’s criminal underworld for ten years. His sudden return sets off events as he confronts his past, primarily a nemesis in the form of another crime boss named Omi Bhau. The story weaves revenge, identity, and power struggle against a backdrop of crime and moral conflict. Emotions simmer as OG attempts to reclaim what he once ruled, but also faces the consequences of time, absence, and changed landscapes.
The emotional tone of the story balances raw violence with personal pain. While much of the narrative is driven by action and underworld politics, there are also vulnerabilities—especially in relationships and in the internal struggle of its protagonist. The stakes feel both external (gang wars, power) and internal (loyalty, loss, redemption), which gives room for character moments amid the chaos.
Review
In this OG movie review I found that the screenplay does many things well: it sets up tension early, gives enough motivation for characters, and tries to keep the narrative moving. Direction by Sujeeth is stylish and ambitious, capturing large-scale action sequences and grand cinematography while also making space for quieter moments of reflection. Pacing sometimes swings—there are stretches where the build-up feels long, especially in the second act where backstory and setup dominate—but these are often compensated by bursts of drama and intense conflict.
Emotionally, the connection with the lead character is convincing. Pawan Kalyan brings gravitas to OG, making his return from disappearance feel heavy, not just for spectacle but with weight of history and the cost of his choices. The film does lean on familiar gangster tropes: rivalries, betrayal, loyalty, revenge, identity, underworld codes. Some scenes feel like they could have been tighter or more surprising, but overall the originality lies in how OG blends style, star power, and moral disquiet together. There are moments where one wishes for more novelty, but the film largely succeeds in being entertaining and emotionally engaging.
Technical Aspects
The technical side of the film elevates much of what it attempts. Cinematography by Ravi K. Chandran and Manoj Paramahamsa is impressive: framing, lighting, and wide shots give Mumbai’s underworld and urban chaos a vivid texture. The color palette shifts between dark, moody tones in scenes of confrontation to warmer or more subdued tones in emotional and domestic moments, helping with mood and contrast. Editing by Naveen Nooli keeps many action scenes gripping, though transitions in slower parts sometimes feel a bit stretched.
The background score and music by Thaman S are strong features. The action cues, the emotional motifs, and even the songs are crafted to match the intensity and scale of the film. Sound design — gunshots, ambiences of city, impact of violence — is handled adeptly, contributing to immersion. Visual effects are used for action set-pieces and establishment shots; they are serviceable, although not always perfect. Production design, costume, and set work appear polished; the film’s high budget is evident in many sequences, which helps deliver a cinematic experience that feels big without being overstuffed.
Performances
Pawan Kalyan as OG/Ojas Gambheera anchors the film with a performance that balances toughness with internal conflict. He commands presence in action and confrontation, and brings pathos in quieter scenes. Emraan Hashmi, in his Telugu debut as Omi Bhau, delivers a strong antagonist—menacing, confident, and compelling. Priyanka Mohan as Kanmani, OG’s wife, offers emotional depth; her scenes give the protagonist dimension beyond violence and power.
Among the supporting cast, Prakash Raj as Satyanarayana (Satya Dada) stands out, as he usually does, bringing gravitas to his role. Arjun Das, Sriya Reddy, and Harish Uthaman contribute solidly, each adding necessary layers—whether it’s loyalty, conflict, or moral ambiguity. Some secondary characters are less developed but still contribute well in the roles given. Overall, performances are one of the film’s strengths.
OTT Release
They Call Him OG is first released in theatres on 25 September 2025. After completing its theatrical run for four weeks, the film is set to be available on the OTT platform Netflix.
Rating
Rating: 3.5 / 5
This score reflects that OG succeeds in many areas: it offers strong performances, impressive technical work, and an engaging story of revenge, identity, and redemption. However, its reliance on well-worn gangster tropes and occasional pacing issues prevent it from being truly exceptional. It’s worth watching, especially for fans of action crime dramas and for those intrigued by its star cast and visuals.
Conclusion
They Call Him OG is a bold entry into the Telugu crime genre with a powerful central performance and impressive filmmaking scale. While it does not reinvent the genre, it delivers enough intensity, emotion, and style to satisfy many viewers. Share your thoughts about the film in the comments below!
FAQ
Q: Who is the director of this movie?
A: The director is Sujeeth.
Q: When is OG releasing online?
A: The digital release date is yet to be announced. Stay tuned to official platforms.
Q: What is the release date of OG?
A: It released in theatres on 25 September 2025.