Pawan Kalyan’s highly anticipated film, They Call Him OG, directed by Sujeeth, is generating significant buzz ahead of its release on September 25, 2025. With advance bookings nearing an impressive ₹75 crore worldwide, expectations are high for this movie to become Kalyan’s biggest opener to date.
Overview of They Call Him OG
The film features Pawan Kalyan in the titular role of Ojas Gambheera, a retired gangster who resurfaces to take down a crime lord played by Emraan Hashmi. This marks Hashmi’s Telugu film debut and adds to the anticipation surrounding the movie. Joining them are Priyanka Mohan, Arjun Das, Prakash Raj, and Sriya Reddy, among others. The film’s soundtrack is composed by Thaman S., who has built a solid reputation in the industry.
They Call Him OG has already created a solid pre-sales momentum, with reports indicating that it has amassed around ₹45 crore from domestic advance bookings and ₹30 crore from international audiences. This places it well on track to eclipse the opening numbers of Kalyan’s last project, Hari Hara Veera Mallu, which opened to ₹67 crore.
Tapping into Pawan Kalyan’s Star Power
Pawan Kalyan has long been a beloved figure in Telugu cinema, and his involvement in They Call Him OG is driving much of the film’s hype. His portrayal of Ojas Gambheera is set to be darker compared to his previous roles, particularly as it comes after a 14-year gap since he took on an "A" rated film, the gangster drama Panjaa. This shift signifies a maturation in his repertoire, appealing to both longstanding fans and a newer audience looking for more sophisticated and varied storytelling.
Anticipated Opening Numbers
With projections estimating an opening day collection of ₹150 crore worldwide, They Call Him OG is poised to surpass Bheemla Nayak‘s lifetime collections of ₹158 crore. The combination of advanced bookings, the allure of a star-studded cast, and an engaging storyline positions this film as a potential blockbuster.
Moreover, the glowing pre-release responses to the film hint at the audience’s eagerness to see Kalyan on screen again, particularly in a role that allows for more dramatic and intense storytelling. This anticipation makes the paid premieres on the night of September 24 a highly awaited event, with fans eager to secure their seats for first viewings.
International Appeal
The film’s robust international advance bookings indicate a growing interest in Telugu cinema outside India. This trend suggests that audiences worldwide are increasingly drawn to content that features rich narratives and dynamic character arcs, and They Call Him OG seems to fit this criterion well.
Music and Direction
Directed by Sujeeth, who previously gained attention for his work on Saaho, They Call Him OG boasts a powerful narrative driven by an intense and emotional score. Music plays a pivotal role in cinema, often shaping the film’s tone and enhancing its emotional depth; Thaman S. is known for delivering engaging soundtracks that resonate with audiences.
Conclusion
As the clock ticks down to the film’s release, They Call Him OG stands out as a significant project not only for Pawan Kalyan but for the entire Telugu film industry. The strong advance booking figures showcase the film’s potential to set box office records, and if these predictions are realized, it could mark a new era for Kalyan’s career.
With numerous factors like star power, a strong storyline, timely marketing, and a solid supporting cast working in its favor, They Call Him OG is expected to attract a substantial number of viewers. As the film prepares for its opening, the industry is watching closely to see how it performs and whether it can indeed live up to the sky-high expectations set by its advance bookings.
In summary, They Call Him OG is projected to be a significant milestone not just in Pawan Kalyan’s career, but in the landscape of contemporary Telugu cinema, as it navigates through themes of redemption and resilience in the underworld, making it a must-watch for fans and new audiences alike.
