Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

'They call him OG' review roundup: Fans hail Pawan Kalyan’s OG comeback as Emraan Hashmi’s Telugu debut leaves audiences divided

Director Sujeeth’s action-packed gangster drama fuels social media buzz with its powerful screen presence, action sequences, and divided reactions to the plot.

Pawan Kalyan  OG

Pawan Kalyan delivers a high-voltage performance in OG that thrills his fans

Instagram/sujeethsign

Highlights:

  • Fans celebrate Pawan Kalyan’s powerful screen presence and action sequences.
  • Director Sujeeth receives praise for crafting a mass feast that plays to the star’s strengths.
  • Emraan Hashmi makes a stylish, if somewhat underutilised, Telugu debut as the main antagonist.
  • A section of the audience finds the storyline predictable, leading to a divided response.

The first verdict on Pawan Kalyan's OG is in, and social media is absolutely swamped with reactions. The paid previews started on Wednesday, and people were immediately firing off tweets and posts, some totally loving it, others not so much. The general buzz? It looks like director Sujeeth has truly managed to unlock a side of the Power Star that his fans have been desperate to see. And at the heart of it all is this gritty face-off with Emraan Hashmi's character, Omi Bhau.

Pawan Kalyan  OG Pawan Kalyan delivers a high-voltage performance in OG that thrills his fans Instagram/sujeethsign



What is the story of OG?

So what's the story everyone's talking about? Basically, Pawan Kalyan is Ojas Gambheera, a gangster who drops off the map for ten whole years. Then, out of nowhere, he shows up in Mumbai again. His mission? To take out this other big-shot gangster, Omi Bhau. It's that simple; a classic revenge tale set in the underworld. The plot is not trying to reinvent the wheel; it's just a solid stage for some huge fights and big character moments. And honestly, seeing Kalyan back on screen now that he's a sitting politician just makes the whole thing feel even bigger for his fans.

The general sentiment from supporters is that Sujeeth has successfully packaged the star’s signature swag and attitude into a cinematic experience that feels both familiar and freshly electrifying.

- YouTube youtu.be


How does Emraan Hashmi fare in his Telugu debut?

Emraan Hashmi’s entry into Telugu films as the villain Omi Bhau has certainly made an impression. Reviews describe him as "deadly" and "stylish," bringing a credible menace to his scenes opposite Kalyan. However, a common thread among some viewers is a feeling that his potential was perhaps not fully realised. While effective in the role, there’s a sense that the character could have been explored further, with a few noting that his talent was somewhat "wasted" in a script that prioritises its hero above all else.

Is the film a complete hit or does it have weaknesses?

The reception to OG is not entirely unanimous. Let's be honest, it's not all universal praise. If you scroll through the reactions, you will find a fair number of people who came away pretty disappointed. Their main gripe? The story itself. A lot of folks called it routine, saying you can see the twists coming a mile away. For them, the second half especially could not keep up the energy from a cracking first half and interval. It kind of fizzles. What does that tell you? Well, that OG knows exactly who it's for. If you're a hardcore Pawan Kalyan fan, you're probably having the time of your life. The plot might be simple, but the spectacle of your favourite star is more than enough.

More For You

Elli AvrRam

"I have found it more peaceful on set in the South. Whereas in Bollywood, I feel it's more like 'chalo' and all of that rush

Getty Images

Elli AvrRam on two film industries: 'Shot ready hai' versus 'have you had breakfast'

Highlights

  • South sets more peaceful and coordinated than Bollywood.
  • Felt typecast in glamour roles in Hindi cinema.
  • 'Malang' shifted how filmmakers viewed her abilities.
Elli AvrRam has opened up about her experiences working across Bollywood and the South film industry, revealing a stark contrast in the types of roles offered and working conditions on set.

In an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Bubble, the actress said she's encountered more substantial, content-driven roles in South Indian cinema compared to her Bollywood journey, where she often felt restricted to glamorous appearances.

"I definitely feel that South mein woh zyada milta hai (You find that more) content-driven films," Elli said, comparing her experiences.

Keep ReadingShow less