Pawan Kalyan’s action-packed gangster drama They Call Him OG, directed by Sujeeth and produced by DVV Danayya under DVV Entertainment, has solidified its status as the highest-grossing Telugu film of 2025, surpassing Venkatesh Daggubati’s Sankranthiki Vasthunam with a worldwide haul of over ₹300 crore. Released on September 25, 2025, the film—starring Kalyan as Ojas Gambheera (OG), Emraan Hashmi in his Telugu debut as Omi Bhau, Priyanka Arul Mohan as Kanmani, and an ensemble including Arjun Das, Sriya Reddy, and Prakash Raj—opened to a record-breaking ₹150 crore in its first weekend. By October 1, 2025, it crossed ₹272 crore globally, with strong holds in Telugu states (₹180 crore) and North America (USD 3 million premiere day alone), captivating audiences in multiplexes from Hyderabad to Hyderabad and beyond. A Blockbuster Born from Hype and Heart They Call Him OG follows OG’s return to Mumbai’s underworld after a decade of exile, seeking vengeance against rival Omi Bhau and his syndicate. Sujeeth’s script, infused with stylish action and emotional depth, leverages Thaman S’s electrifying score—tracks like “Guns N’ Roses” and “Washi Yo Washi”—to elevate Kalyan’s charismatic OG, a “hungry cheetah” blending ruthlessness with redemption. Emraan Hashmi’s menacing Omi Bhau marks a stellar Telugu entry, while Priyanka Mohan’s Kanmani adds romantic fire. The film’s ₹300 crore budget, including international VFX, paid off with a ₹100 crore India opening (including previews), shattering records for Pawan Kalyan and Sujeeth. It overtook Sankranthiki Vasthunam’s ₹255.2 crore, becoming 2025’s Telugu topper despite a Week 2 dip. Opening Day Dominance and Global Roar Day 1 minted ₹13.37 crore by 7 PM (Sacnilk estimates), escalating to ₹100 crore worldwide, with Telugu markets leading at 88% occupancy. North America’s USD 3 million premiere made it the highest-grossing Telugu opener of 2025 there, surpassing Mirai. The Week 1 total of ₹169.3 crore, including ₹180 crore from Telugu states, reflects Pawan’s mass appeal, boosted by his Deputy CM role in Andhra Pradesh. Hindi version’s ₹19-21 crore haul trails but signals pan-Indian potential. International markets, especially the US and UAE, contributed ₹50 crore, driven by diaspora hype. Human Impact: From Political Powerhouse to Cinema King For Pawan Kalyan, 54, OG is a personal triumph post-political duties, redeeming the failure of Hari Hara Veera Mallu. “OG has reignited my fire,” he said at the success meet, crediting fans. A Vijayawada devotee said, “Pawan’s OG is our pride—mass and message.” The film’s themes of revenge and redemption resonate in India’s 780-language diverse society, inspiring youth amid economic challenges. Sujeeth’s vision, with Thaman’s music, has critics raving: “A stylish saga with heart.” A Telugu Titan’s Triumph They Call Him OG’s ₹300 crore milestone isn’t just numbers—it’s a cultural quake. As Pawan Kalyan’s gangster roars, it asks: Can one film redefine Telugu cinema? With its stylish strikes, the answer thunders yes, crowning 2025’s Telugu king.
-By Manoj H