OG Movie Review: Style, Action and Fan Service, but Drama Falls Flat
Sarkar Rating : 3/5 Release Date : Sep 25, 2025
Cast
Pawan Kalyan, Emraan Hashmi, Priyanka Mohan, Arjun Das, Sriya Reddy, Prakash Raj and Others
Crew
Director : Sujeeth
Producers : D. V. V. Danayya, Kalyan Dasari
Music Director : Thaman S
Cinematographer : Ravi K. Chandran, Manoj Paramahamsa
Editor : Naveen Nooli
Story
OG follows the story of Ojas Gambheera aka OG (Pawan Kalyan), the last surviving warrior of a legendary Samurai clan in Japan. Adopted by Satyadev (Prakash Raj), who relocates to Bombay in the 70s, Gambheera becomes the fierce protector of Satyadev’s family and their port empire. Trouble brews when a container loaded with RDX lands at Satyadev’s docks. Who orchestrated it, and why isn’t OG by his side during the crisis? The film unfolds as these questions are answered.
Performances
Pawan Kalyan commands the screen with his trademark authority and charisma. Director Sujeeth’s careful styling and presentation elevate his presence, offering fresh appeal to fans and neutral audiences alike. Though a few costume choices feel off, the overall look is impactful.
Performance-wise, Pawan Kalyan exudes the ease of a seasoned star, with standout moments like the intense police station sequence that showcase his acting prowess.
Priyanka Arul Mohan, despite a limited role, makes a neat impression. Emraan Hashmi, as the antagonist, adds freshness but is let down by shallow writing. His character lacks depth, which dilutes the impact.
Supporting actors like Prakash Raj and Arjun Das are criminally underutilized, while Sriya Reddy makes her presence felt with a solid role.
Analysis
Sujeeth (of Saaho fame) directs OG with a fanboy’s passion for Pawan Kalyan. The film is an action drama with a refreshing backdrop but a routine emotional core.
The opening is gripping, setting up the world and the stakes effectively. The first half benefits from intriguing conflict around the RDX container, stylish action blocks, and electrifying hero elevations that cater directly to Pawan’s fanbase.
However, the narrative soon stagnates. Weak subplots — including the love track and Arjun Das’s revenge angle — fail to add depth. Emotional and dramatic scenes lack punch, turning repetitive.
The second half kicks off with fireworks — Gambheera’s return to Bombay and the police station sequence are riveting. But the momentum dies soon after, bogged down by a dull flashback, forced sentiment, and dragged-out emotional beats. Sujeeth introduces new characters (Cobra, David, Yakuza head) too late, making the narrative cluttered and confusing.
The climax offers Pawan Kalyan in full invincible mode, breezing through enemies in style. While it works as fan service, the lack of real stakes makes it hollow for neutral viewers.
In essence, OG thrives on stylish action and fan-centric presentation but falters in drama and emotional resonance. It feels like a love letter from a director to his star, rather than a balanced gangster drama.
Technical Merits
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Cinematography by Ravi K Chandran and Manoj Paramahamsa is stunning, with stylish frames that elevate the film’s scale.
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Thaman’s background score is a major highlight, adding adrenaline and mood, particularly in action blocks. His songs also stand well on their own.
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Editing by Naveen Nooli could have been sharper, especially in the second half where the narrative drags.
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Production values from DVV Productions are top-notch, giving the film a grand theatrical sheen.
Verdict
OG is a stylish gangster actioner that shines in its action blocks and Pawan Kalyan’s larger-than-life screen presence. However, its weak emotional core, half-baked subplots, and repetitive fan service dilute its impact.
For fans, it’s a feast. For neutral audiences, it’s a mixed bag — a film that entertains in parts but never quite delivers the knockout punch.
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