Pawan Kalyan Wraps Filming for ‘OG’; Big-Ticket Gangster Drama to Hit Theatres on September 25
Power Star’s gangster saga completes shoot; theatrical release locked for Dasara season
Hyderabad, June 8: After months of anticipation and stop-start schedules, Telugu cinema’s towering icon, Pawan Kalyan, has finally called it a wrap on his upcoming gangster flick, ‘They Call Him OG’. The announcement came straight from the production banner, DVV Entertainment, which confirmed the film will hit the big screen on September 25, just in time to ride the festive wave around Dasara.
Final Leg Wrapped Quietly in Vijayawada
The last leg of shooting took place in Vijayawada, with little fanfare but intense energy on set. As per official updates from the makers, Kalyan completed his final scenes in what they described as “a defining closure” to his arc in the film. The character he plays—Ojas Gambheera—has already been teased as one of his darkest and most layered roles yet.
The production team shared a powerful visual on social media—a brooding Kalyan in a smoky silhouette—with the caption, “It’s a wrap for #Gambheera”. That single post was enough to send his loyal fanbase into overdrive.
Sujeeth’s Stylish Vision Meets Raw Grit
At the helm is Sujeeth, the young director known for his flair with stylised action narratives. After experimenting with scale in Saaho, he now turns his attention to the raw, emotional layers of the underworld in ‘OG’.
The plot revolves around a fearsome gangster who vanishes at the peak of his power, only to return years later—haunted, furious, and relentless. According to those close to the project, this isn’t just another action outing. There’s real emotional heft here, particularly around loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of violence.
Emraan Hashmi Joins the Telugu League
In a casting choice that raised eyebrows—and then cheers—Emraan Hashmi steps into the role of the primary antagonist, Omi Bhau. This marks his debut in Telugu cinema, and from the early leaks and talk among industry insiders, his performance may well surprise even his long-time fans.
On the female lead front, Priyanka Mohan plays a central character that, according to crew members, is far from ornamental. Her arc, they say, will challenge a few genre clichés.
Actors Prakash Raj, Arjun Das, and Sriya Reddy round out the supporting cast. Notably, Arjun Das recently posted a heartfelt note on social media saying he would “carry the experience for life,” after sharing screen space with Kalyan. That kind of genuine admiration isn’t easily manufactured.
Big Budget, Bigger Expectations
Backed by DVV Entertainment, the banner behind international sensation RRR, the film is reportedly being made on a scale that crosses the ₹250 crore mark. Cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran is behind the lens, while Thaman S handles the music. Editor Naveen Nooli, known for his pace and precision, is on post duties.
This isn’t a film that’s relying purely on stardom. Every department—from art to costume—has reportedly been treated like a key storytelling tool. The team shot extensively in Mumbai, aiming to capture the city’s underbelly with both flair and realism.
A Strategic Date With the Box Office
Locking in a September 25 release isn’t random. It’s a well-calculated move to position the film for maximum impact during the Dasara holiday season, which often draws family audiences and mass filmgoers in droves.
The decision also gives the crew enough time to wrap up VFX, music finalisation, and a lean but loud promotional campaign. According to sources familiar with the plan, a trailer drop is likely in mid-July, followed by regional promotions that might even feature fan screenings and city tours.
On the OTT front, the digital rights have already been sold to a major platform, but the streaming premiere will only follow after a respectable theatrical window—likely six to eight weeks post-release.
Pawan Kalyan’s Return to Full-Fledged Action
For Pawan Kalyan, this project is more than just another movie. It’s his return to an out-and-out commercial action role after a gap, during which his political life took centre stage. His last major hit, Bheemla Nayak, was received well, but OG appears to operate on a different, grittier frequency.
The makers are betting on that very contrast—the stardom of a mass hero fused with a dark, stylish narrative. For the legion of fans who’ve waited through delays and reschedules, the countdown has now truly begun.
What Happens Next?
From now till September, the team’s focus will stay firmly on post-production. Sound design, background scores, and final edits are being closely supervised by Sujeeth himself. Expectations are sky-high, but if the buzz from internal screenings is any indication, the film could very well deliver a genre-defining experience for Telugu cinema.
It’s still too early to predict box office records or critical acclaim, but what’s certain is this—‘They Call Him OG’ has positioned itself not just as a film, but as a cinematic event.
Stay informed with Hindustan Herald—your go-to source for Politics, Business, Sports, Entertainment, Lifestyle & more.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and join our Telegram channel @hindustanherald
Saumya Srivastava is a Reporting Fellow at Hindustan Herald, focusing daily on captivating stories from the entertainment industry and evolving lifestyle segments. Currently pursuing her studies at BHU, Varanasi, Saumya combines her academic background with a passion for understanding and showcasing the diverse facets of modern living. Her daily articles aim to inform and inspire readers on everything from popular culture to personal well-being.
- Saumya S.https://hindustanherald.com/authors/saumya_s/
- Saumya S.https://hindustanherald.com/authors/saumya_s/
- Saumya S.https://hindustanherald.com/authors/saumya_s/
- Saumya S.https://hindustanherald.com/authors/saumya_s/
