Bengaluru (Karnataka): Bengaluru witnessed a chaotic scene during an early morning screening of Pawan Kalyan’s highly anticipated film They Call Him OG at a theatre in KR Puram. A video circulating on social media shows over-enthusiastic fans damaging the cinema screen with a sword, halting the screening and leaving the audience shocked.
Incident at the theatre
Footage from the theatre shows a large crowd of fans gathered for the premiere, eager to catch the action-packed release. In a moment of extreme excitement, a few fans reportedly moved close to the screen and deliberately tore it with a sword. The act caused immediate disruption, forcing theatre management to stop the show.
There are no confirmed reports of injuries, but the screen suffered significant damage, preventing the remaining audience from continuing their viewing. Social media users have shared the video widely, with many condemning the behaviour as reckless and dangerous.
Film release and fan celebrations
They Call Him OG, directed by Sujeeth, features Pawan Kalyan alongside Emraan Hashmi, Prakash Raj, Priyanka Mohan, Arjun Das, and Sriya Reddy. The film, a gangster drama, has generated immense buzz due to its high-octane action sequences and star-studded cast. Early morning shows in multiple cities saw enthusiastic fan celebrations, with crowds turning up in large numbers to witness the premiere.
Despite mixed critical reviews, the film’s pre-release hype and Pawan Kalyan’s star power have contributed to massive audience turnout.
Box office performance
According to trade analyst Sacnilk, They Call Him OG has already collected around ₹75 crore worldwide on its opening day. The film grossed ₹45 crore in India and ₹30 crore overseas, signalling a strong start at the box office.
The film is expected to perform particularly well in the Telugu-speaking states, while its reception in the Hindi-speaking market will play a crucial role in determining its overall commercial success.
Comparison with previous release
Pawan Kalyan’s last film, Hari Hara Veera Mallu, had a bumper opening but ultimately managed only ₹87.19 crore in India, affected by negative reviews and mixed audience feedback. Industry analysts note that while They Call Him OG has a strong Day 1 performance, sustaining momentum will be key to its long-term success.
Conclusion
While the opening day of They Call Him OG reflects strong fan support and box office potential, incidents like the sword attack at KR Puram underscore the need for controlled celebrations. The film’s performance in the coming days, both domestically and overseas, will determine whether it can translate its massive opening into a sustained hit. Theatre authorities are likely to tighten security for subsequent shows to prevent such disruptions in the future.