Hyderabad: Power star Pawan Kalyan has staged a grand comeback with his latest film They Call Him OG, directed by Sujeeth. Released on 25 September 2025, the action drama has opened to a thundering response at the global box office, collecting an estimated ₹90.25 crore worldwide on day one, including presales.
Magnificent day-one numbers
According to early estimates from Sacnilk, They Call Him OG earned around ₹70 crore net in India on its opening day across all languages. Adding presales worth ₹20.25 crore, the film’s worldwide total stood at ₹90.25 crore.
The Telugu version led the charge with 69.35% occupancy on Thursday, peaking at 77.51% during the evening and night shows. The Tamil version saw an occupancy of 18.36%, while Hindi and Kannada versions registered 10.37% and 9.19% respectively.
Star-studded ensemble cast
They Call Him OG features Pawan Kalyan in a high-octane role, supported by Priyanka Arul Mohan, Emraan Hashmi, Prakash Raj, Arjun Das and Sriya Reddy. Emraan Hashmi plays the antagonist, marking one of the highlights of the film. Music by Thaman has also been widely appreciated, especially for its impactful background score.
Audience reactions
While the film opened to massive numbers, reviews have been mixed. Some viewers praised the scale, mass sequences, and Pawan Kalyan’s commanding screen presence. A fan on social media wrote, “An enjoyable mass entertainer with style and swag. It delivers big with extraordinary BGM, superb elevations and multiple whistle-worthy moments.”
Others were less impressed, calling the film predictable in parts. Another viewer remarked, “Slow first half with the usual template. BGM and mass sequences fire, but unnecessary universe connect. Below average overall.”
A crucial comeback for Pawan Kalyan
Pawan Kalyan’s previous release, Hari Hara Veera Mallu, underperformed at the box office and failed to connect with audiences. With OG, the actor appears to have reclaimed his position as one of the most bankable stars in Telugu cinema. Trade analysts expect the film to maintain strong momentum over the weekend and consolidate its box office run in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
Despite mixed reviews, the sheer star power of Pawan Kalyan, combined with action-heavy sequences and strong advance bookings, has ensured a roaring start for They Call Him OG. If current trends continue, the film could emerge as one of the biggest Telugu blockbusters of 2025.