‘They Call Him OG’ Box Office Triumphs as Emraan Hashmi’s Performance Garners Praise

In a blockbuster opening, director Sujeeth’s highly anticipated gangster saga, They Call Him OG, starring Telugu superstar Pawan Kalyan and Bollywood’s Emraan Hashmi, has stormed the box office. The film, which hit screens on September 25, has garnered immense attention for its high-octane action and stylish visuals, while also sparking conversations around its performances and narrative.

According to early trade reports, the film has had an explosive start, with its day-one collections already making a significant mark. The initial box office figures reveal a strong performance, with the movie reportedly earning over Rs 11.6 crore by 11:00 am on its release day. This impressive momentum comes on the heels of a massive worldwide advance booking of Rs 98 crore, which includes a record-breaking Rs 23 crore from paid previews in India alone, setting a new career high for Pawan Kalyan. The film’s robust performance at the box office is a testament to the immense pre-release buzz and the star power of its lead actors.

While the film is a definitive treat for fans of Pawan Kalyan, with many praising his charismatic screen presence and powerful action sequences, the early reviews have highlighted an unexpected standout: Emraan Hashmi. In his Telugu debut as the antagonist, Omi Bhau, Hashmi has captivated audiences and critics alike. Several reviews from social media and film critics suggest that his menacing, stylish portrayal has not only created a formidable rival for Pawan Kalyan’s character but has, in some instances, managed to “eclipse” the protagonist. Hashmi’s performance is being celebrated as one of the film’s strongest points, bringing a new dimension to the often-predictable genre of gangster dramas.

Directed by Sujeeth, known for his work in Saaho, the film is a gritty action thriller set in the volatile 1990s Mumbai underworld. While the technical aspects—including cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran’s stunning visuals and Thaman S.’s electrifying background score—have received widespread acclaim, the film’s narrative has drawn some mixed reactions. A section of the audience has found the storyline to be predictable and reminiscent of outdated gangster tropes. However, even these critical voices have been unable to deny the film’s success as a pure-mass entertainer and a fan-service spectacle.

As They Call Him OG continues its theatrical run, the film is poised for a strong showing at the box office, leveraging both the festival season and the intense anticipation surrounding its release. The coming days will be crucial in determining its overall success, but for now, it’s clear that the clash of these two stars has created a cinematic event that is leaving a significant impact. The film’s impressive opening figures and the buzz around Emraan Hashmi’s performance signal a new and exciting chapter in the realm of pan-India cinema.