Power Star Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, has once again proven his ability to balance his political responsibilities with his passion for cinema. Fans are abuzz with excitement as the actor-politician rejoined the sets of his highly anticipated gangster action thriller, They Call Him OG (also known as OG), today in Hyderabad. The resumption of the film's shoot marks a significant milestone for the project, which has faced multiple delays due to Kalyan’s political commitments.
A Long-Awaited Return to the Silver Screen
OG, directed by the talented Sujeeth, known for films like Saaho and Run Raja Run, is one of Pawan Kalyan’s most eagerly awaited projects. The film, which began principal photography in April 2023 in Mumbai, faced interruptions due to Kalyan’s intense political campaign during the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections. After his election as Deputy Chief Minister, the shoot resumed sporadically, with the latest schedule kicking off on May 12, 2025, as announced by the film’s production house, DVV Entertainment. Today, Pawan Kalyan’s return to the sets has sent fans into a celebratory mood, with social media platforms flooded with hashtags like #TheyCallHimOG and #FireStormIsComing.
DVV Entertainment shared a thrilling update on X, posting a picture of Pawan Kalyan in an intense action sequence, captioned, “Malli Modhalaindi…. Eeesaari Mugiddaaam… #OG #TheyCallHimOG #FireStormIsComing.” The image, which quickly went viral, showcases Kalyan in his signature high-energy avatar, hinting at the action-packed narrative fans can expect.
The Making of OG: A Star-Studded Affair
OG is a Telugu-language gangster thriller that promises to deliver a gripping storyline and high-octane action sequences. Pawan Kalyan stars as Ojas Gambheera, a ruthless don who returns to Mumbai after a decade-long absence to take on another crime boss, Omi Bhau, played by Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi in his Telugu cinema debut. The film also features Priyanka Mohan as the female lead, alongside a stellar supporting cast including Arjun Das, Prakash Raj, Sriya Reddy, and Subhalekha Sudhakar.
The film’s technical crew is equally impressive, with music composed by Thaman S, cinematography by Ravi K. Chandran, and editing by Naveen Nooli. Thaman’s energetic score, previously showcased in the Hungry Cheetah glimpse released on Pawan Kalyan’s birthday in 2023, has already raised expectations for a pulsating soundtrack. The film, produced by D. V. V. Danayya under DVV Entertainment, is reportedly being made on a massive budget of Rs 250 crore, ensuring a grand cinematic experience.
Overcoming Challenges and Fan Expectations
The journey of OG has not been without its challenges. The film was initially slated for a September 27, 2024, release but was postponed indefinitely due to production delays and Kalyan’s political duties. In August 2024, Priyanka Mohan revealed that only about 10 days of shooting remained, indicating that the project was nearing completion. However, Kalyan’s commitments as Deputy Chief Minister, including his focus on improving his Pithapuram constituency, further delayed the schedule.
Despite these hurdles, Pawan Kalyan has consistently reassured fans of his commitment to completing OG. At a public meeting in Pithapuram in July 2024, when fans chanted “OG,” he humorously remarked, “OG? Do you think I’ll have the time to make films?” He went on to promise, “OG chudduru gaani, bauntundi (You’ll indeed watch OG, it’ll be good).” His dedication to both his political and cinematic careers has only amplified fans’ admiration.
The recent resumption of the shoot, coupled with today’s confirmation of Pawan Kalyan’s participation, has reignited hopes for a 2025 release. Reports suggest that Kalyan is committed to wrapping up his portions quickly, with the team aiming to move into post-production without further delays. The pressure from OTT platforms, with Netflix having acquired the film’s digital rights, adds urgency to the timeline.
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