Pawan Kalyan’s much-awaited action drama, They Call Him OG, kicked off with a storm at the box office. The film made headlines with record-breaking collections and a festive response from fans across India.
Explosive Opening Sets New Records
They Call Him OG had a massive start on September 25, 2025. Early estimates suggest worldwide collections have zoomed past Rs 150 crore on its opening day, making it the biggest-ever start for a Telugu film. The movie’s India net collection stands at around Rs 70 crore (all languages, including major dubbed versions).
Advance Booking Frenzy
The excitement began even before the release. Advance bookings crossed Rs 70 crore, with over 6.3 lakh tickets sold online. Hyderabad fans led the way, contributing around Rs 12.5 crore, enjoying an incredible 88% occupancy rate in screenings.
Fan Celebrations and Unforgettable Incidents
Fans packed theatres in every major city. From Vizag to Bengaluru, most shows were sold out, with many cities reporting full occupancy for late-night and morning screenings. The craze even led to a viral incident in Bengaluru, where an enthusiastic fan damaged a theatre screen during celebrations, causing a temporary halt but quickly resuming the show.
Release Issues Overseas and Mixed News
Despite the hype, the film faced some hiccups abroad. Several overseas and European screenings were cancelled due to content delivery delays, leading to ticket refunds for disappointed fans. Still, North American premieres alone collected over $3 million (about Rs 26 crore).
Cast and Creative Team
They Call Him OG stars Pawan Kalyan in a blazing avatar, with Priyanka Arul Mohan, Emraan Hashmi (making his Telugu debut), Prakash Raj, Arjun Das, and Sriya Reddy playing key roles. The movie is written and directed by Sujeeth and produced by DVV Entertainment.
How’s the Movie? Audience Reactions
The action-packed gangster drama opened to positive reviews, especially from die-hard Pawan Kalyan fans. Viewers praised the stylish visuals and Thaman’s powerful background music. However, some critics felt the story lacked emotional depth, making it a one-man show built around Pawan’s charisma. Across the board, though, fans celebrated his return to the big screen in grand style.
Box Office Outlook for the Weekend
With Day 1 setting such tall benchmarks, trade experts predict the film’s collections will hold strong over the weekend. If the momentum continues, new records for Telugu and Indian cinema may be on the cards.
