The Telugu film industry has once again proven that no one celebrates cinema like its fans. Pawan Kalyan’s ‘They Call Him OG’ has crossed the monumental 300 crore mark worldwide in just 17 days of release, becoming the highest-grossing Telugu film of 2025 so far.
The action thriller directed by Sujeeth hit theatres on September 25, opening to thunderous applause and packed shows across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and overseas markets. Its first-day collection of 154 crore set a new record for Telugu cinema this year, placing it among the top ten biggest openings in Indian film history.
But behind the box-office celebration lies a more complex story one that mixes blockbuster scale with budget pressure and market competition.
A stormy start followed by slowdown
For nearly two weeks, OG dominated every major multiplex chain and single screen across South India. It was everywhere trending on social media, filling theatres in midnight shows, and drawing lines outside ticket counters like the early 2000s.
Trade analyst Vamsi Shekar told us, “The film opened like a hurricane. People just wanted to see Pawan Kalyan on the big screen again. His aura did most of the work during the first week.”
By the end of its second weekend, OG had already crossed the 280 crore mark, pushing it into the elite club of Telugu mega-grossers. However, from day 12 onwards, the collections began to dip sharply, partly due to the release of Kantara: Chapter 1, which grabbed a significant portion of family audiences and single-screen bookings.
On day 15, the film managed to earn only 75 lakh rupees across India. That drop, though expected after such a massive start, has slightly dimmed the overall profitability for the producers.
A film that cost more than it earned
According to industry insiders, OG was made on a budget exceeding 200 crore rupees, including heavy VFX work, large-scale set pieces, and Pawan Kalyan’s remuneration. While the 300 crore gross may sound like an all-time hit, the net share after theatre cuts and distribution expenses has reportedly left the makers with little margin.
A distributor from Vizag commented off record, “The movie has done fantastic numbers, no doubt, but the production and marketing costs were too high. If it had been made for 150 crore, it would have been a gold mine. Right now, it is just breaking even.”
Still, the producers at DVV Entertainment are in no mood to complain. They have already locked a lucrative Netflix deal, ensuring that a significant portion of their investment will return through digital rights. The film’s streaming premiere is scheduled for October 23, just ahead of the Diwali holiday rush, which could bring renewed buzz around the brand.
Fans celebrate, critics remain divided
If numbers alone told the story, OG would be an undisputed success. But the critical response has been polarizing.
While fans have praised Pawan Kalyan’s larger-than-life performance and the film’s visual style, critics have pointed out pacing issues in the second half and an overreliance on style rather than storytelling.
Still, fans are not letting criticism dampen their mood. On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #OG300CroreCelebration and #PowerstarRecords have been trending since Friday night. Fan clubs across Telangana and Andhra have organized success rallies, distributing sweets and fireworks to mark the milestone.
One fan from Warangal posted, “Box office or not, OG is a celebration for every Powerstar fan. We waited years for this kind of action film.”
The craze has also spilled into merchandise and art. An official comic book adaptation titled ‘OG – The First Blood’ is now in development, inspired by the film’s universe. The producers confirmed that it will expand the backstory of Pawan Kalyan’s character, Deva, and could serve as a bridge to a possible sequel.
Pawan Kalyan’s comeback moment
For Pawan Kalyan, OG has been more than just another release. The actor, who balances his time between cinema and active politics, had been away from full-fledged commercial films for almost two years. His fans were eager to see him in a role that matched his mass image and intensity, and OG delivered that in spades.
The character Deva — a brooding gangster with a moral code — has resonated with audiences who missed Pawan’s fiery screen presence. His slow-motion entries, signature dialogues, and powerful confrontations with villains have reminded fans of his Gabbar Singh days.
Trade experts say OG has restored his box-office dominance at a time when younger stars like Vijay Deverakonda and Ram Charan were taking the spotlight. “Pawan Kalyan has proved he still commands an opening that few in India can match,” said trade writer Haricharan Pudipeddi.
The Sujeeth factor and future plans
Director Sujeeth, who previously helmed Saaho, seems to have found his rhythm again with OG. His stylish presentation, heavy use of chiaroscuro lighting, and crisp action choreography have earned praise even from critics who didn’t enjoy the screenplay.
He has already hinted that OG might evolve into a cinematic universe. “There’s more to Deva’s story than what we’ve shown. The comic version and the OTT cut will reveal deeper layers,” Sujeeth told media during the launch of the film’s merchandise line.
Reports suggest that Netflix may even commission a limited prequel series depending on the film’s streaming performance later this month.
Competition and the road ahead
Despite its achievements, OG’s earnings were overshadowed in the third week by Kantara: Chapter 1, which continues to dominate rural and multiplex markets alike. The clash between these two films has divided audiences but also benefited theatres with record combined footfalls.
Analysts believe OG will settle with a lifetime collection close to 325 crore worldwide, which still makes it one of the top Telugu earners of the decade. However, profitability will largely depend on how well its digital and satellite deals perform.
As for fans, the celebrations are not slowing down anytime soon. Pawan Kalyan’s charisma, combined with Sujeeth’s sleek direction and the larger-than-life aura of OG, has created a perfect storm that defines 2025’s Telugu box office story.
Whether the film ends as a financial win or a moral victory, one thing is clear: OG has cemented Pawan Kalyan’s return to the throne of mass cinema.