Pawan Kalyan’s 'They Call Him OG' Breaks Opening Day Box Office Record

Telugu superstar Pawan Kalyan’s latest action thriller, They Call Him OG, has set a new benchmark at the box office, emerging as the biggest opener of 2025 in Indian cinema. According to trade tracker Sacnilk, the film grossed Rs 70 crore domestically on its opening day, with an additional Rs 20.25 crore from paid previews in Telugu markets the day prior, bringing its total to Rs 90.25 crore. Globally, the film is projected to surpass Rs 150 crore on its debut day, underscoring Kalyan’s enduring star power and the film’s massive appeal.

Directed by Sujeeth and produced by D. V. V. Danayya, They Call Him OG features Pawan Kalyan as a retired gangster who resurfaces in 1993 Bombay to confront a rival crime lord, played by Emraan Hashmi in his Telugu cinema debut. The film boasts a strong ensemble cast, including Priyanka Mohan, Arjun Das, Sriya Reddy, and Prakash Raj.

Its high-octane action sequences and period setting have drawn significant attention, though reviews highlight a mixed response to its screenplay. NDTV critic Saibal Chatterjee noted, “The Telugu superstar powers an erratic screenplay with superficial style, but for Pawan Kalyan fans, his charisma overshadows any flaws.”

The film’s opening has shattered several records, surpassing Kalyan’s previous blockbuster Hari Hara Veera Mallu, which earned Rs 34 crore on its debut day. It also outperformed other major 2025 releases, including Rajinikanth’s Coolie (Rs 65 crore), Vicky Kaushal’s Chhavva (Rs 31 crore), and the debut film Saiyaara by Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda (Rs 21.5 crore). This record-breaking performance cements Kalyan’s dominance in the Telugu film industry and signals a strong start for They Call Him OG.

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The film’s success reflects the growing appetite for high-energy action dramas in Indian cinema, particularly in the Telugu market, which has seen a surge in global viewership. With its strong opening, They Call Him OG is poised to maintain its momentum at the box office, driven by Kalyan’s loyal fanbase and the film’s slick production values.

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