After a Long Break, “They Call Him OG” is Back in Action—And It’s Bigger Than Ever

The wait is finally over! Fans of Power Star Pawan Kalyan have a reason to rejoice as the much-anticipated action drama They Call Him OG is back on the sets. After a long pause in shooting, the film has officially resumed production from Monday, May 13, 2025, and what’s grabbing everyone’s attention is the massive new addition to the cast — Japanese actor Kazuki Kitamura, famed for his role in Kill Bill.
This unexpected international twist has stirred up a buzz not just in Tollywood but also across global cinema circles. Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know about this powerful comeback, the movie’s storyline, star cast, and why this film might just become a pan-India blockbuster with international appeal.
The Comeback We’ve Been Waiting For
“They Call Him OG” had temporarily paused production due to Pawan Kalyan’s political commitments and the actor’s hectic schedule. But now, with the shoot resuming, the makers are moving swiftly and smartly to wrap up the film with precision and grandeur.
The filming resumed in Hyderabad at a high-energy set that replicates an urban backdrop filled with stylized action elements. Industry insiders hint that this phase of the shoot includes major sequences featuring both Pawan Kalyan and Kazuki Kitamura — which means action lovers are in for a treat!
Meet the OG: Pawan Kalyan in a Never-Seen-Before Avatar
Known for his charismatic screen presence, powerful dialogue delivery, and massive fan following, Pawan Kalyan is all set to portray a gritty, action-heavy role in They Call Him OG. The word “OG” here signifies “Original Gangster,” and the title itself hints at a stylish underworld narrative.
Sources reveal that the film will revolve around a legendary gangster who returns to the city he once ruled, now transformed by modern enemies and old betrayals. This “OG” has to reclaim his throne and face demons from both his past and present. If the early posters and teaser clips are anything to go by, this could be Pawan Kalyan’s most stylized role yet — combining his mass appeal with slick action choreography.
Who is Kazuki Kitamura, and Why is His Role a Game-Changer?

The casting of Kazuki Kitamura has taken fans by surprise — and for good reason. Kitamura is known worldwide for his roles in Hollywood hits like Kill Bill, The Raid 2, and several iconic Japanese action films. His intense expressions, flawless martial arts style, and deep screen presence make him a perfect villain or anti-hero in any setup.
In They Call Him OG, Kitamura is reportedly playing the main antagonist, a deadly gangster with ties to an international crime syndicate. His entry elevates the stakes and introduces a cross-border conflict that adds depth and drama to the story.
This is a rare move in Indian cinema and signals that the film isn’t just aiming at the Telugu market, but wants to cater to a pan-India and global audience.
The Director’s Vision: Sujeeth’s Stylish Storytelling

Helming the project is director Sujeeth, best known for directing Saaho starring Prabhas. Sujeeth is bringing his signature visual style, sleek storytelling, and big-screen vision to They Call Him OG.
According to the team:
“The movie will be a stylized gangster saga with emotionally layered characters, high-voltage action, and a touch of international crime drama.”
With Sujeeth at the helm and Pawan Kalyan in front of the camera, the expectations are sky-high.
Music, Visuals & Cinematic Grandeur
Music for They Call Him OG is being composed by the highly-talented Thaman S, who has a history of delivering chartbusters for Pawan Kalyan films. Fans are eagerly waiting for the first single, which is expected to drop in early June 2025.
The cinematography is handled by Ravi K. Chandran, a name synonymous with visual richness. With foreign landscapes, neon-lit city shots, and brutal action blocks, the movie is promising to be a visually explosive cinematic experience.
What Makes “They Call Him OG” a Potential Game-Changer
Here’s what sets this film apart:
- Global appeal with international actors
- A strong central performance by a fan-favorite star
- Stylish storytelling in the vein of John Wick meets Indian gangster cinema
- Cross-cultural conflict that adds novelty
- Modern action sequences with realistic hand-to-hand combat
Release Date & Expectations
While no final release date has been announced, the producers are eyeing a late 2025 theatrical release, most likely during the Dussehra or Diwali window. This would be a perfect strategic slot considering the festive audience and school holidays.
Given the massive anticipation, They Call Him OG is already being termed a box office monster in the making.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz

As soon as Kazuki Kitamura’s name dropped online, fans erupted on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Reddit. Hashtags like:
- #OGShootResumes
- #PawanKalyanOG
- #KazukiInOG
- #TheyCallHimOG
…started trending within hours.
Fan theories are already flooding the internet — from predicting Kazuki’s role as a Japanese mafia boss to imagining a Kill Bill-inspired showdown with Pawan Kalyan. Some even speculate that the film might have a multi-lingual release with subtitles and a dubbed version in Japanese!
Final Thoughts: OG is No Longer Just a Film — It’s a Phenomenon
“They Call Him OG” is shaping up to be more than just an action film. It’s becoming a symbol of global storytelling, where East meets West, and traditional Indian mass cinema gets a stylish, international twist.
With Pawan Kalyan’s magnetism, Kazuki Kitamura’s intimidating aura, and Sujeeth’s direction, this film is poised to be one of the most exciting releases of the decade.
Keep your eyes peeled — because the OG is back, and this time, he’s bringing the world to his turf.