The upcoming gangster action drama They Call Him OG, starring Pawan Kalyan, has received a significant boost in Telangana ahead of its release. The state government has officially approved a ticket price hike and permitted an early premiere show, generating excitement and debate across the Telugu states.
As per a government order issued on Friday, a special premiere show is allowed on September 24, a day before the official release. Tickets for this premiere will be priced at ₹800. In contrast, Andhra Pradesh has cleared early shows only from 1 AM on September 25, with ticket prices set at ₹1000 — a move that has sparked dissatisfaction among fans.
From September 25 to October 4, Telangana will see increased ticket prices: single-screen tickets will be ₹100 higher, and multiplex prices will rise by ₹150. This brings average rates to ₹277 for single screens and ₹445 for multiplexes. While fans in Telangana welcomed the decision, social media saw backlash from Andhra Pradesh viewers who called for a more uniform policy across both states.
Directed by Sujeeth, They Call Him OG stars Pawan Kalyan as Ojas Gambheera, a feared gangster operating in Mumbai. The film also features Emraan Hashmi (in his Telugu debut), Priyanka Mohan, Arjun Das, and Prakash Raj. Produced by DVV Danayya and Kalyan Dasari under DVV Entertainment, the film’s music is composed by Thaman S.
The film is already creating waves overseas. In the U.S., advance bookings are strong, with OG outselling Pushpa 2 at Cinemark Dallas. Distributor Prathyangira Cinemas has lined up a massive North American release across 89 Cinemark XD locations — possibly crossing 100, setting a new record for Telugu films abroad.
They Call Him OG hits theatres worldwide on September 25.