Pawan Kalyan’s OG First Day Earnings Outshine Coolie, Leo, Jawan & Animal
Pawan Kalyan's highly anticipated action-crime movie They Call Him OG made an incredible box office launch on September 25, 2025, breaking many records in both domestic and foreign regions. The film, directed by Sujeeth, grossed ₹154 crore globally on its first day, making it one of the top ten biggest openers in Indian cinema history and the actor-politician's finest start yet.
A Record-Breaking Opening Day
According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the film made ₹98 crore domestically and an extra ₹56 crore worldwide, including roughly ₹26 crore from paid premieres in the US. They Call Him OG grossed ₹154 crore globally, surpassing the opening day revenues of Ranbir Kapoor's Animal (₹116 crore), Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan (₹128 crore), and Rajinikanth's Coolie (₹153 crore). In Telugu-speaking states, the film grossed over ₹140 crore, making it the third-highest opening ever for Telugu cinema, trailing only RRR and Pushpa 2.
Why OG’s Success Matters
The success of They Call Him OG benefits not just Pawan Kalyan's film career, but also the Telugu cinema industry as a whole. After Hari Hara Veera Mallu's lacklustre performance earlier this year, Kalyan needed a powerful comeback, and this high-octane action drama provided it. The large earnings also illustrate the expanding global appetite for Telugu cinema, which has acquired international exposure in recent years with blockbusters such as Baahubali and RRR. The film's success internationally, particularly in the United States and the Middle East, reaffirms Pawan Kalyan's large fan following beyond India.
Film Rights and Business Potential
The theatrical rights to They Call Him OG were reportedly sold for roughly ₹180 crore. With over half of that recovered on Day 1, the film is projected to cross the break-even point during the first weekend. If the current trend continues, it could eclipse Pawan Kalyan's lifetime earnings of ₹158.50 crore (Bheemla Nayak) within a few days, boosting his box office domination ahead of his political commitments in Andhra Pradesh.
Storyline and Performances
Pawan Kalyan stars as Ojas Gambhir, a former underworld figure who returns after a decade to take on reigning criminal boss Omi Bhau, played by Emraan Hashmi. The story, situated in Mumbai's underworld, tackles themes of treachery, shifting allegiance, and the desire for power. Priyanka Arul Mohan, Arjun Das, Shriya Reddy, and Prakash Raj complete the supporting ensemble, lending dimension to Sujeeth's masterfully staged action drama.
Industry Impact
The film's successful premiere reinforces Telugu cinema's supremacy in pan-India releases. Regional film continues to breach language borders year after year, attracting enormous audiences from North America, Europe, and Asia. OG's success also puts Pawan Kalyan in direct competition with India's top stars, such as Shah Rukh Khan and Rajinikanth, demonstrating that Telugu films can rival or even outperform Bollywood and Tamil blockbusters in terms of global popularity.