The release of a film trailer rarely becomes a national talking point, but They Call Him OG starring Pawan Kalyan has managed exactly that. What began as a straightforward promotional drop turned into a day-long saga of anticipation, delay, and speculation. The trailer, originally scheduled for a crisp morning release on September 21, 2025, at 10:08 AM, was unexpectedly pushed to the evening, aligning with the film’s massive pre-release concert at Hyderabad’s Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium.
The decision to delay was not just a scheduling tweak. It became part of the film’s marketing narrative. Social media timelines filled with memes, fan theories, and heated debates, proving that OG has already captured the cultural conversation before even hitting theatres on September 25, 2025.
Why the Trailer Was Delayed
- Director Sujeeth’s Perspective: According to industry insiders, Sujeeth initially questioned the need for a trailer at all, given the film’s already sky-high buzz. However, contractual and promotional commitments made it unavoidable.
- Final Touches and Hero’s Approval: Music director Thaman S was reportedly still fine-tuning the trailer’s background score and mixing hours before the planned release. Pawan Kalyan himself suggested a couple of last-minute edits, including the addition of two impactful dialogues.
- US Content Delivery Deadlines: With the overseas release just days away, the final cut of the film had to be locked and sent to distributors, adding pressure to the post-production schedule.
This combination of artistic perfectionism and logistical crunch meant the trailer found its true stage not online in the morning, but under stadium lights in front of 40,000 chanting fans.
The OG Concert: Turning a Trailer Launch into a Festival
The OG Concert was not just a pre-release event. It was a spectacle designed to amplify the film’s aura. Hyderabad Police even issued traffic diversion notices to manage the expected crowd surge between 4:00 PM and 10:30 PM.
- Live Performances: Music director Thaman S led a live orchestra, performing tracks from the film.
- Cast and Crew Interaction: Pawan Kalyan, Priyanka Mohan, Emraan Hashmi, and other key cast members addressed the audience.
- Trailer Reveal: The trailer was played on giant LED screens, accompanied by pyrotechnics and synchronized lighting.
Trailer Content Analysis: Style, Story, and Spectacle
Visual Tone
- Cinematography by Ravi K. Chandran and Manoj Paramahamsa delivers a mix of rain-soaked streets, dimly lit warehouses, and sun-drenched coastal shots.
- The color grading leans toward deep blues and burnt oranges, evoking both nostalgia and menace.
Narrative Hints
- Pawan Kalyan plays Ojas Gambheera, a feared gangster whose reputation precedes him.
- Emraan Hashmi’s antagonist role is introduced with minimal dialogue but maximum presence.
- Priyanka Mohan’s character appears in fleeting but emotionally charged moments, hinting at a personal subplot.
Action Design
- Stunt sequences choreographed by Peter Hein, Dhilip Subbarayan, and Stunt Silva dominate the second half of the trailer.
- A standout moment shows Pawan Kalyan walking through a corridor as sparks rain down, delivering a single-line dialogue that drew stadium-wide cheers.
Fan Reactions: From Frustration to Frenzy
The delay initially sparked memes and mild outrage. DVV Entertainment’s cheeky social media post invited fans to “start the music” in replies, which quickly turned into a meme fest.
- YouTube View Surge: Within hours of release, the trailer crossed several million views.
- Hashtag Trends: #OGTrailer, #TheyCallHimOG, and #PowerStarPawanKalyan dominated Indian Twitter/X trends.
- Fan Edits: Clips from the trailer were remixed with older Pawan Kalyan dialogues, creating a bridge between his past hits and this new avatar.
Cast and Crew: A Powerhouse Line-Up
- Pawan Kalyan: Returning to a full-fledged action role after a gap, blending charisma with raw intensity.
- Emraan Hashmi: Making his Telugu debut, bringing Bollywood villain gravitas.
- Priyanka Mohan: Balancing the testosterone-heavy narrative with emotional depth.
- Supporting Cast: Arjun Das, Sriya Reddy, Prakash Raj, and Shaam add layers to the ensemble.
- Music: Thaman S’s score is already a hit, with the background theme trending on reels and shorts.
Technical Excellence
- Editing: Naveen Nooli’s cuts keep the pacing tight, especially in action montages.
- Production Design: AS Prakash’s sets recreate 1980s Mumbai with meticulous detail.
- VFX: Supervised by Raghav Tammareddy, blending practical effects with digital enhancements.
Marketing Strategy: Controlled Leaks and Calculated Delays
- Teasers First: Short glimpses months in advance to set tone.
- Music Drops: Releasing songs before the trailer to build audio familiarity.
- Event-Based Trailer Launch: Turning a delay into a PR win.
Box Office Outlook
With premiere shows in Telangana on September 24 and benefit shows in Andhra Pradesh at 1 AM on September 25 (tickets priced up to ₹1000), the film is positioned for a record-breaking opening weekend.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Trailer
They Call Him OG’s trailer saga demonstrates how modern film marketing thrives on unpredictability. By turning a delay into a stadium event, the makers not only maintained but amplified audience interest. With just days to go before release, the film stands at the intersection of cinematic ambition and fan-driven hype, a combination that could make it one of the defining Telugu films of the decade.
