“OG gave me the strength to do films again”: Pawan Kalyan

Power Star Pawan Kalyan roared back on screen with OG, directed by Sujeeth and produced under the prestigious DVV Entertainment banner by DVV Danayya and Kalyan Dasari. Released on September 25 amidst huge expectations, the film opened to special shows from the night of September 24 across Telugu states. From the very first show, the film received an overwhelming response from audiences across all sections. Fans were especially thrilled with Sujeeth’s never-before-seen portrayal of Pawan Kalyan. His magnetic screen presence, Sujeeth’s direction, Thaman’s electrifying score, and the stunning cinematography by Ravi K Chandran and Manoj Paramahamsa combined to give OG a Hollywood-level finesse.

The film is not only racing ahead with massive collections but also winning the hearts of audiences beyond Pawan’s fanbase. By the end of its first weekend, OG grossed over ₹252 crore worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film of Pawan Kalyan’s career and setting new benchmarks in Telugu cinema history. Against this backdrop, a grand success celebration was held at Trident Hotel, Hyderabad, on Wednesday evening, with Pawan Kalyan and the entire team sharing the joy.

Speaking at the event, Power Star Pawan Kalyan said:
“First, heartfelt greetings on behalf of the OG unit to all the media, fans, friends, brothers, and sisters who came here. OG was a special experience for all of us. It’s rare for a film to not only become a hit and collect big numbers but to also turn into a true celebration. We are fortunate that OG became such a film. I’m grateful to Sujeeth for bringing me this story, Thaman for breathing life into it, Ravi K Chandran for his photography, Imran Hashmi, Priyanka Mohan, Arjun Das, Shreya Reddy, DVV Danayya and everyone who made this film what it is.

Writing a story is easy, but bringing it to life on screen is very tough—it requires everyone from the director to the lightman to work as one. That’s what happened with OG. To tell you the truth, I don’t even know the full story of OG till today. I only went to meet Sujeeth when Trivikram garu mentioned his name. Sujeeth told me, ‘You’ll be holding a sword in Japanese attire, with guns—you’re a gangster.’ I didn’t quite understand the story, but when I saw my son Akira Nandan reading the papers Sujeeth gave me and enjoying them, I realized this was a story this generation connects to.

Sometimes I see myself in Sujeeth—because often we cannot express what we want to say, but we can show it through our work. That’s why I promised him we will definitely make a sequel or a prequel to OG. I know how discouraging a flop can be. But OG has given me the strength to want to do films again. With the time I have, I want to continue the OG universe.

Especially Thaman’s music took me back to my Thammudu days. When I see Arjun Das, I feel deeply—I wish I had such a voice. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who became part of the OG universe.”

Director Sujeeth said:
“I never imagined I’d do a film with Pawan Kalyan garu. I never even wrote a story for him. But destiny is so powerful that it brought me here. Thanks to Trivikram garu, who suggested that I make a film with Pawan garu. Then I met DVV Danayya garu, who told me just one thing: ‘The film must be a hit. Tell me what you need.’ When I said I want to give a hit to Pawan Kalyan garu on my banner, I couldn’t even speak further. That’s the kind of support I got until the film was finished.

Thaman anna wasn’t just the backbone of this film, he was like my backbone throughout the journey. The cast too were extremely supportive. I still remember narrating the story for six hours to Ravi K Chandran garu—he even asked me if Pawan Kalyan garu had really accepted the film. Later, when I narrated the second half, he said, ‘Okay, the second half is amazing, we’ll figure out the first half later.’ That kind of support I’ll never forget.

I never had the courage to ask Pawan garu anything directly, until one day in Mumbai during a shoot, with the team’s encouragement, I finally asked him: ‘Sir, if this film becomes a hit, shall we do another one?’ The answer he gave is what has now started the OG universe. Thank you, sir.”

Producer DVV Danayya said:
“The main reason I could make this film is Trivikram garu. Thanks to him, this project happened. Pawan Kalyan garu worked very hard, with great love, for this film and acted brilliantly. Sujeeth put in immense effort, and my brother Thaman too worked tirelessly. Ravi K Chandran, Arjun Das, Shreya Reddy, Priyanka Mohan, and the entire technical team gave their best. Thanks to all of them for this grand success.”

Music director Thaman said:
“OG is nothing short of a miracle for all of us. Sujeeth, myself, and the entire team worked with fear and responsibility, day and night. I will never forget this journey. With the image of Pawan Kalyan garu as a people’s leader and the expectations of his fans in mind, Sujeeth and I worked with utmost responsibility. This is not just our success—it is the success of Pawan Kalyan garu’s fans.”

Heroine Priyanka Arul Mohan said:
“Thank you so much for making OG such a big hit. I’ve acted in many films, but I’ve never received the kind of support and encouragement I got for the role of Kanmani in OG. I will forever remember Telugu audiences for this. My gratitude to Sujeeth garu for giving me such a special role. No matter how many films I do in the future, Kanmani will always remain close to my heart.

I said earlier that Thaman’s music would turn the theatres into a concert hall—and that’s exactly what’s happening now. His music truly puts you in a trance. I’m also very happy that this is my second film under Danayya garu’s banner. I’ll always remember him for giving me such big hits. Pawan Kalyan garu—I’ve always been your fan, but after working with you, I’ve become an even bigger fan. I can’t put my happiness into words.”

Veteran producer Dil Raju said:
“Dussehra wishes to all Pawan Kalyan fans. From the time OG was announced, Sujeeth raised the expectations. When Pawan Kalyan’s first look was released, it was exactly how fans wanted to see him. From then on, the Telugu audience eagerly waited for the release. I myself watched the film on September 24 at Sudarshan Theatre. I know the craze of Kalyan garu from Tholi Prema days. Thanks to Sujeeth for writing and convincing Kalyan garu to do this film, and thanks to Thaman for giving such a blockbuster album. One last thing—no matter how busy Pawan Kalyan garu gets, we’ll be happy if he gives us one OG every year.”

Actors Shreya Reddy, Arjun Das, Venkat, cinematographer Ravi K Chandran, art director AS Prakash, and other cast and crew members also attended the event and expressed their happiness at OG’s grand success.