Hyderabad, September 22, 2025 — Power star Pawan Kalyan’s much-awaited action entertainer They Call Him OG has found itself in controversy, not for its story or star power, but due to allegations of inflated sales numbers. Reports from exhibitors claim that the film’s distributors exaggerated the box office figures, creating a storm in the Telugu film industry.
Box Office Glitch or Misrepresentation?
The controversy surfaced when an exhibitor accused the makers of declaring inflated advance sales collections. While the team had claimed record-breaking figures, several theatre owners reported canceled shows and delays in content delivery, casting doubt on the official numbers.
An exhibitor revealed, “The hype was massive, but the delivery was poor. Several shows were canceled on the release day due to technical delays, and yet the official sales report didn’t reflect this reality.”
This has raised serious questions about transparency in reporting box office numbers, an issue that has plagued not only Tollywood but also Bollywood in recent years.
Why the Stakes Are High
They Call Him OG is among the most ambitious projects in Pawan Kalyan’s career, combining mass action sequences with a gripping gangster drama. Directed by Sujeeth, the film has been marketed as a pan-India release, with huge expectations from both fans and trade analysts.
With Pawan Kalyan’s political commitments also drawing attention, the film carried added weight as a key project before his busy political season.
Industry Response
While the makers have not officially addressed the controversy, industry analysts suggest that such inflated claims may hurt the credibility of future releases. Trade expert Ramesh Bala commented, “In today’s digital age, box office figures can be verified almost instantly. Over-reporting might give temporary hype but risks long-term damage to trust between audiences, exhibitors, and distributors.”
What’s Next for OG?
Despite the controversy, fans continue to flock to theatres for Pawan Kalyan’s charisma and the film’s action-packed sequences. The coming weeks will determine whether They Call Him OG can recover from the negative publicity and establish itself as a true box office winner.
For now, the film remains in the spotlight — for reasons beyond its storyline.
