Pawan Kalyan’s They Call Him OG Smashes Pre-Sales in USA, Clocks $900K Already.
Pawan Kalyan’s upcoming action drama They Call Him OG is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated Telugu films of the year. Ever since its announcement, the buzz has been sky-high, and the hype multiplied after the makers released the teaser on September 2, 2023, coinciding with Pawan Kalyan’s birthday.
The film’s bookings in the USA have now taken social media by storm. As of now, over 29,000 tickets have been sold for premiere shows, grossing nearly $900K. With more than three weeks to go before the premiere on September 24, trade experts predict record-breaking numbers at the North American box office.
No “Fake Hype” – Here’s Why OG is Trending Big in the USA
A few critics claimed that the extraordinary pre-sales might be the result of bulk bookings. However, industry experts dismiss these as baseless. Multiple factors are driving the success of OG’s pre-sales:
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Genuine Hype: The teaser, posters, and songs have struck a chord not only with Pawan Kalyan’s massive fan base but also with regular moviegoers. Many believe this is his most-awaited film since Agnyaathavaasi (2018).
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Smart Distribution: Distributor Prathyangira Cinemas secured a record number of premium screenings—450+ shows across XD/PLF/RPX formats—the highest ever for a Telugu film in the USA.
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Premium Pricing Power: Ticket prices for premieres are $25 (standard) and $30 (XD screens), and fans are showing a clear preference for premium formats.
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Post-COVID Trends: Telugu audiences in the USA now flock to theatres only for films with strong organic buzz, and OG perfectly fits that bill.
Comparisons and Box Office History
Some comparisons have been drawn between OG and Pawan Kalyan’s Hari Hara Veera Mallu, but trade experts argue this is misleading. Hype and timing play a crucial role—just as Rajinikanth’s Coolie collected over $3M from premieres due to strong buzz, while Lal Salaam and Vettaiyan underperformed despite star power.
Pawan Kalyan already holds impressive overseas records. His Agnyaathavaasi still holds the premiere day record in the USA, with over $ 1.5 million in revenue for a single-language Indian film. Even Bheemla Nayak—a remake—grossed nearly $900 in premieres post-COVID.
With 22 days to go before its premiere, They Call Him OG is on track to shatter multiple Telugu premiere records in North America, reaffirming Pawan Kalyan’s unmatched stardom overseas.
