They Call Him OG x Saaho: After likely cinematic universe confirmation, comparisons with LCU galore; some say Lokesh Kanagaraj is inspiration but Sujeeth will not fool audience

OG, or They Call Him OG, headlined by Pawan Kalyan, has finally hit theatres after much delay. The film is written and directed by Sujeeth of Saaho fame. Just a few hours before the paid premieres of OG on Wednesday, director Sujeeth let out a press statement thanking everyone who had helped him make the film and expressed his gratefulness. The statement also contained a likely reference to making Sujeeth’s own cinematic universe and likely linking to his previous film, Saaho. This has indeed thrilled the fans, but also started a comparison with Tamil director Lokesh Kanagaraj, who too is known for his cinematic universe, LCU.

Sujeeth’s cinematic universe gets unlikely comparison with Lokesh Kanagaraj

The trend of creating cinematic universes from the West, has percolated to the south films as well. While the most popular is LCU (Lokesh Cinematic Universe), the recently released Telugu film OG, also happens to have a link to its director Sujeeth’s previous film Saaho. A day before the release, on Wednesday, Sujeeth penned a note expressing his gratefulness, and hinted at the likely creation of SCU (Sujeeth Cinematic Universe). Further, a picture of Sujeeth and composer S Thaman shaking hands, which is very much like the one with Lokesh Kanagaraj and Anirudh Ravichander before the release of Vikram, has given much déjà vu to fans, who call out the uncanny similarity in the trend.

Also read: OG movie X (Twitter) review: Pawan Kalyan wins over fans but netizens can’t stop comparing Sujeeth’s fanboy film to Good Bad Ugly; say ‘another style-over-substance film’

Fans are divided among the two directors, taking sides and arguing with one another online about how Lokesh and Sujeeth are unique in their own ways in creating a cinematic universe. Lokesh, who has been a subject of trolls recently due to Coolie failure, introduced LCU to Tamil cinema with Kaithi, Vikram and Leo. Some support Lokesh's statement that he has indeed contributed to industry, given that it has set a template of cinematic universe and unveiling, others point out that Lokesh has been facing a downfall and that Sujeeth's OG doesn't have loopholes like Coolie and Leo.

Also read: They Call Him OG 2025: Release date, cast, crew, trailer, plot and everything you need to know about Pawan Kalyan’s A-rated actioner

OG debuts in theatres with 100-crore prediction

Pawan Kalyan’s OG, a gangster action flick, held its paid premieres on Wednesday followed by release on Thursday, September 25. The film is A-rated and despite this, it is expected to have first day collection of Rs 100 crore worldwide at the box office.

FAQs

Q. What is the OG meaning?

A. OG is the full form of Original Gangster and is usually used to refer to someone who is a pioneer or first of a kind.

Q. Is the OG movie postponed?

A. The OG movie released in theatres on September 25 with paid premieres conducted a day ahead.

Q. Is Saaho and OG connected?

A. Director Sujeeth confirmed a cinematic universe, likely linking Saaho and OG.