Updated On: 30 September, 2025 03:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Despite his film They Call Him OG facing release hurdles in Karnataka, actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan voiced strong support for Kannada cinema, opposing any boycott of Kantara: Chapter 1

Pawan Kalyan and Rishab Shetty
The recently released Telugu film They Call Him OG has been making waves at the box office, garnering widespread acclaim for its gripping narrative and compelling performances. While fans across the Telugu states celebrate the film's success, its journey has not been without challenges. In Karnataka, They Call Him OG faced hurdles in theatrical release, reportedly due to various political agendas.
Yet, amidst these regional tensions, Pawan Kalyan, the film’s lead actor and Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, rose above with a broader vision for cinema and unity. Despite They Call Him OG facing restrictions in Karnataka, Pawan Kalyan garu showcased rare magnanimity by openly supporting a ticket hike for the Kannada film Kantara Chapter 1 in Andhra Pradesh. His message was clear: cinema, like all forms of art, is meant to unite people, not divide them. He reminded everyone that films, music, sports, and culture transcend language, religion, and region; they belong to everyone.