Pawan Kalyan’s OG Banned in York Cinemas, See Where You Can Still Watch It

Pawan Kalyan’s latest Telugu release, They Call Him OG, is projected to become the highest-grossing Telugu film of 2025 in the United States, with box office collections expected to exceed $3 million. The film’s US performance underscores the growing footprint of Telugu cinema in North America, where Telugu ranks as the third most-spoken Indian language and the 11th most common foreign language, according to US Census Bureau data analyzed by Statistical Atlas.

Telugu films have increasingly performed well in the US market. Previous hits include RRR, the Pushpa series, Kalki 2898 AD, Devara: Part 1, Sankranthiki Vasthunam, and Mirai.

Despite high expectations for box office records, They Call Him OG has encountered distribution challenges in North America. York Cinemas recently announced the cancellation of upcoming shows, citing public safety concerns. In an official statement, the multiplex chain said:

"York Cinemas has decided to cancel all forthcoming screenings of ‘They Call Him OG’. The decision is based on potential risks to public safety associated with cultural and political factors related to the film’s distribution in North America. We apologize for any inconvenience to our patrons. Refunds will be provided to all ticket holders. The safety of our guests, staff, and the public is our top priority."

Additionally, York Cinemas confirmed that it will no longer screen South Asian films distributed by Prathyangira Cinemas.

For viewers in other US cities, They Call Him OG remains scheduled for release in select multiplexes:

New York

* AMC Empire 25

* Regal Battery Park

* Regal Essex Crossing

* Regal Times Square 13 & RPX

* Regal Union Square 17

Chicago

* AMC River East 21

* Marcus Chicago Heights Cinema

Houston

* AMC Gulf Pointe 30, Willowbrook 24

* Cinemark Memorial City, Tinseltown 290

* Regal Edwards Greenway Grand Palace, Edwards Houston MarqE

Phoenix

* AMC Ahwatukee 24, Dine-In Desert Ridge 18

* Harkins Norterra Mall, Harkins Theatres Scottsdale 101 14

Los Angeles

* Cinemark 12 & XD