Article Today, Vijayawada:
The release of actor Pawan Kalyan’s film OG has sparked contrasting reactions within the YSR Congress Party. While former Minister Ambati Rambabu predicted that the film would be a success, sections of the party’s social media wing continued to ridicule it with memes and satirical posts. The divergence of opinions has led to surprise within the party and raised questions over its internal coherence.
Ambati’s Support for the Film
Speaking recently, Mr. Rambabu said that OG would achieve success at the box office. He noted that the actor’s previous films, Bro and Hari Hara Veera Mallu, had not met expectations, and argued that director Sujeeth and producer D.V.V. Danayya also needed a hit. The YSRCP leader emphasised that Mr. Kalyan had balanced his political responsibilities with his role in the film, and therefore deserved success. He added that political rivalry did not require wishing failure for an opponent’s films, insisting that his comments were meant as constructive observations.
Online Satire Continues
Despite his statement, YSRCP’s social media supporters continued their criticism. They circulated memes suggesting that OG stood not for “Original Gangster” but for “Oontariga Gelavanodu” (one who cannot win alone). The satire was linked to Mr. Kalyan’s decision to ally with the Telugu Desam Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party, rather than contesting independently. These contrasting approaches highlighted differing attitudes within the ruling party.
Implications for Political Discourse
The divergence has attracted attention from political observers, who see it as a reflection of mixed strategies in dealing with the Jana Sena Party. For Pawan Kalyan’s supporters, Mr. Rambabu’s remarks were welcomed as validation, while the continuing online ridicule provided material for counter-attacks. Even before the film’s release, OG has thus become part of the political conversation in Andhra Pradesh. Analysts suggest that the outcome of the film will likely fuel further debate in the months ahead.
