Emraan Hashmi Takes a Break from OG Shoot After Dengue Diagnosis

In a surprising turn of events, Bollywood star Emraan Hashmi has been diagnosed with dengue while shooting for his much-anticipated Telugu debut, They Call Him OG, alongside Tollywood superstar Pawan Kalyan. The news, reported exclusively by Hindustan Times on May 28, 2025, has sent ripples through the film industry and among fans eagerly awaiting this action-packed gangster drama. Here’s everything we know so far about Emraan’s health, the film’s progress, and what this means for OG’s journey to the big screen.

A Health Setback on Set

Emraan Hashmi, known for his intense performances in films like Once Upon a Time in Mumbai and Tiger 3, was filming in Mumbai’s Aarey Colony, Goregaon, when he began experiencing symptoms of unease. According to production sources, a doctor was promptly consulted, and Emraan was diagnosed with dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infection. Following medical advice, the actor has taken a temporary break from the OG shoot to focus on recovery.

A source from the production house shared, “Emraan started feeling uneasy, and a doctor was consulted. He was later diagnosed with dengue. He has been advised to rest and will resume the shoot once he recovers.” While this health setback has paused filming temporarily, the production team remains optimistic, confident that Emraan will bounce back soon to continue his work on this high-octane project.

OG: A Blockbuster in the Making

They Call Him OG, directed by Sujeeth (Saaho fame), is one of the most awaited Telugu films of 2025. The movie marks Emraan Hashmi’s debut in Tollywood, where he plays the antagonist, Omi Bhau, a menacing gangster with a scar on his eyebrow and a gritty, long-haired look. His first look, released on his birthday in March 2024, created a massive buzz, with fans excited to see him clash with Pawan Kalyan’s character, Ojas Gambheera (OG), a ruthless don returning to Mumbai’s underworld after a decade.

The film, produced by DVV Danayya under DVV Entertainment, boasts a stellar cast, including Priyanka Arul Mohan, Arjun Das, Prakash Raj, and Sriya Reddy. With music by Thaman S, cinematography by Ravi K Chandran, and editing by Naveen Nooli, OG promises a stylish, action-packed narrative centered around Mumbai’s mafia world. Originally slated for a September 2024 release, the film faced delays due to Pawan Kalyan’s political commitments as Andhra Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister. The new release date is set for September 25, 2025, aligning with the festive Dussehra season.

Emraan’s Journey in Telugu Cinema

Emraan Hashmi’s decision to join OG has been a talking point since the announcement. In an interview with The Times of India, he praised the disciplined approach of South Indian filmmakers, noting, “Every penny they spend on the film shows on screen.” He also expressed excitement about the challenging role of Omi Bhau, describing the script as gripping and the project as a “memorable cinematic experience.” His involvement in OG and the upcoming G2 with Adivi Sesh highlights his growing presence in Telugu cinema, a trend followed by other Bollywood stars like Saif Ali Khan and Bobby Deol.

What’s Next for OG?

The OG team is currently shooting in multiple locations, including Hyderabad, Tadepalle, and Mumbai, with plans to wrap Pawan Kalyan’s scenes by mid-June 2025. Emraan’s temporary absence may delay some of the intense face-off scenes between his character and Pawan Kalyan’s, which are said to be a highlight of the film. However, the production house is confident that the schedule will stay on track for the September release. Netflix has already secured the post-theatrical streaming rights for OG at a reported record price of Rs 90-100 crores, ensuring its availability in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi.

Wishing Emraan a Speedy Recovery

Dengue can be a challenging illness, but with proper rest and medical care, Emraan Hashmi is expected to make a full recovery. Fans across Bollywood and Tollywood have taken to social media to wish the actor well, with hashtags like #GetWellSoonEmraan trending. This isn’t the first time Emraan has faced a health setback; in 2016, he was diagnosed with malaria, which forced him to cancel promotional events. His resilience then and now is a testament to his dedication to his craft.

As we await updates on Emraan’s recovery, the excitement for OG continues to build. The film’s gritty storyline, powerhouse performances, and high production values make it a must-watch for fans of action thrillers. Stay tuned to kishanbaraiya.com for more updates on OG and the latest in entertainment news!

What are your thoughts on Emraan Hashmi’s Telugu debut? Drop a comment below, and let’s discuss!

Sources: Hindustan Times, The Times of India, The Hindu