When War 2 finally stormed into theaters on August 14, 2025, it arrived like a festival before the festival—strategically timed just ahead of Independence Day and in the middle of a much-hyped box-office clash with Rajinikanth’s Coolie. Expectations were sky-high. This wasn’t just another Bollywood release; it was a marquee chapter in the ever-expanding YRF Spy Universe.
Directed by Ayan Mukerji, a filmmaker known for his visual flair, and starring Hrithik Roshan alongside Jr NTR, the film promised the kind of adrenaline rush that globe-trotting spy thrillers thrive on—complete with patriotism, espionage, and that signature YRF slickness. But while the hype machine roared, the question remained: Did the film deliver a high-octane cinematic feast, or did it stall mid-flight?
Plot & Setting – A ‘Sholay’ on Wheels, Wings, and Ice
The story picks up with Kabir Dhaliwal (Hrithik Roshan), a former Indian intelligence officer turned mercenary. No longer bound by duty, Kabir now moves like a lone wolf across international borders, picking assignments that blur the lines between justice and rebellion.
Enter Vikram (Jr NTR), a newly rising but highly capable agent, who is assigned the impossible task of bringing Kabir back—alive if possible, neutralized if necessary. What follows is less a straightforward spy mission and more a game of high-stakes cat and mouse, with loyalty, friendship, and national pride caught in the crossfire.
The canvas is massive. From the canals of Amsterdam to the snowy streets of Manali, from the sunny coasts of Valencia to the glitzy skylines of Yas Island and the icy enclaves of Davos, War 2 is determined to justify its passport stamps. Some locations, however, flash by more as decorative backdrops than fully realized set pieces—especially in the film’s hurried post-credit teases.
While the scale is undeniably cinematic, the storytelling doesn’t always match its ambition. At times, it feels like the film is sprinting to show us a postcard from every possible location, leaving emotional beats and narrative depth behind. And when the action takes to the skies—especially in the plane-based sequences—the realism takes a backseat, tipping into what some might call “animated physics.”
Star Power & Chemistry – The Film’s Beating Heart
If there’s one thing War 2 gets absolutely right, it’s the magnetic presence of its leading men. Hrithik Roshan embodies Kabir with a mix of smoldering charisma and calculated unpredictability. Jr NTR, in his first major Hindi film role, stands shoulder to shoulder with Hrithik, exuding raw intensity and a grounded charm.
The two together? Sparks. Whether they’re exchanging heated words, trading punches, or teaming up against a common enemy, there’s a tangible electricity in their scenes. It’s this central chemistry that holds the film together when the script occasionally loses its way.
However, the same can’t be said for every character. Kiara Advani, who plays the female lead, has her moments of glamour and intrigue but is ultimately given too little to work with. Her role feels underwritten—present in the big moments, but absent from the film’s core emotional or tactical drive.
Supporting turns from Anil Kapoor and Ashutosh Rana add veteran weight, but they’re more functional than memorable. The cameos—Shah Rukh Khan, Tiger Shroff, and a post-credit surprise from Bobby Deol hinting at Alpha—are undeniably crowd-pleasing, but function more as fan service than storytelling essentials.
Action & Visual Appeal – Big, Bold, and Sometimes Bumpy
One can’t accuse War 2 of thinking small. The action is grand, often lavish, and clearly designed for the big screen. The production spans six countries, bringing varied landscapes into play—from high-speed chases on European highways to close-quarters combat in tight urban streets, to showdowns in icy caverns.
That said, the execution is a mixed bag. Some set pieces are genuinely thrilling—sharp choreography, dynamic camera work, and an infectious energy. Others, however, are let down by over-the-top visual effects. Explosions and stunts occasionally feel more like cutscenes from a video game than moments grounded in reality.
One much-discussed example involves Jr NTR’s shirtless fight sequence, where the CGI enhancements to his physique are so exaggerated they draw unintended laughs. In striving for perfection, the film sometimes crosses into parody.
Still, when the film leans into practical stunts and grounded hand-to-hand combat, it reminds you why YRF action films have earned a global following. The framing, the pace, and the confidence of the actors in pulling off these sequences give them an edge that flashy effects can’t match.
Narrative & Pacing – Too Much Globe, Too Little Depth
For all its glamour, War 2 suffers from a case of narrative sprawl. The film tries to juggle too many threads at once—patriotism, espionage, betrayal, camaraderie, romance—and ends up giving most of them short shrift.
The first half sets up a promising conflict. The pacing is taut, the stakes feel clear, and the audience is pulled in by the question: Will Vikram catch Kabir, or will they end up fighting side by side? But the second half struggles to sustain that tension. Instead of building toward an emotional or strategic crescendo, the plot meanders through side missions and scenic detours.
The writing also lacks a consistent emotional anchor. We’re told what’s at stake—national security, global consequences—but we rarely feel it. The result is a story that dazzles with its packaging but falters in delivering the kind of payoff that lingers after the credits roll.
Box Office & Audience Response – A House Divided
Commercially, War 2 started with a bang. Early estimates put its opening day collection in the ₹21–25 crore range by mid-afternoon, with projections climbing to around ₹60 crore net for Day 1—a testament to the star power and pre-release hype. The Independence Day weekend positioning was a masterstroke, guaranteeing packed houses across major cities.
Critically and among audiences, though, the response is split. Fans of the YRF Spy Universe and the lead actors have celebrated it as a high-energy crowd-pleaser. They praise the chemistry between Hrithik and Jr NTR, the exotic locations, and the spectacle-driven action.
On the other hand, more discerning viewers and critics have pointed to the same flaws—over-reliance on style, uneven pacing, and a lack of depth. Several reviews have called it “mid”—not a disaster, but far from a masterpiece. Many agree that the first half shines brighter than the second, which feels weighed down by spectacle for spectacle’s sake.
The Hits and Misses
| Element | Hits | Misses |
|---|---|---|
| Hrithik & NTR | Unmatched screen presence, electric chemistry | Others left with thin character arcs |
| Action | Some spectacular, practical stunt work | Overuse of CGI weakens big moments |
| Production Value | Expansive global scale and top-tier cinematography | Locations often underused narratively |
| Story & Pacing | Strong first half, engaging conflict setup | Convoluted second half, diluted stakes |
| Audience Impact | Strong fan turnout, high-energy crowd reactions | Divisive critical reception, limited emotional pull |
Final Verdict – A Fan-First Firework Show
War 2 is a film that knows exactly who it’s playing to. If you’re a fan of the YRF Spy Universe, if you want to see Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR share the screen in a testosterone-fueled bromance, if you live for glossy locations and adrenaline-charged action, this is your ticket.
But if you’re hoping for a tight, layered spy thriller with emotional complexity and grounded realism, you might leave feeling like you’ve been served a five-star meal with a slightly hollow center.
In the end, War 2 is best enjoyed as a celebration of its stars and its style—a Sholay-lite spectacle that flies at supersonic speed, even if it occasionally forgets where it’s headed.
