War 2 Review

Title: War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Producer / Studio: Aditya Chopra under the Yash Raj Films banner
Story / Screenplay / Dialogues:

Story: Aditya Chopra

Screenplay: Shridhar Raghavan

Dialogues: Abbas Tyrewala

Cast: Hrithik Roshan as Kabir Dhaliwal (returning from War) Jr. NTR (Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr.) as Vikram (Bollywood debut) Kiara Advani as Kavya Luthra

Supporting cast: Ashutosh Rana, Anil Kapoor, and others

War 2 expands the YRF Spy Universe, weaving together threads from Tiger 3 and earlier films. The story centers on Kabir Dhaliwal (Hrithik Roshan), a once-elite operative now suspected of betrayal. His former batchmate, Vikram (Jr. NTR), is tasked with tracking him down — setting up a high-stakes cat-and-mouse chase that spans continents.

The film attempts to blend globe-trotting espionage, emotional tension, and grand-scale action. However, the screenplay often struggles to balance spectacle with depth. Several subplots are introduced but left underdeveloped, and character motivations blur as the narrative progresses. The result is a film that feels more like a showcase of set pieces than a cohesive spy thriller.

While the tight-lipped marketing strategy worked as a promotional tool, the secrecy also leaves emotional engagement lacking. Scenes that should have landed with dramatic weight feel rushed or undercooked. The pacing falters — the opening act is gripping, the middle bloated with exposition, and the finale relies on spectacle over substance.

In short, War 2 is ambitious, audacious, and clearly designed to expand the franchise, but its foundation isn’t always strong enough to carry the weight of its ambition.

Hrithik commands the screen with charisma and physicality. His action sequences are sharp and believable, while moments of introspection show flashes of emotional depth. Yet, the script gives him limited breathing room — his quieter, more human moments feel underwritten compared to the larger-than-life action.

Jr. NTR’s Bollywood debut is the film’s highlight. He brings raw energy, intensity, and unpredictability to the role, instantly commanding attention. His confrontations with Hrithik crackle with chemistry and tension. Vikram’s complexity — both as a hunter and a man with a code — allows NTR to shine. It’s little surprise that many critics have called him the film’s scene-stealer.

Kiara delivers a sincere performance, but her role is disappointingly thin. Despite her presence, the character lacks dimension — alternating between being a motivator and a bystander. Her chemistry with the leads is functional, though not particularly memorable.

Ashutosh Rana anchors key scenes with his trademark gravitas, while Anil Kapoor and others add texture despite limited screen time. Strong performances abound, but they’re underserved by the script’s uneven focus.

Overall, the ensemble performances elevate War 2, even when the writing doesn’t.

Visually, War 2 is a stunner. From its high-octane chases to lavish set designs and international backdrops, every frame screams scale. The cinematography captures both grit and glamour, while Pritam’s background score and the sound design inject momentum into the action-heavy sequences.

However, not all the visual effects hold up. Certain CGI-heavy moments feel over-processed, occasionally breaking immersion. Editing is serviceable but inconsistent — the film feels bloated in parts and could benefit from a tighter cut.

Director Ayan Mukerji brings his signature flair and color, attempting to infuse emotional rhythm into the YRF Spy Universe. Yet, he occasionally leans too hard on visual grandeur at the expense of narrative coherence. The ambition is undeniable; the execution, uneven.

Verdict

War 2 is a visually grand, star-driven spectacle that thrives on its leads’ charisma but falters under the weight of its own ambition. Hrithik Roshan delivers reliability, Jr. NTR electrifies the screen, and Ayan Mukerji’s direction keeps things stylish. Yet, the film never fully transcends its formulaic foundation. A thrilling but uneven addition to the YRF Spy Universe — bold in scope, patchy in soul.

Box Office & Release

Released on August 14, 2025, to coincide with India’s Independence Day weekend, War 2 opened to massive anticipation.

• Opening Day (India): ₹52 crore
• Domestic Gross: ~₹282.6 crore
• Overseas Gross: ~₹81.75 crore
• Worldwide Total: ≈ ₹364.35 crore

With an estimated production budget between ₹300–325 crore, War 2 stands as one of YRF’s most expensive ventures. Early trade reports position it as a moderate commercial success, buoyed by strong openings and Jr. NTR’s crossover appeal in the Hindi belt and South Indian markets.