Introduction & Context

Five years after the first War set box office records, YRF returns with War 2, an ambitious sequel in its Spy Universe. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the film marks the first collaboration between Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan and Telugu cinema giant Jr NTR. With Kiara Advani joining the mission, the movie had massive hype, particularly after the success of Pathaan and Tiger 3. Filmed across multiple exotic locations—Spain, Italy, Abu Dhabi, Russia, and Japan—the movie aimed to raise the scale of action thrillers in India.

Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)

Major Kabir Dhaliwal (Hrithik Roshan) is drawn into a new mission when a series of coordinated global terror attacks threaten India’s security. Enter Vikram (Jr NTR), a mysterious and highly skilled operative whose motives are unclear. The story becomes a globe-trotting chess match between allies and adversaries, with betrayals, shifting loyalties, and personal vendettas woven into the spy narrative. Kiara Advani plays a vital role in the mission, adding both glamour and emotional tension.

Performances

Hrithik Roshan (Kabir): Delivers charisma and screen presence in abundance. His action sequences are choreographed to perfection, and his physicality makes the role convincing. His emotional beats, however, are limited by the script.

Jr NTR (Vikram): A standout, particularly for Hindi-speaking audiences unfamiliar with his work. He matches Hrithik in intensity and offers a grounded yet fierce performance. Fans will appreciate his intro scene and his hand-to-hand combat sequences.

Kiara Advani: Stylish and confident, though her role is underwritten. She adds visual appeal and some emotional warmth, but isn’t given as much depth as the male leads.

Supporting cast (Anil Kapoor, Ashutosh Rana) provide gravitas, though their screen time is brief.

Direction & Technical Brilliance

Ayan Mukerji leans into spectacle, staging large-scale set pieces—motorcycle chases in Italy, a tense subway fight in Tokyo, and a desert assault in Abu Dhabi. The cinematography is polished, with high-gloss visuals reminiscent of Hollywood spy films. The music and background score pump adrenaline into action scenes, though the songs feel like speed-breakers to the pacing.

The editing is snappy in the first half but sags in the second, where over-explained plot twists dilute tension.

Action Sequences

Opening Set Piece: A jaw-dropping extraction mission in a snow-laden European city.

The action design is one of the movie’s strengths:

Midpoint Showdown: Hrithik and Jr NTR face off in an extended fight sequence blending martial arts and weapon combat.

Climactic Battle: A multi-layered assault involving drones, close combat, and a high-speed chase.

While visually stunning, some sequences suffer from overuse of CGI, occasionally breaking immersion.

Strengths

1. Star Power & Chemistry – Hrithik and Jr NTR’s presence elevates the film, with mutual respect and rivalry playing out brilliantly on screen.

2. Technical Excellence – Slick cinematography, production design, and location work make the film look global.

3. Action Variety – From rooftop chases to underwater escapes, the movie keeps the action geographically and stylistically diverse.

4. Fan Service – Easter eggs linking to other YRF Spy Universe films like Pathaan and Tiger 3.

Weaknesses

1. Weak Writing – The script lacks the emotional stakes and narrative tightness of War (2019). The central conflict feels predictable.

2. Second-Half Fatigue – Momentum dips in the latter part, with excessive exposition.

3. Underwritten Characters – Kiara Advani’s arc and even Jr NTR’s backstory deserved more exploration.

4. VFX Overkill – Certain body enhancements and stunt effects (especially involving Jr NTR) appear artificial.

Critical Reception

Positive: Many praised the film as a “celebration of stardom,” where two massive industries—Bollywood and Tollywood—collide. Fans loved the face-offs, calling them the highlight of the year’s action cinema.

Mixed/Negative: Critics pointed out that beneath the glossy surface, the plot is a patchwork of familiar spy-thriller tropes. Words like “overstuffed” and “Sholay Lite” were used by NDTV. The Indian Express called it “a glossy snooze-fest.”

Box Office & Hype

Opening day collections crossed ₹52 crore, the third-highest for the Spy Universe, with 4 AM shows in cities like Hyderabad and Mumbai selling out. However, there was a noticeable drop on Day 2, hinting at mixed word-of-mouth.

Verdict

If you go in for high-octane action, larger-than-life stars, and visual spectacle, War 2 delivers. If you seek a tight, emotionally gripping spy thriller, you may find it lacking. The film is best enjoyed on the biggest screen possible, preferably with a cheering audience.