War 2 (released August 14, 2025) is the highly anticipated sequel to YRF’s 2019 blockbuster War. Directed by Ayan Mukerji and co-written with Sridhar Raghavan, this film marks a significant expansion of the YRF Spy Universe. With Hrithik Roshan reprising his role as RAW agent Kabir and Jr NTR entering Hindi cinema as elite operative Vikram, War 2 aimed to deliver an epic global action-spectacle. Also starring Kiara Advani and Anil Kapoor, and featuring a mid-credit cameo by Bobby Deol teasing Alpha with Alia Bhatt, expectations were sky-high.
War 2 Movie Review
1. Introduction: The Spyverse Returns
Budget and Scale
Reportedly made on a ₹300–400 crore budget, the film ups the ante with elaborate stunt sequences shot across ten countries, targeting a truly pan-India and global appeal.
Premise
The story sets up a classic “cat-and-mouse” dynamic between Kabir and Vikram, slowly evolving into a partnership. With espionage games, double-crosses, and moral ambiguity, the film aspires to balance blockbuster thrills with character depth.
2. Box Office & Release Buzz
Opening Day Numbers
Despite parallel release with Rajinikanth’s Coolie (which dominated ticket bookings), War 2 amassed impressive figures:
- Advance booking collections: ₹20.57 crore
- Morning show occupancy across chains (PVR-I, Cinepolis): ~1.47 lakh tickets.
Fan Mania & Cultural Impact
Fan reception has been extraordinary—hardcore enthusiasts celebrated with street carnivals, crackers, blood-tilak at Jr NTR’s cut-outs, and early-morning lineups from 4AM onward.
Mixed Social Media Reactions
Early Twitter/X responses show contrasting views:
- Praise for Hrithik and Jr NTR’s onscreen energy;
- Criticism for thin narrative, shaky VFX, and over-the-top cartoonish action.
3. Technical Mastery vs. Core Content
Action & Production Value
There’s no denying the film’s scale and visual grandeur:
- Elaborate action set-pieces choreographed to impress,
- Cinematography spans exotic global backdrops,
- Background score by the Balharas tries to match intensity.
Critics like Koimoi described it as “all fire, brimstone and meteors,” a feast for senses but lacking narrative grounding; Great Andhra called the blend of star power and spectacle spectacular, yet felt it didn’t cohere into an emotionally compelling experience.
VFX & CGI Concerns
Major critique revolves around underwhelming visuals:
- Some sequences labeled “cartoonish,” falling short of expectations.
- Jr NTR’s abs drew trolling for looking photoshopped.
- Reviewers point out sloppy integration of CGI diluting impact.
Screenplay & Direction
Multiple reviews flagged the plot as generic and the runtime bloated:
- Shubhra Gupta (Indian Express) found a “limp” worth of narrative and 1.5/5 rating.
- Hindustan Times echoed that the plot went on “vacation,” giving 2.5 stars.
- IndiToday observed a confused blend of patriotism, friendship arcs, and forgettable villains.
- Great Andhra called it better than other entries in the universe, yet hampered by inconsistent narration.
4. Performance Spotlight
Hrithik Roshan (Kabir)
Hrithik remains commanding: charismatic entries, poised action, magnetic screen presence—his charm alone is a spectacle. Critics believe he carried the film’s energy even when narrative faltered.
Jr NTR (Vikram)
For NTR, this marks his first major entry into Hindi mainstream—and he delivered:
- Fans cheered his “mass” entry and dubbed him “Mass Tiger”.
- Reviewers highlight his action skills and comfort in Hindi.
- However, some viewers criticize weak character development and felt he was overshadowed.
Kiara Advani & Anil Kapoor
- Kiara adds sensual charm—her bikini scene went viral.
- Anil Kapoor, as the new RAW chief, delivers a steady but limited cameo.
5. Fan and Online Perspectives
Positive Notes
From r/bollywood:
“I really liked the movie. I think its better than war and probably the best of spy universe so far for me. Second half slows down a bit with the …”
Fans also highlighted powerful entries and classy execution during fight sequences.
Criticisms
Reddit and X had downsides:
- VFX shortcomings and CGI missteps were widely panned.
- Some deemed the film stylistically pompous, stylistic over substance.
Regional Reception
While the North Indian audience expected more, the Telugu fanbase embraced NTR’s presence wholeheartedly.
6. Strengths & Weaknesses
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Hrithik’s show-stopping presence | VFX and CGI are below par |
| Jr NTR’s dynamic Hindi debut | Storyline feels generic and inconsistent |
| Grand, globe-trotting action sequences | This bloated runtime could have been tighter |
| High production values across board | Emotional core and script lack depth |
| Viral music & dance showdown (“Janaabe Aali”) | Disjointed villain/patriotism threads dilute focus |
What Hit It Out of the Park
- Visual spectacle: The scale—from exotic locales to dazzling camera work—is undeniably impressive.
- Star chemistry: Hrithik and NTR share palpable energy, engaging audiences in key scenes.
- Fan engagement: Online reactions, celebrations, and pre-release buzz were extraordinary.
What Fell Flat
- Shaky storytelling: Critics decried a lack of narrative stakes and originality.
- Technical missteps: Poor visual effects pulled viewers out of the experience.
- Unrealized potential: Despite a powerhouse cast and budget, the emotional payoff feels hollow.
7. Verdict: Pulse Check
Critics’ Scores
- Indian Express & Shubhra Gupta: 1.5/5
- Hindustan Times: 2.5/5
- NDTV (Radhika Sharma): 2/5
- Koimoi: 2.5/5 praising tech, panning narrative
- Indie Today: Mixed reaction on action vs story
Audience Rating
General online consensus (4/5) from X suggests fans enjoyed the performances despite script issues.
My Take
War 2 stands as a grand, stylish blockbuster enriched by magnetic star power and ambitious production. However, it falters under the weight of underbaked writing, clumsy visuals, and narrative convenience. It’s a thrilling ride moment to moment, yet ultimately leaves you nostalgic for the satisfaction of deeper emotional and storytelling cohesion.
8. What You Should Know Before Heading to Theatres
- Expect spectacle, not substance
If you’re here for adrenaline, exotic locales, and on-screen powerhouses—go ahead. But don’t bank on a tightly woven script. - Watch it on a big screen
The film’s grandeur and action sequences benefit immensely from cinematic immersion. - Prepare for tonal whiplash
The tonal shifts—from high-octane action to cliché drama—can feel jarring. - Be ready for a lengthy ride
At nearly three hours, tighter editing would’ve elevated the experience. - Stay till the end
The mid/post-credit scene sets up Alpha (Bobby Deol, Alia Bhatt, Sharvari), so stick around.
9. Comparison: War (2019) vs War 2 (2025)
War (2019)
- Tight script, swift pacing
- Strong chemistry (Hrithik & Tiger Shroff)
- Record-breaker in action genre
War 2
- Bigger scale, ambitious production, global reach
- Mixed emotional connection
- Star power intact, but narrative juices less potent
Winner for fans?
Hard to match the seamless thrill of War. While War 2 delivers more visually, it’s less cohesive—the sequel feels like a spectacle without fully building an emotional foundation.
10. The Spyverse Going Forward
- War 2 introduces Alpha, expanding the universe toward new characters and stories.
- YRF seems committed to continuing with interconnected spy adventures, banking on brand strength.
11. Final Reflections
If you’re a fan of cinematic splendor, globetrotting chase sequences, and star charisma, War 2 doesn’t disappoint on those fronts. Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR bring unmatched screen energy, and the sheer scale of production is impressive. But venture with realistic expectations—this is style over substance, spectacle over story, and flashes of brilliance overshadowed by uneven pacing and technical glitches.