Who needs coffee when you have Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR throwing punches at each other for nearly three hours? War 2 begins with this simple question that every action movie fan has been asking since the trailer dropped. The film arrives with sky-high expectations, riding on the success of previous spy universe hits like Pathaan and the original War.
Director Ayan Mukerji takes charge of this massive project, replacing Siddharth Anand from the first film. The story picks up with Major Kabir Dhaliwal going rogue and becoming India’s most wanted criminal. Agent Vikram Chelapathi (Jr NTR) enters the scene as a deadly operative tasked with hunting down Kabir, setting up an epic cat-and-mouse game.
The film boasts an impressive cast that brings together stars from different film industries across India. Kiara Advani plays Wing Commander Kavya Luthra, while Anil Kapoor and Ashutosh Rana return to the spy universe in key roles. This multi-starrer approach aims to appeal to audiences across the country, making it a true pan-Indian experience.
War 2 was made on a massive budget of ₹400 crore, making it one of the most expensive Indian films ever produced. The production team shot extensively across multiple countries, including Spain, Italy, Abu Dhabi, and Russia, to create a global feel. This international scale gives the film a polished look that matches Hollywood action standards.
Hrithik Roshan delivers a solid performance as the conflicted Kabir, bringing both intensity and emotional depth to his character. His screen presence remains as magnetic as ever, and he handles the action sequences with his trademark style and grace. The actor successfully carries forward his character from the first film while adding new layers of complexity.
Jr NTR makes an impressive Bollywood debut with his portrayal of Agent Vikram, bringing his South Indian mass appeal to Hindi cinema. His chemistry with Hrithik creates some of the film’s most engaging moments, especially during their face-off scenes. The RRR star proves he can hold his ground against one of Bollywood’s biggest action heroes.
Kiara Advani looks stunning and delivers a competent performance, though her character feels somewhat underwritten compared to the male leads. Her action sequences are well-choreographed, and she brings emotional weight to the few dramatic scenes she gets. However, the film could have given her more substantial material to work with, given her proven acting abilities.
The supporting cast performs adequately within their limited screen time, with Anil Kapoor bringing his usual charm to the role of a RAW chief. Ashutosh Rana reprises his role from previous spy universe films, providing continuity to the franchise. The ensemble works well together, though some characters feel like they exist mainly to move the plot forward.
Ayan Mukerji’s direction shows ambition in handling such a large-scale production, but the execution feels uneven at times. The first half maintains good momentum with well-staged action sequences and character introductions that keep viewers engaged. However, the second half drags considerably, losing some of the energy that made the opening portions work.
The action choreography stands out as one of the film’s strongest elements, with expertly staged fight sequences and chase scenes. The stunt work looks realistic and impactful, avoiding the over-the-top CGI that often mars modern action films. International action directors contribute their expertise to create sequences that feel fresh and exciting.
Pritam’s music score provides adequate support to the action, though it lacks the memorable themes that could elevate key moments. The background score by Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara works better during action sequences than in emotional scenes. The songs are decent, but don’t reach the level of catchiness that would make them chart-toppers.
The cinematography by Benjamin Jasper captures the global locations beautifully, giving the film a sleek and polished visual style. The editing by Aarik Sheikh keeps the pace mostly tight, though some sequences in the second half could have been trimmed. The production design creates authentic-looking spy environments that enhance the film’s credibility.
The film’s writing presents both strengths and weaknesses that affect the overall viewing experience. The cat-and-mouse dynamic between Kabir and Vikram creates tension, but some plot twists feel predictable rather than surprising. The dialogue works well during action scenes but sometimes becomes heavy-handed during emotional moments.
War 2’s themes of loyalty, betrayal, and patriotism resonate with contemporary audiences who enjoy escapist entertainment. The film doesn’t try to be too serious about real-world politics, instead focusing on creating an entertaining spy fantasy that fits within the larger YRF Spy Universe. This approach works for the target audience but might leave some viewers wanting more substance.
The box office performance shows mixed results, with the film earning ₹19.49 crore on its opening day in India. Telugu audiences responded more enthusiastically than Hindi viewers, reflecting Jr NTR’s star power in South India. The film faces tough competition from Rajinikanth’s Coolie, which dominated advance bookings.
War 2 concludes with a qualified yes – it delivers spectacle and star power but falls short of greatness. The film works as a crowd-pleasing entertainer with impressive action sequences and strong lead performances. While it may not surpass the original War or Pathaan in terms of impact, it provides enough thrills to satisfy action movie fans looking for large-scale entertainment.
