Release Date: August 14, 2025
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, Kiara Advani, Anil Kapoor, Ashutosh Rana
Music: Pritam
Genre: Action Thriller, Spy
Introduction – War 2 Movie Review with Focus on Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR
The much-awaited War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji, has finally arrived on the big screen, stirring up massive excitement across India and internationally. Starring Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan alongside South superstar Jr NTR, the film is the latest installment in the YRF Spy Universe and comes with sky-high expectations following the success of the first War (2019). Released on August 14, 2025, War 2 promises explosive action, intricate espionage, and a gripping story of betrayal and rivalry.
This War 2 movie review explores the film’s strengths and weaknesses, audience reactions, and box office impact, capturing the pulse of this grand spectacle.
Coolie Movie Review – Rajinikanth’s Mass Comeback in Lokesh Kanagaraj Style (2025)
Plot and Performances – Hrithik as Kabir and Jr NTR as Vikram
War 2 follows RAW agent Kabir (Hrithik Roshan), accused of a betrayal involving national secrets, while his former batchmate Vikram (Jr NTR), an elite operative, is tasked with hunting him down. The narrative is a cat-and-mouse chase across global locations, loaded with twists and turns that test loyalties and friendships.
- Hrithik Roshan carries the film with his trademark charisma, lending weight to Kabir’s complex character. His action scenes and screen presence feel like the anchor in an otherwise uneven film.
- Jr NTR, making his debut in Hindi cinema, brings intense energy and style but is seen by many as underutilized, with his character lacking deep development or memorable chemistry with Hrithik.
- Kiara Advani, Anil Kapoor, and Ashutosh Rana provide support roles that add to the intrigue, though the story does not give them much room to shine.
Pic Credit : IMDB/YRF
Direction and Technical Aspects
Director Ayan Mukerji delivers the usual YRF franchise style with sleek visuals and grand scale storytelling. The film features:
- Jaw-dropping, though sometimes over-the-top, action sequences that showcase high production values.
- Cinematography capturing exotic locales with impressive framing.
- Pritam’s soundtrack and background score enhancing mood and tension, with songs that add to the film’s commercial appeal.
However, both critics and audiences have noted issues with pacing, especially in the second half. The screenplay tends to lean heavily on style over substance, making some plot elements feel recycled or predictable. The narrative struggles to balance character development against the relentless action, which might leave some viewers wanting more emotional depth.
Public Reaction – Mixed but Passionate Fanbase
The release of War 2 turned into a festival-like celebration among Hrithik and Jr NTR fans — especially in Hyderabad and other Telugu-speaking regions — with midnight shows, cutouts, and social media storms.
Positive Reactions
- Engaging first half, filled with large-scale set-pieces.
- Hrithik’s performance and action scenes praised across the board.
- Pan-India star pairing seen as a bold and exciting move.
Criticisms
- Second half dips in pacing.
- Jr NTR’s role underdeveloped; fans expected more hero-vs-hero drama.
- Storyline at times predictable and reliant on big action distractions.
Despite mixed opinions, audiences hungry for spectacle still rate it as solid entertainment.
Box Office Performance
On its opening day:
- Netted around ₹60–64 crore in India across all languages.
- Strong openings in both Hindi and Telugu markets.
- Eye-catching global debut, keeping pace with other festival blockbusters of the season.
Advance bookings broke multiple records for a YRF film, ensuring a strong financial start.
Verdict – War 2 Movie Review: Stylish Action with Room for More Depth
War 2 delivers high-octane action, stylish set pieces, and a cinematic pairing that fans have been waiting for. Hrithik Roshan stands out as the MVP, Jr NTR shines in moments but deserved a meatier role. While the film succeeds as an adrenaline-filled spy thriller, the shortcomings in story depth and pacing hold it back from greatness.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5) – A visually grand and entertaining action spectacle that could have been even stronger with tighter writing and better character balance.