Introduction
Anticipation is at an all-time high for War 2, the upcoming Indian Hindi-language action thriller slated to release worldwide on August 14, 2025, coinciding with India’s Independence Day weekend. Directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films (YRF), this high-budget sequel builds upon the blockbuster success of War (2019) and is part of the expanding YRF Spy Universe. Packed with intense action, gripping drama, and stellar performances, War 2 promises to be one of the biggest cinematic events of the year.
Story Overview
War 2 delivers a high-stakes espionage thriller revolving around two formidable agents locked in a deadly game of cat and mouse. The story follows Kabir Dhaliwal (Hrithik Roshan), a former Indian intelligence agent who has turned rogue and become one of the nation’s most dangerous antagonists. To counter this threat, the Indian government tasks Vikram (N. T. Rama Rao Jr.), a tactical and highly skilled Special Units officer, with the mission to neutralize Kabir. As these two lethal forces collide, the plot unfurls layers of loyalty, betrayal, emotional wounds, and high-octane action, culminating in explosive confrontations across exotic global locations.
Star-Studded Cast : War 2 (2025)
- Hrithik Roshan as Major Kabir Dhaliwal (Rogue Agent)
- N. T. Rama Rao Jr. (Jr NTR) as Vikram (Elite Special Units Officer)
- Kiara Advani as Kavya Luthra
- Ashutosh Rana as Colonel Sunil Luthra
- Anil Kapoor in a pivotal role
- Dishita Sehgal as Ruhi, Kabir’s adoptive daughter
- Cameo appearances by Alia Bhatt, Sharvari, Bobby Deol, and archival presence of Tiger Shroff
The film brings together powerhouse actors from both Bollywood and South Indian cinema, assuring a dynamic and compelling on-screen presence.
Crew & Major Contributors : War 2
- Director: Ayan Mukerji
- Producer: Aditya Chopra (Yash Raj Films), Co-producer Akshaye Widhani
- Writers: Story by Aditya Chopra, screenplay by Shridhar Raghavan, dialogues by Abbas Tyrewala
- Cinematography: Benjamin Jasper ACS
- Editor: Aarif Sheikh
- Music Director: Pritam (Soundtrack), with film score by Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara
- Lyricist: Amitabh Bhattacharya
- Production Designers: Rajat Poddar, Amrita Mahal Nakai
- Action Directors: Spiro Razatos, Franz Spilhaus, Anl Arasu, and others
- Costume Designers: Anaita Shroff Adajania, Niharika Jolly
- Choreography: Bosco Leslie Martis
- Sound Design: Dileep Subramaniam, Ganesh Gangadharan
This team of top-tier technicians and creative experts adds a sophisticated edge and top production values, highlighting the film’s scale and spectacle.
Production & Filming : War 2
Principal photography began in October 2023, with shooting taking place extensively in Mumbai, alongside international locations including Spain, Italy, Abu Dhabi, and Japan. The film features elaborate action sequences, breathtaking aerial stunts, and complex set pieces that elevate the visual appeal to a global standard.
Budget & Salaries : War 2
War 2 is one of the most expensive Indian films ever made:
- Production Budget: Estimated at ₹400 crore (approx.)
- Actor Salaries:
- Hrithik Roshan reportedly earned ₹50 crore plus a profit-sharing deal
- N. T. Rama Rao Jr. (Jr NTR) received approximately ₹60-70 crore
- Kiara Advani earned around ₹15 crore
- Director Ayan Mukerji charged about ₹30-32 crore
- The film’s expansive budget reflects its scale, star power, and advanced production standards.
Release Details & Formats
- Release Date: August 14, 2025 (Independence Day Weekend)
- Languages: Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and other dubbed versions
- Formats: Standard, IMAX, D-Box, ICE, 4DX, Dolby Cinema, and other premium formats
- The film faces a box office clash with Tamil film Coolie (2025) releasing on the same date, making this weekend a thrilling showdown for Indian audiences.
Music & Trailer
The movie’s soundtrack, composed by Pritam, along with the background score by Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara, has already garnered positive attention. The trailer released in July 2025 showcased stunning visuals, intense fight sequences, and highlighted the charismatic intensity of Hrithik Roshan’s and Jr NTR’s characters, boosting excitement for the film.
Pre-Release Buzz & Expectations
Advance bookings have begun with tremendous enthusiasm, especially in Hindi-speaking regions and Telugu states where Jr NTR commands massive support. Industry insiders predict:
- Opening day collections ranging between ₹80 crore to ₹90 crore domestically
- Global opening around ₹150 crore considering the multi-language releases and premium formats
- Expected to break several box office records given the star cast, action spectacle, and YRF’s marketing muscle
Conclusion
War 2 stands as a grand action thriller that combines stylized espionage, emotional depth, and mass entertainment, powered by the star magnetism of Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR. With Ayan Mukerji’s visionary direction and YRF’s production backing, it is set to redefine Indian action cinema for 2025. The Independence Day weekend clash against Coolie (2025) only adds to the excitement, promising one of the most thrilling cinematic experiences for audiences across India and abroad.