Saturday, August 16, 2025

War 2 – Honest Expert Review

Overview & Background

War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films, is the much-awaited sequel to the 2019 blockbuster War. As the sixth installment in the YRF Spy Universe, the film raises expectations with its star-studded cast and globe-trotting action.


war 2 movie review

The movie brings back Hrithik Roshan as Major Kabir Dhaliwal, introduces N. T. Rama Rao Jr. (Jr. NTR) in his Hindi film debut, and features Kiara Advani in a significant role. Set against a backdrop of espionage and international conspiracies, the film promises adrenaline-pumping stunts and stylish set-pieces.

A high-octane, cinematic war scene unfolding on a sprawling battlefield. In the foreground, a group of battle-hardened soldiers engage in intense close-quarters combat, their faces etched with determination and grit. Plumes of smoke and dust obscure the middle ground, where tanks and armored vehicles clash, their cannons thundering. In the distance, the horizon is ablaze with explosions, the sky pierced by the contrails of fighter jets. Dramatic chiaroscuro lighting casts dramatic shadows, heightening the sense of urgency and danger. The overall atmosphere is one of raw, visceral conflict - a thrilling, high-stakes sequel that delivers on both action and emotional depth.

With a reported budget of ₹200–400 crore, War 2 is one of the costliest Indian films ever made. Shot across six countries—Spain, Italy, Abu Dhabi, Japan, Russia, and India—the movie is a true visual spectacle. It premiered on 14 August 2025, perfectly timed for the Independence Day weekend, and released in multiple formats including IMAX, Dolby Cinema, and dubbed versions in Telugu and Tamil.


What Worked

1. Star Power & Performances

  • Hrithik Roshan once again delivers a magnetic performance with his trademark intensity and charisma.

  • Jr. NTR impresses with a layered and menacing antagonist role, making a strong Bollywood debut.

  • Kiara Advani adds balance as a smart and resourceful ally, contributing more than just glamour to the film.

2. Visual Grandeur

From high-speed chases in European streets to mid-ocean combat sequences, War 2 is visually stunning. Exotic international locations, slick cinematography, and well-choreographed action sequences give it the look and feel of a true global blockbuster.

3. Expansion of the Spy Universe

The movie strategically expands the YRF Spy Universe, leaving fans with post-credit teasers hinting at bigger crossovers and storylines ahead. For franchise followers, this adds an exciting dimension beyond the movie itself.

Where It Falters

1. Mixed Critical Reception

While audiences appreciated the action, many critics pointed out flaws in the story. The Times of India rated it 3/5, praising the scale but criticizing the weak narrative and lack of emotional depth.

2. VFX Shortcomings

Despite its grandeur, certain sequences suffer from noticeable green-screen work. Some fans even took to social media calling parts of the visual effects “unfinished” or “cheap.”

3. Behind-the-Scenes Tensions

Reports suggest that creative disagreements between Hrithik Roshan and director Ayan Mukerji surfaced during production. Such conflicts may have influenced the uneven pacing and structure of the film.

4. Piracy Issues

Soon after release, War 2 faced widespread piracy. Illegal leaks posed a threat to its box office collections despite a strong opening weekend.

a dramatic war 2 moview review poster
review with rinku



Box Office Performance

  • Opening Day: Collected a whopping ₹52 crore, setting a record for Independence Day releases.

  • First Weekend: Crossed ₹100 crore in just two days, cementing its status as one of the biggest openers of 2025.

Expert Verdict: Final Thoughts

War 2 is a spectacular action extravaganza designed for the big screen. Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR deliver performances worth watching, while the scale and ambition of the film push Indian action cinema to new heights.

However, the thin storyline, uneven execution, and inconsistent VFX stop it from being a flawless masterpiece. Still, for fans of high-octane thrillers and the YRF Spy Universe, it’s an experience you wouldn’t want to miss.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for pure cinematic spectacle, War 2 delivers. But if you crave a strong emotional narrative, you might leave the theatre wanting more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Who directed War 2?
Ayan Mukerji directed the film.

Q2. When was it released?
It premiered on 14 August 2025.

Q3. Who are the main stars?
Hrithik Roshan, Jr. NTR (in his Hindi debut), and Kiara Advani.

Q4. How did it perform at the box office?
It earned ₹52 crore on its opening day and crossed ₹100 crore in just two days.

Q5. Why did it receive mixed reviews?
While audiences loved the action and performances, critics highlighted weak storytelling and technical inconsistencies.

Q6. Is it part of a larger franchise?
Yes. It’s the sixth film in the YRF Spy Universe and includes post-credit scenes teasing upcoming crossovers.

✨ In short: War 2 is a stylish, action-packed entertainer that shines through its performances and visual scale, even if its story doesn’t break new ground.


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