When a movie is announced as part of the YRF Spy Universe, the excitement automatically doubles. After the massive success of War in 2019, fans were eagerly waiting for the sequel. Now, with War 2 hitting the big screen, expectations were sky-high. Featuring Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani, the film promised stylish action, global espionage, and emotional drama. In this War 2 review, we break down whether the film lives up to the hype or struggles under its own weight.
Setting the Stage
The first War gave us Kabir Dhaliwal (Hrithik Roshan), a rogue agent who eventually turned into a savior. In War 2, Kabir is back, but this time he is not alone. Jr NTR joins the franchise as a raw and fearless intelligence officer named Vikram, who operates with a very different set of values. Together, they are drawn into a mission that stretches across continents, fighting shadowy enemies while trying to outwit each other.
From the very first frame, director Ayan Mukerji makes it clear that this film is not a repeat of War. Instead, War 2 aims to expand the spy universe by exploring deeper emotions, larger stakes, and new rivalries.
Performances That Steal the Show
A major reason to watch War 2 is the star power.
- Hrithik Roshan once again proves why he is considered one of Bollywood’s finest action heroes. His physical presence, charm, and ability to switch between intense action and subtle emotion make Kabir a memorable character.
- Jr NTR, in his Bollywood debut, matches Hrithik’s screen presence with ease. His role as Vikram is fiery, unpredictable, and layered. The tension between Kabir and Vikram is the emotional core of the story.
- Kiara Advani adds heart to the film. While her role is not action-heavy, her emotional arc gives the narrative more depth.
Together, this trio carries the weight of the film, and it is their chemistry that keeps you hooked even when the script wavers.
Action and Visuals – Strengths with a Caveat
No War 2 review is complete without discussing the action. The film boasts massive set-pieces shot in Spain, Switzerland, Russia, and India. From high-speed car chases to aerial combat, War 2 doesn’t hold back in scale.
However, while some sequences feel thrilling, others lack originality. The problem with modern spy thrillers is comparison, and audiences who have seen Hollywood franchises like Mission Impossible or James Bond will notice similarities. That said, the Indian context and Hrithik-Jr NTR face-offs add freshness.
The visual effects are ambitious, but at times, they appear rushed. While the grand visuals create excitement in theatres, sharper detailing could have elevated the overall experience.
Storytelling – The Hit and the Miss
This War 2 review needs to highlight the story because it is here that the film slightly falters. The first half is gripping, introducing Kabir and Vikram’s clash with stylish pacing. The mind games, suspicion, and banter between the two characters keep the audience guessing.
But as the film progresses, the screenplay dips. Too many subplots are introduced, and the villain’s motives are not explored deeply. The second half, while packed with action, sometimes feels like style over substance.
Still, the emotional beats between Hrithik and Jr NTR save the film from collapsing. Their relationship, which moves from rivalry to respect, forms the emotional heart of War 2.
Music and Background Score
Music has always been an important part of YRF films. In War 2, the songs are fewer but more situational. The background score, however, is powerful. Every action sequence is lifted by the thundering sound design, making the theatre experience more immersive.
Audience Reaction
So far, audience reactions have been mixed. Many fans of Hrithik and Jr NTR are delighted with their on-screen chemistry and larger-than-life action. However, some viewers feel the story could have been tighter.
On social media, fans are calling it a “mass entertainer” while others describe it as “good, but not groundbreaking.” This balance of praise and criticism is important to mention in this War 2 review.
Comparison with Other Spy Universe Films
YRF’s Spy Universe is expanding fast. After Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, and Pathaan, this film was meant to push the boundary further.
Compared to War, the sequel has more star power with Jr NTR’s addition. Compared to Pathaan, War 2 is more emotionally layered but less stylish. This contrast shows that while YRF is building a connected universe, every film carries a different tone.
The Clash Factor
One of the most talked-about things before the release was the box office clash. Rajinikanth’s Coolie released around the same time, creating a massive buzz. Trade analysts called this one of the biggest box office battles in years. In this context, fans have been following the Coolie vs War 2 Clash closely. While both films are performing strongly, the clash has divided audiences and headlines.
For readers interested in parallel cinema updates, don’t miss our Coolie Movie Review 2025, which dives into how Rajinikanth’s film shaped its own path at the box office.
Verdict
To wrap up this War 2 review – the film is a stylish entertainer that thrives on performances but stumbles in storytelling. Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR deliver electric screen presence, Kiara Advani adds emotion, and the action sequences are grand. However, uneven VFX and an inconsistent screenplay hold the film back from being a masterpiece.
For fans of Bollywood action and for anyone following the YRF Spy Universe, War 2 is a must-watch despite its flaws. It may not reinvent the spy genre, but it certainly adds excitement and anticipation for what’s coming next in the universe.
Final Rating by Filmosity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
- Performances: 5/5
- Action & Visuals: 4/5
- Storyline: 3/5
- Music & Score: 4/5
- Overall Impact: 4/5
Quick Recap for Readers
- Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR shine as the heart of the movie.
- Action sequences are massive but uneven in quality.
- Storyline could have been tighter but delivers emotional moments.
- Box office clash with Coolie adds more drama off-screen.
- War 2 is not perfect but remains a crowd-puller.