War 2 Review: Star Power Shines, Story Falters in Ayan Mukerji’s Spy Universe Sequel

The much-anticipated War 2 roared into cinemas on August 14, 2025, carrying the weight of massive expectations. Positioned as the next big installment in the YRF Spy Universe, the film promised to blend Bollywood spectacle with Hollywood-style espionage thrills. With Hrithik Roshan returning as the suave and deadly RAW agent Kabir, and Jr NTR making his grand Hindi debut as fellow operative Vikram, the stage seemed set for an electrifying ride.

The result? A film that dazzles in bursts, but struggles to hold its momentum, leaving audiences split between admiration and disappointment.

Star Performances That Steal the Show

If War 2 had to rely solely on its leads, it would have been unstoppable. Hrithik Roshan brings his trademark grace, physicality, and effortless charisma to Kabir once again. Every action sequence featuring him feels like an event in itself, from his slow-motion walk-ins to his balletic combat moves. Jr NTR, on the other hand, arrives with the kind of presence that demands attention—his entry scene alone is designed to draw whistles in theaters across the country.

The chemistry between the two is one of the film’s biggest strengths. Whether they’re collaborating on high-stakes missions or going head-to-head in tense confrontations, there’s a magnetic push-and-pull dynamic that keeps viewers hooked even when the plot falters.

First Half: Fast, Flashy, and Fun

The film bursts out of the gate with globe-trotting missions, slick gadgets, and gravity-defying stunts. Exotic locales—ranging from icy mountains to neon-lit cityscapes—give the first hour a sense of big-budget grandeur. The pacing is tight, the confrontations are smartly choreographed, and the cinematography makes sure every kick, leap, and explosion feels cinematic.

At this stage, War 2 feels like it’s living up to its blockbuster promise. The audience gets a heady cocktail of action and glamour that keeps them on the edge of their seats.

Second Half: A Slow Fade into Familiarity

Unfortunately, the same energy doesn’t fully carry over past the interval. The second half sees the narrative slow down, weighed down by predictable twists and recycled tropes from countless spy thrillers. Emotional beats feel rushed, and some of the character arcs—particularly for side characters—are left underdeveloped.

The sense of urgency that drives the first half gives way to long stretches where the story seems to stall, only to be jolted back into motion by yet another elaborate action sequence.

Visuals and VFX: Grand Vision, Mixed Execution

Director Ayan Mukerji clearly aimed for an international scale, and in some moments, the film delivers—wide aerial shots, explosive set pieces, and creative stunt choreography are all here. But not all of it lands smoothly.

Certain action sequences—especially the airplane stunts—draw more smirks than gasps due to less-than-convincing VFX. The line between high-octane realism and video-game-like spectacle blurs, and not always in a good way. When the effects work, they elevate the tension; when they don’t, they pull the audience out of the experience.

Audience Reaction: Between Cheers and Shrugs

In theaters, reactions have been mixed. The first half has received loud applause, with audiences especially loving Jr NTR’s stylish entry and Hrithik Roshan’s action dominance. However, many viewers have labeled the second half as “mid-tier,” citing the predictable story and occasional overreliance on visual spectacle over storytelling.

Social media chatter reflects this divide—half the audience is celebrating the scale and star power, while the other half is lamenting the lack of depth and innovation.

Box Office: Strong Start, Questions Ahead

On opening day, War 2 drew in impressive numbers, reportedly crossing the ₹50 crore mark in India alone. The Independence Day holiday timing gave it a boost, and with two of the country’s biggest stars at the forefront, initial footfalls were robust.

However, sustaining that momentum will depend heavily on word-of-mouth. If casual moviegoers echo the “great first half, weaker second half” sentiment, the film may see a dip after the initial rush. Still, the pan-India appeal of Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR could help the film maintain steady collections in the weeks ahead.

Final Verdict

War 2 is an ambitious attempt to push the YRF Spy Universe further into global-scale storytelling. It has moments of sheer brilliance, powered largely by its two magnetic leads and some genuinely thrilling action set pieces.

But ambition alone isn’t enough—the film’s uneven pacing, narrative shortcuts, and occasional overindulgence in visual spectacle keep it from becoming the genre-defining spy epic it wants to be. It’s a ride worth taking for the stars and the style, but you might leave the theater wishing it had a little more substance to match its swagger.