Director: Ayan Mukerji
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Kiara Advani, Jr NTR, Anil Kapoor, Ashutosh Rana, Varun Badola and others
Where to watch: In theatres
Rating: 3 stars
Ayan Mukerji took the reins of War 2, the latest chapter in YRF's ambitious Spy Universe. Following the 2019 blockbuster War, which pitted Hrithik Roshan against Tiger Shroff, this sequel brings back Hrithik's dashing but lethal RAW agent Kabir for another high-stakes mission. This time, the battlefield is global, the enemy is deadlier, and the action is bigger - at least on paper. With Jr NTR making his much-awaited Bollywood debut as Vikram and Kiara Advani joining the mix, expectations were sky-high. Unfortunately, War 2 doesn't entirely hit the target.
War 2 Review
Kabir's latest mission revolves around dismantling Kali, a dangerous anti-India terrorist syndicate. Standing in his way is Vikram (Jr NTR), an elite operative whose skills match Kabir's at every turn. The film promises cat-and-mouse tension, but the much-anticipated Vikram–Kabir face-off arrives quite late in the first half, diluting its impact.
The first half is sluggish and struggles to grab attention, relying more on flashy action than engaging storytelling. Thankfully, interest builds in the second half as the stakes rise, alliances shift, and the narrative gains momentum.
At one point, Vikram teams up with Kiara's character and Anil Kapoor's seasoned operative to take down Kabir, only for loyalties to twist again. While these narrative turns could have added suspense, they fail to keep audiences consistently hooked.
And yes, if you're heading into War 2, you might want to leave logic at home. Physics-defying stunts on planes and trains, miraculous escapes without a scratch, and over-the-top set pieces will test your suspension of disbelief.
War 2: Actors' Performances
Hrithik once again proves why Kabir is one of the most charismatic characters in the YRF Spy Universe. He dominates every frame, blending charm, grit, and intensity. His physicality in action scenes remains unmatched, and even in quieter moments, he sells the emotional beats.
Jr NTR makes a confident Bollywood debut, delivering a layered antagonist who is as stylish as he is formidable. His Hindi diction is not bad, and his massy presence elevates every scene he's in. The moments where Hrithik and Jr NTR share the screen, especially their dance number, are whistle-worthy and absolute crowd-pleasers.
Kiara not only looks hot and stunning but also delivers a competent performance, stepping into action sequences with conviction. In the supporting cast, Ashutosh Rana, Anil Kapoor, and Varun Badola play their parts well.
War 2: Music and action
If there's one arena where War 2 delivers consistently, it's in its action choreography. From hand-to-hand combat to globe-trotting chase sequences, the film is an absolute visual feast for action lovers. That said, some sequences feel unnecessarily exaggerated, prioritising spectacle over believability.
The background score is a definite highlight, swelling at just the right moments to pull you deeper into the world of spies and double-crosses. The songs are definitely not forgettable, especially Hrithik–Jr NTR dance number Janabe Ali, which is pure fan service.
War 2 Review: Final verdict
At a runtime of three hours, War 2 overstays its welcome. The second half, which is more engaging, somewhat compensates for the dull first half. However, the twists and turns, while frequent, lack the punch to keep viewers consistently on edge. The film also struggles with its dialogues, which lack the sharpness and memorable lines you'd expect from a spy thriller of this scale.
War 2 is a mixed bag - a treat for die-hard action lovers and fans of Hrithik and Jr NTR, but not quite the adrenaline-fuelled blockbuster it could have been. It thrives on star power, slick action, and grand visuals but stumbles with an overlong runtime, exaggerated stunt logic, and underwhelming dialogues.
For those invested in the YRF Spy Universe, this is a decent but not standout chapter. For others, it's an overstuffed action entertainer that shines in moments but ultimately misses the knockout punch.
