Release Date: August 14, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐/5
Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Producers: Aditya Chopra (Yash Raj Films)
Music: Pritam, Sanchit Balhara, Ankit Balhara
Cinematography: Benjamin Jasper ACS
Editing: Aarik Sheikh
The YRF Spy Universe is here- with a bang and this time with two most magnetic actors of India: Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR. When the movie was directed by a young filmmaker Ayan Mukerji, the expectations of the movie War 2 were soaring high considering the presence of a stellar cast won that had high-octane action sequences and the prospect of a run-in ace fight. But everybody is telling me it is good? So what is it all about?
Storyline: Espionage, Betrayal & A Deadly Game
Kabir (Hrithik Roshan), the former best agent of RAW, has become rogue-not that it is actually the truth that the world believes. He is now a mercenary feared by everyone and is recruited by an international terror cartel known as Kali to destroy India security system internally.
But here is a twist, it turns out that Kabir is not exactly the rogue that people think of him to be. There is an ulterior purpose of this murderous hero, a purpose which might be the salvation of the nation.
There comes Vikram Chalapathi (Jr NTR) a RAW cop who cannot be pleased or predicted who arrives to bring a halt to Kabir. The two are destined to meet in death-defying car chases, violent mano-a-mano combat, and mental playgrounds where it is hard to determine the friend and the enemy.
Meantime, there is a personal linkage between Kabir and Wing Commander Kavya Luthra (Kiara Advani) who introduces some emotional intensity to the confusion. There are secrets everywhere, the actual question is can Kabi and Vikaram trust each other long enough to bring Kali down?secrets unfolding at every turn, the real question is—can Kabir and Vikram trust each other long enough to take down Kali?
What Works
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Casting Magic: Watching Hrithik and Jr NTR together is a treat fans didn’t know they needed. Their on-screen chemistry fuels the film’s energy.
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Action That Pops: From train-top fights to city-wide chases, the stunt sequences in the first half keep the adrenaline rushing.
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Star Power: Hrithik’s swagger and NTR’s intensity make even the weaker scenes watchable.
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Interval Twist: Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the film throws in a surprise that sets up a promising second half.
What Doesn’t
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Narrative Hiccups: The first half is engaging in bits, but the storyline feels too familiar, echoing the original War at times.
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Wasted Potential: Both leads play morally grey roles—a fantastic idea on paper—but the execution lacks the emotional depth and tension it deserves.
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Flat Second Half: While the plot tries to offer something fresh, it misses the punch. There are no big “wow” moments to keep you glued till the end.
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Average Music: Despite Pritam’s name, the songs are forgettable. The much-hyped “Salam Anali” dance number doesn’t quite sizzle.
Technical Take
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Music & BGM: The background score works well in action scenes, but songs feel like speed breakers.
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Visuals: VFX is better than Pathaan and Tiger 3, but still not at the level you’d expect from a mega-budget blockbuster.
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Direction: Ayan Mukerji nails the casting but delivers a mixed bag in terms of storytelling—something fans also felt in his Brahmastra.
Verdict: Worth a Watch, But Lower the Expectations
War 2 is not an altogether great spy thriller, but it certainly is a step forward position versus YRF spy outings in the recent times. Hrithik Roshan is a charismatic personality who dominates the screen and Jr NTR is a capable man who can easily establish himself in the Bollywood industry. The first half provides good action although the second half fails in sustaining the momentum.
When all you come to slick action, star power, and the best of the old cat-and-mouse drama, you make the ride and you enjoy it–just don t look around you for the next thing that will turn the genre inside-out.
Yashtips Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐/5
