The film revolves around Kabir Dhaliwal, once considered one of India’s best RAW agents, now branded a traitor accused of betraying his country. His sudden turn against the system sends shockwaves through the intelligence community.
Adding depth to the storyline is Kiara Advani, who plays a pivotal role in balancing the otherwise testosterone-heavy narrative. The drama attempts to weave themes of betrayal, friendship, and patriotism, but the heavy reliance on visual spectacle often overshadows the core emotional beats.
War 2, released on August 14, 2025, is the latest entry in the Yash Raj Films’ ambitious Spy Universe. Directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Aditya Chopra, the Hindi-language action thriller serves as a direct sequel to the 2019 hit War. Expectations were sky-high as this installment was marketed as one of the most expensive Indian films ever made, with a budget of around ₹300–400 crore. While the movie generated strong buzz prior to release, its reception has been mixed, with audiences praising its performances and action but questioning its overall storytelling.
War 2 continues the story of Kabir Dhaliwal, played by Hrithik Roshan, who first captivated fans in the 2019 film. This time, Kabir is no longer the patriotic RAW agent audiences admired; instead, he is painted as a national threat. With its release timed alongside Independence Day weekend, War 2 hoped to capture the same adrenaline-filled spirit of the first film. The movie was shot across glamorous international locations like Spain, Italy, and Abu Dhabi, alongside sequences filmed in Mumbai. Backed by large-scale promotions and cutting-edge technology formats such as IMAX, 4DX, and Dolby Cinema, the film promised to be a visual spectacle. However, the final product divided viewers, with many feeling that spectacle took precedence over substance.
The film revolves around Kabir Dhaliwal, once considered one of India’s best RAW agents, now branded a traitor accused of betraying his country. His sudden turn against the system sends shockwaves through the intelligence community. In response, the government assigns Vikram Chelapathi, played by Jr NTR in his Hindi debut, to track him down and neutralize the threat. What unfolds is a tense cat-and-mouse chase filled with action-packed set pieces, exotic locations, and the underlying emotional struggle of two men who were once batchmates and comrades.
Adding depth to the storyline is Kiara Advani, who plays a pivotal role in balancing the otherwise testosterone-heavy narrative. The drama attempts to weave themes of betrayal, friendship, and patriotism, but the heavy reliance on visual spectacle often overshadows the core emotional beats.
The casting of War 2 is easily its strongest point. Hrithik Roshan once again delivers a powerhouse performance, seamlessly shifting between intensity and vulnerability as Kabir. His presence alone elevates even the weaker parts of the film. Jr NTR’s entry into Hindi cinema is another highlight. With his screen presence, charisma, and raw energy, he brings credibility to his role as Vikram, making the face-offs between him and Hrithik the most gripping portions of the movie.
Kiara Advani provides freshness, though her role is underwritten compared to the male leads. Ashutosh Rana and Anil Kapoor lend solid support, reprising their authoritative characters in the intelligence setup. Together, the cast ensures the film remains watchable, even when the story falters.
For fans of action cinema, War 2 offers plenty to enjoy. The film is filled with large-scale action sequences choreographed to match international standards. High-octane chases, explosive confrontations, and stylishly shot fight scenes make it a treat for those who enjoy adrenaline-heavy blockbusters. The chemistry between Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR is another major draw. Their screen presence keeps the audience engaged, and their confrontations provide a solid emotional undercurrent.
The cinematography deserves praise as well. Shot across multiple countries, the visuals are rich, polished, and cinematic, adding to the grand feel of the production. Pritam’s soundtrack, while not groundbreaking, adds rhythm and energy to the fast-paced storytelling. The film also deserves credit for attempting to expand the YRF Spy Universe further, connecting past storylines while introducing new characters.
Despite its strengths, War 2 struggles with its core elements, story and execution. Unlike its predecessor, which balanced action with a gripping plot, this sequel feels hollow. The narrative lacks originality and emotional depth, making it difficult for viewers to fully invest in the characters’ journeys. Many critics pointed out that the writing feels predictable and at times lazy, reducing the film to just another action spectacle without substance.
The direction by Ayan Mukerji, though ambitious, seems overwhelmed by the scale of the project. While he succeeds in creating stylish sequences, he falls short in maintaining a consistent narrative tone. Viewers who loved the sharper storytelling of the 2019 film may find this one underwhelming.
Another major drawback is the overuse of CGI. Instead of enhancing the visual appeal, the digital effects often look artificial, breaking immersion. Certain sequences resemble video game cutscenes rather than cinematic action, disappointing audiences who expected more realism given the film’s massive budget.
The pacing is another issue. While the first half builds up the tension, the second half feels dragged out with repetitive set pieces. Emotional moments do not land as strongly as intended, and the climax feels predictable, leaving little room for surprise.
War 2 is a film that delivers on spectacle but struggles with substance. For fans of Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, it offers enough moments of star power and thrilling action to justify a watch. However, when compared to its predecessor, it falls short in terms of storytelling and overall impact. The over-reliance on CGI, weak direction, and predictable plot weigh down what could have been a truly groundbreaking sequel.
Overall, War 2 can be described as a decent but forgettable entry in the Spy Universe. It is entertaining if you go in expecting only action and glamour, but for those seeking a meaningful story, it may disappoint.
