The YRF Spy Universe returns with its latest chapter, War 2, uniting Jr NTR and Hrithik Roshan for the first time on the big screen. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, this high-profile actioner comes with massive expectations. But does it deliver? Let’s break it down.
War 2 Story: Kabir (Hrithik Roshan), a former R&AW ace turned contract killer, is hired by the global cartel ‘Kali’ to bring down India and its intelligence agency. Blocking his path is Vikram Chalapathi (Jr NTR), a top R&AW agent with personal ties to Kabir and Wing Commander Kavya Luthra (Kiara Advani). Why did Kabir turn rogue, and can Vikram stop him in time?
Performances: The casting is the film’s trump card. Watching Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR share the screen is a treat for action lovers. Their introductions are stylish, the opening chase is well-executed, and the first half packs in enough adrenaline to keep you hooked. Hrithik oozes charisma and swag, owning his role with ease. NTR delivers his signature intensity, though the writing doesn’t always give him the best moments to shine. The supporting cast, including Kiara Advani, performs decently, with special mention to the well-choreographed action sequences in the first half.
Technical Aspects: Pritam’s songs are serviceable but forgettable, while the background score by Sanchit and Ankit Balhara works better in driving the action. The much-talked-about “Salam Anali” song choreography underwhelms, especially with two great dancers leading it.
The visual effects are a step up from Pathaan and Tiger 3, yet still shy of world-class, considering the big budget. Benjamin Jasper’s cinematography is solid in parts, while editing could have been sharper. Ayan Mukerji handles the scale well, but his screenplay suffers from the same unevenness seen in Brahmastra.
Analysis: War 2 is one of the most-awaited, but the core issue is inconsistency. The opening act, while familiar in tone to the first War, works thanks to the action beats. But the second half, though different from recent YRF spy outings, fails to generate sustained excitement.
Both leads play morally complex characters, which is intriguing on paper, but the execution feels flat. The emotional stakes are undercooked, and the much-anticipated cat-and-mouse dynamic between Hrithik and NTR never truly catches fire.
Opportunities for drama and depth are missed, with key moments arriving too late to leave a strong emotional mark. The climax interaction between the leads is decent, but by then, the impact is diluted.
Verdict: Overall, War 2 is a stronger entry than some recent YRF spy films, thanks to the combined magnetism of Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, and some slick action in the first half. However, the inconsistent pacing, lack of sustained thrills, and missed emotional beats make this film just an okay watch.
Bottom Line: Only for a few moments
War 2 Rating: 2.5/5
