War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Yash Raj Films, is the sixth installment in the YRF Spy Universe and the direct sequel to the 2019 blockbuster War. The film attempts to take the franchise forward by introducing Jr NTR into the Hindi action space alongside Hrithik Roshan, who reprises his role as Major Kabir. Kiara Advani joins the cast as Wing Commander Kavya Luthra, while Ashutosh Rana returns as Colonel Sunil Luthra.
War 2: Plot
The film picks up after the events of War, with Kabir Dhaliwal now operating outside the official intelligence framework. He is presumed rogue, but his motivations remain unclear until deep into the second act. The Indian government appoints Vikram Chelapathi, a decorated South Indian intelligence officer, to bring Kabir to justice. Vikram, played by Jr NTR, is introduced with a high-octane sequence that underlines his tactical brilliance and raw power. The dynamic between Kabir and Vikram drives much of the film’s tension.
As the story unfolds, it is revealed that Kabir is on a personal mission to uncover a covert operation involving rogue international agents, one that has links to a larger conspiracy threatening national security. The film reaches a pivotal turning point at the interval, delivering a substantial and surprising revelation that reorients the narrative and adds depth to the story. The last half hour, in particular, feels unexpectedly fulfilling. It builds toward a finale that hits emotional notes and stakes that the earlier parts of the film only hinted at.
While the plot keeps audiences engaged through high-energy moments, grand action sequences and Hollywood-scale production values, some aspects echo familiarity rather than surprise. The storyline follows a familiar but effective structure that hinges on thrilling confrontation and visual grandeur more than deep narrative innovation.
War 2: Performances
Hrithik Roshan returns to the role of Kabir with a restrained intensity. His screen presence remains magnetic, and his action choreography is polished. However, the character’s development feels stagnant. While Kabir is meant to be a haunted and complex man operating in grey areas, the film does not explore his emotional state with the depth it demands. His dialogue delivery is effective, but the writing gives him little room to evolve beyond the lone-wolf archetype.
Jr NTR is the standout performer of the film. Making his full-fledged Bollywood debut, he brings physicality, charisma, and a grounded emotional intensity to Vikram Chelapathi. His introductory scenes, especially the chase and combat sequences, are among the film’s highlights. He manages to hold his own opposite Hrithik, and the chemistry between the two leads is palpable. Their confrontations, both verbal and physical, inject energy into the narrative. That said, Vikram’s character arc is too linear and is robbed of nuance by the screenplay’s insistence on moving quickly from one set-piece to another.
Kiara Advani is underutilised. She brings glamour and grace to the screen but is largely relegated to being a narrative tool rather than a well-developed character. There are brief glimpses of her emotional depth, but the script does not allow her enough room to make a lasting impact. Ashutosh Rana does well in a familiar role, lending gravitas to his limited scenes. Anil Kapoor as new R&W chief Vikrant Kaul is forgettable. Soni Razdan wasted in small cameo. Varun Badola is miscasted and so is other baddies in the film. Bobby Deol comes after end credit as part of next YRF’s Spy Universe release Alpha.
One of the highlights of the film is the palpable chemistry between Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR. Whether in scenes of confrontation or reluctant camaraderie, their dynamic energises the screen and gives the film its few truly engaging character moments. Their physical presence and contrasting styles create an interesting visual and emotional balance that the film could have leaned on more.
War 2: Analysis
War 2 is a classic case of style overpowering substance. The action sequences are undeniably grand. The chase sequences across European streets, mid-air escapes, and close combat scenes are staged with precision. The much-anticipated dance face-off between Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR delivers fan service with high production value and tight choreography. Visual effects are a mixed bag. Some scenes look stunning, particularly those filmed in Italy and Abu Dhabi. However, other, especially a mid-air rescue, come across as overly CGI-heavy and lacking realism.
The script struggles to maintain coherence. It attempts to weave together themes of loyalty, patriotism, personal vengeance, and betrayal. On paper, this sets the stage for an emotionally gripping and intellectually stimulating narrative. However, the script often prioritizes movement over meaning. A key subplot involving Kiara Advani’s character, Kavya, is underwritten. Her motivations and background are never fully fleshed out, making her arc feel more cosmetic than essential.
The film’s attempt at global scale is evident in its locations and international cast. But it also spreads the narrative too thin. Instead of anchoring the film around a gripping central conflict, the screenplay dilutes the tension with subplots that do not contribute meaningfully. The editing is fast-paced but occasionally disjointed, making it hard to invest in character motivations or plot consequences.
The dialogues lack memorability, often oscillating between generic spy jargon and half-baked emotional cues. The background score does an adequate job of heightening tension but is not distinctive. The film could have benefited from stronger character arcs and thematic layering. Unlike earlier entries in the Spy Universe that managed to combine emotional stakes with action, War 2 is more concerned with stylising action pieces rather than crafting a solid narrative.
Music is high point of the film. Janab E Ali and Aawan Jaawan are aptly placed in the film. Choreography and shoot of both the songs are stunning.
Another point of contention is how the film handles audience expectations. Despite being part of the larger YRF Spy Universe, War 2 makes little effort to integrate threads from Pathaan or Tiger. There are no substantial crossovers or narrative links that tie this film meaningfully to the shared spy timeline.
War 2: Verdict
War 2 is not a bad film by any means, but it is a deeply inconsistent one. The presence of Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR adds undeniable value and keeps the film afloat. They bring everything they can to their roles, but are let down by an undercooked screenplay and erratic direction. The action set pieces and production scale are worthy of a theatrical experience, but the lack of a solid emotional core and compelling story make this a forgettable entry in the YRF Spy Universe.
(Also read: Box Office Shocker: Combined Advance Booking Of Hrithik Roshan And Jr NTR’s War 2 And Rajinikanth’s Coolie Fails To Beat Numbers Of Debutants’ Saiyaara)
War 2: Rating
Critics Rating: 2/5
Box Office Rating: 1.5/5
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