While the on-screen clash between Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR in War 2 is one of the most anticipated events in cinema this year, new reports suggest a major battle has been unfolding off-screen. A power struggle has allegedly been brewing behind the scenes between the film’s star, Hrithik Roshan, and its director, Ayan Mukerji, over creative control.
The conflict, which reportedly began over the film’s lengthy runtime, has now allegedly spilled into other aspects of production, raising questions about the final product just weeks before its release.
The Runtime Battle
According to sources close to the production, the primary issue stemmed from the film’s length. The initial cut of War 2 clocked in at a massive 3 hours and 10 minutes. Hrithik Roshan reportedly found this version “indulgent” and pushed for a shorter, tighter film. Director Ayan Mukerji is said to have agreed to a seven-minute trim, a version which was subsequently approved by the CBFC.
However, the star was allegedly still not satisfied. The report claims that Hrithik took matters into his own hands and personally removed another ten minutes from the film, bringing the final runtime down to 2 hours and 53 minutes. This move has reportedly left Ayan Mukerji disappointed, feeling that his original creative vision for the spy thriller has been compromised.
Tensions On Set and Beyond
The disagreements didn’t stop at the editing table. Rumors suggest that during the shoot itself, Hrithik ghost-directed several action sequences and made his own creative decisions regarding camera placements, which led to confusion among the crew. Insiders now feel the film reflects a “shared vision” rather than being a purely Ayan Mukerji directorial.
These tensions have reportedly continued into the promotional phase, with Ayan taking a step back from marketing efforts. The situation is said to have required the intervention of YRF’s top management to smooth things over. As War 2 is a cornerstone of the YRF Spy Universe, the studio cannot afford any missteps. While the film promises action, the real drama may have already happened behind the camera.
About War 2
War 2 is the sixth installment in the YRF Spy Universe. Directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Aditya Chopra, the action-thriller stars Hrithik Roshan, reprising his role as Kabir, alongside Jr NTR and Kiara Advani. The film is one of the most anticipated releases of 2025.
(Also read: 7 Days To Go For YRF’s War 2 – Hrithik Roshan And Jr NTR Set The Internet On FIRE With ‘Janaab-e-Aali’ Teaser )
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