A High-Octane Yet Uneven Ride: A Review of 'War 2'! !!

Ayan Mukerji's highly anticipated "War 2" has finally hit the screens, unleashing a fresh wave of espionage, betrayal, and explosive action sequences within the YRF Spy Universe. Bringing together two powerhouses, Hrithik Roshan reprising his role as the enigmatic Kabir, and Jr. NTR making his Hindi cinema debut as the formidable Agent Vikram, the film promised a clash of titans. While it delivers on its promise of grand spectacle and star power, "War 2" ultimately proves to be a mixed bag, offering thrilling highs alongside some noticeable narrative and technical stumbles.

 

The plot sees former intelligence officer Kabir accused of betraying the nation as he infiltrates a powerful global syndicate. Tasked with bringing him down is Special Units Officer Vikram, a man with a shadowy past and unmatched tactical skills. What begins as a straightforward pursuit quickly unravels into a complex web of shocking revelations, forcing Kabir and Vikram to confront not only each other but also a deeper, shared history. Kiara Advani steps into a new role as Wing Commander Kavya Luthra, while seasoned actors Ashutosh Rana and Anil Kapoor lend their support in pivotal roles.

 

From a performance standpoint, both Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR deliver with their charismatic screen presence. Roshan embodies Kabir with his signature swagger and intensity, excelling in both the high-octane action and moments of emotional depth. Jr. NTR, despite some noted diction issues, makes a strong Bollywood debut, holding his own against Roshan with an equally commanding and intense portrayal. Their much-hyped face-offs, both in combat and a standout dance sequence, are indeed a treat for fans, showcasing their undeniable chemistry. Kiara Advani makes her presence felt, though some critics noted her limited screen time and the questionable use of stunt doubles in early action scenes.

 

Visually, "War 2" largely lives up to the Spy Universe's reputation for grand scale and polished production. The film is shot in exotic locales across Spain, Italy, Abu Dhabi, Japan, and India, and the cinematography by Benjamin Jasper often impresses. The action choreography, handled by a team of action directors including Spiro Razatos and Se-yeong Oh, is relentless, featuring stunts on trains, planes, boats, and in snowy mountains. When executed well, these sequences are genuinely thrilling. However, the film's Achilles' heel lies in its inconsistent visual effects, with some sequences, particularly a boat chase, appearing underwhelming and jarring. The background score, while attempting to heighten the adrenaline, often lacks the desired impact, and the songs by Pritam have received a lukewarm reception.

 

Where "War 2" struggles most significantly is in its screenplay and narrative depth. Written by Shridhar Raghavan and Abbas Tyrewala from an original story by Aditya Chopra, the film attempts to weave in twists and turns, but many feel cliched and predictable. Critics have pointed out that while the first half is engaging, the second half suffers from pacing issues and a threadbare story that prioritizes style over substance. The emotional core, particularly the backstory connecting Kabir and Vikram, feels contrived and fails to land with genuine impact, often devolving into rhetorical exchanges rather than profound conflict. At nearly three hours, the runtime feels overstretched, and the narrative frequently loses momentum.

 

Despite its flaws, "War 2" has resonated with audiences, particularly fans of the lead stars and the Spy Universe, evident in its strong box office performance. While it might not reach the highs of its predecessor, "War 2" offers a passable big-screen experience for those purely seeking high-octane action and the spectacle of two charismatic actors sharing the frame. It's a film that promises much and delivers a decent, albeit uneven, dose of entertainment.

 

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Cast: Hrithik Roshan, N. T. Rama Rao Jr., Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana, Anil Kapoor

Runtime: 173 minutes

Release Date: August 14, 2025