The much-anticipated War 2 (2025) Movie Review covers a film that unites two titans of Indian cinema Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR in their first-ever collaboration. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, this key addition to the YRF Spy Universe aimed to ride the wave of excitement created by War, Tiger 3, and Pathaan. With Kiara Advani adding a touch of glamour and grit, expectations were sky-high. On paper, it promised an explosive cinematic treat. On screen, however, the result is a mixed bag stylish but uneven, dazzling yet underwhelming.
Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR in War 2 (2025)
Story: A Familiar Spy Game with Few Surprises
The film follows Kabir (Hrithik Roshan), a top RAW operative who shocks the agency by assassinating his mentor, Colonel Luthra (Ashutosh Rana), and seemingly joining hands with the global crime syndicate, the Kali Cartel. RAW has sent its newest agent, the brave Vikram (Jr NTR), on a mission to find Kabir.
The interval twist reveals that Kabir and Vikram share a deep childhood connection, adding a layer of personal stakes to the mission. The story then turns into a race to find the real traitor and stop the Cartel’s plan to kill the Indian Prime Minister.
While the premise hints at intrigue, the execution struggles to surprise. The screenplay feels like a rehash of familiar spy tropes, with heroes-turning-villains reversals losing their edge. A teased mythological subplot about Kabir as a reincarnation of Kalki is abandoned midway, and the antagonists the Kali Cartel lack menace or depth, making them forgettable foes.
Performances: Stars Shine, Script Falters
- Hrithik Roshan returns as Kabir with charm, strong screen presence, and great action moves. Even when the narrative stumbles, his dedication and physicality keep you watching.
- In his first Bollywood film, Jr NTR gives an energetic performance with powerful action scenes. His entry is a showstopper, earning whistles and applause. However, the writing gives him fewer moments to truly dominate, underutilising his star power.
- Kiara Advani, as Wing Commander Kavya Luthra, adds elegance and sincerity, but her role feels thinly sketched, serving more as a visual distraction than a narrative driver.
- Anil Kapoor and Ashutosh Rana are reliable in their parts, though their screen time and impact are minimal.
Direction: Ayan Mukerji’s Balancing Act
Taking over from Siddharth Anand, Ayan Mukerji handles the film’s scale well, staging parallel arcs for both leads. However, his grip on tension and pacing is inconsistent. The first half builds well, but the second half slows down with long flashbacks and overexplained twists. The slick finesse of War (2019) is missing, leaving the film less thrilling than intended.
Action: Ambitious but Not Always Convincing
As expected from the YRF Spy Universe, War 2 delivers globe-trotting spectacle from Japan to Europe with set pieces clearly inspired by Hollywood blockbusters. Standouts include Hrithik’s swagger-filled Japan entry, a chaotic European city chase, and a tense train fight.
However, the VFX quality is inconsistent. Despite a mammoth ₹300–400 crore budget, certain effects notably Jr NTR’s digitally enhanced physique appear unpolished, pulling you out of the moment. The action is big in scale but sometimes unrealistic, undercutting the intended impact.
Music: Serviceable but Unmemorable
With Pritam composing and the Balhara brothers on background score, the soundtrack supports the action but rarely lingers after the credits. “Janaab-e-Aali,” a duet between Hrithik and Jr NTR, is visually appealing but lacks the musical punch to become iconic. The background score fares better, heightening a few key moments.
Overall Impact: Style Over Substance
War 2 delivers star power, scale, and moments of adrenaline-pumping action. But the formulaic story, uneven pacing, and patchy VFX keep it from soaring to franchise-defining heights. It entertains in bursts, thanks largely to its leads, but leaves you wishing the script matched the ambition of its cast and budget.
The film does, however, lay groundwork for future spy universe instalments, teasing Alpha and Pathaan 2 in post-credit scenes.
Verdict: A visually lavish star vehicle with Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR’s charisma front and centre. Fun in parts, forgettable in others. Best enjoyed as a one-time big-screen spectacle.
War 2 2025 rating: ⭐️⭐️½☆ (2.5/5)
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