War 2 Movie Review: A Missed Opportunity for a Blockbuster Spy Thriller
War 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2019 hit War, hit theaters on August 14, 2025, as the sixth installment in Yash Raj Films’ Spy Universe. Directed by Ayan Mukerji and starring Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani, the film promised an explosive blend of high-octane action and star power. However, despite the hype surrounding the North-South star pairing of Hrithik and Jr NTR, War 2 falls short of expectations, delivering a visually grand but narratively underwhelming experience. Here’s an in-depth review of why this ambitious project is a missed opportunity, based on insights from Bollymoviereviewz and other sources.
Plot and Themes
War 2 picks up after the events of Tiger 3, with Hrithik Roshan reprising his role as Major Kabir Dhaliwal, a former RAW agent turned rogue mercenary. Hired by the shadowy international cartel “Kali,” Kabir is tasked with destabilizing India, starting with the assassination of his mentor, Colonel Luthra (Ashutosh Rana). RAW counters by deploying its top officer, Vikram Chelapathy (Jr NTR), who shares a complex childhood connection with Kabir, revealed through a Slumdog Millionaire-esque flashback. Kiara Advani plays Wing Commander Kavya Luthra, Colonel Luthra’s daughter, adding an emotional layer to the high-stakes spy drama. The narrative unfolds across exotic locales, from Davos to Valencia, with a plot centered on betrayal, loyalty, and national security.
The film aims for a Sholay-like bromance between Kabir and Vikram, portraying them as frenemies with a shared past. However, the story, penned by Aditya Chopra and Shridhar Raghavan, feels formulaic and overstretched at 173 minutes. Critics note its lack of fresh spy elements and predictable twists, which dilute the emotional and dramatic stakes. The inclusion of post-credit scenes teasing future Spy Universe entries, like Alpha, feels disconnected and fails to salvage the narrative’s flat execution.
Performances
The star power of Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR is undeniably the film’s biggest draw. Hrithik delivers a charismatic, intense performance as Kabir, effortlessly blending action-hero swagger with emotional depth in key scenes. His sword-fighting sequences and slow-motion entries are crowd-pleasers, though some feel repetitive. Jr NTR, making his Bollywood debut, brings his signature intensity to Vikram, shining in action blocks and delivering powerful dialogues with conviction. However, his character arc feels underutilized, with the script failing to give him standout moments to match his RRR brilliance.
Kiara Advani’s role as Kavya is a major letdown. Despite a strong introduction as a decorated officer, her screen time is limited, and her character is sidelined after a much-discussed bikini sequence. Ashutosh Rana and Anil Kapoor (as RAW Chief Vikrant Kaul) are impactful but underused, while cameos from Soni Razdan and Dishita Sehgal add little to the plot. The chemistry between Hrithik and Jr NTR is a highlight, but it never reaches the electric heights expected, partly due to a weak script.
Technical Aspects
Ayan Mukerji’s direction is ambitious, with a globe-trotting scale that spans 10 countries. Benjamin Jasper’s cinematography captures stunning locales, from snowy Swiss mountains to Spanish streets, with standout sequences like a car chase in Spain and a train-top action scene. The stunt choreography by Spiro Razatos, Se-yeong Oh, and Sunil Rodrigues is a high point, delivering thrilling set pieces atop bullet trains and in ice caves. However, the visual effects (VFX) are a mixed bag, with some scenes (like a CGI wolf) appearing artificial and dated, drawing criticism for not matching the film’s reported 400-crore budget.
Pritam’s music is a disappointment. The much-hyped dance number Janaabe Ali, featuring Hrithik and Jr NTR, pales in comparison to Jai Jai Shiv Shankar from War or Naatu Naatu from RRR. The song Aavan Jaavan is visually appealing but forgettable, while Sanchit and Ankit Balhara’s background score, though energetic, feels repetitive. Editing by Aarif Sheikh could have been sharper, as the film’s nearly three-hour runtime drags, especially in the second half.
Strengths
- Star Power: Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR’s charisma and action prowess keep the film watchable, particularly in the high-energy first half.
- Action Sequences: The well-choreographed stunts, including train chases and sword fights, are a treat for action fans.
- Visual Scale: The global settings and polished production values give War 2 a grand, cinematic feel.
- Climax Emotional Beat: The final interaction between Kabir and Vikram offers a fleeting moment of emotional resonance, though it arrives too late to redeem the narrative.
Weaknesses
- Predictable Plot: The story lacks originality, recycling familiar spy tropes without the espionage depth expected from a Spy Universe film.
- Weak VFX: Subpar visual effects undermine the film’s ambitious action sequences, with artificial CGI drawing laughs instead of awe.
- Uneven Pacing: The second half, bogged down by a lengthy flashback and subplots, loses momentum and fails to sustain excitement.
- Underutilized Cast: Jr NTR and Kiara Advani are not given enough scope to shine, and the emotional core between leads feels forced.
- Lack of Spy Elements: Despite being part of the Spy Universe, the film leans heavily on action over espionage, disappointing fans expecting intricate spy drama.
Critical and Audience Reception
War 2 has received mixed reviews, with an average rating of 2/5 from Bollymoviereviewz, reflecting a consensus of disappointment. Siddharth Toleti’s review on M9 News called it “a wasted opportunity,” citing the lack of fresh action and underuse of Jr NTR. Other critics, like those at Times of India (3/5) and Times Now (3.5/5), praised the action and star performances but noted the weak screenplay and pacing issues. On X, reactions range from fans hailing it as a “blockbuster” (e.g., @Sarcastic_Dj’s 4.5/5) to harsh critiques labeling it “pathetic” and “the worst Spy Universe film” (@AsliShiva, @sherlockDobara). The film’s box office opened at a modest ₹18.37 crore in India, lagging behind competitors like Rajinikanth’s Coolie.
Adaptive Leadership for Legal Professionals
For lawyers and law firms, as discussed in your prior queries, War 2’s mixed reception and cultural impact highlight the need for adaptive leadership in navigating media-related legal issues:
- Navigating Public Sentiment: Lawyers advising YRF or actors must analyze X posts and reviews to gauge audience reactions, addressing potential reputational risks or fan backlash.
- Contractual Disputes: With a reported 400-crore budget, any box office underperformance could lead to disputes over profit-sharing or sponsorship deals, requiring adaptive strategies to mediate.
- Intellectual Property: The film’s integration into the Spy Universe involves complex IP agreements, where adaptive leaders ensure compliance and protect creative rights.
- Ethical Advocacy: Lawyers must balance defending clients against public criticism (e.g., VFX complaints) while maintaining transparency, aligning with societal expectations.
Verdict
War 2 is a visually spectacular but narratively hollow addition to the YRF Spy Universe. Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR deliver star power, and the action sequences thrill momentarily, but a predictable plot, weak VFX, and lack of emotional depth make it a letdown. It’s a film that promises much but delivers only sporadically, best enjoyed by die-hard action fans or those drawn to its leading men. For others, it’s a reminder that even the biggest stars can’t salvage a script that lacks fire.
Rating: 2/5
Bottom Line: A high-profile actioner that plays it too safe, War 2 is a war won by style but lost by substance.
Sources: Bollymoviereviewz, NDTV, Times of India, Times Now, Hindustan Times, Onmanorama, Koimoi, Gulte, Indian Express, Filmibeat, Rediff, News18, The Hindu, Oneindia, IndiaTVNews, The Week; X posts
Disclaimer: Opinions reflect a synthesis of critical reviews and may vary. Box office figures and streaming availability are subject to change. Always verify through credible sources.