War 2 Review: The Spy Spectacle That Sizzles—Minus Some VFX Missteps

When YRF announced War 2, the internet practically exploded. Not only were fans getting Hrithik Roshan back as the suave but lethal Kabir, but they were also getting Jr NTR—a Telugu superstar stepping into Bollywood’s Spy Universe for the first time. The promise? A high-octane action spectacle with global stakes, breathtaking visuals, and enough adrenaline to power a small city.

The film, directed by Ayan Mukerji, had the burden of carrying the YRF Spy Universe forward after Pathaan and Tiger 3. The budget? A jaw-dropping ₹400 crore. The release date? August 14, 2025—perfect for holiday crowds.

Plot Without Spoilers (Mostly)

Without ruining the fun, here’s the safe-zone plot outline:

• Kabir (Hrithik Roshan) is back—older, wiser, and deadlier than ever. He’s called in for a mission that’s part espionage, part personal vendetta.
• Aryan (Jr NTR) is a mysterious operative with motives that aren’t clear until halfway through. Is he friend? Is he foe? That’s the question the film milks for much of its runtime.
• Kiara Advani plays Zoya, an intelligence officer with a surprising link to the central conflict.
• Multiple exotic locations, covert ops, and high-speed chases set the tone.
• Cameos from Shah Rukh Khan (Pathaan), Salman Khan (Tiger), and John Abraham (Jim) tie the film into the wider spy web.

The main narrative plays like a spy chess game, with Kabir and Aryan circling each other—sometimes as opponents, sometimes as allies. The final reveal ties together events from previous Spy Universe films, giving fans the crossover moment they’ve been waiting for.

The Real Showstoppe: Hrithik + Jr NTR

Forget the gadgets and explosions—the chemistry between Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR is the reason fans are raving.
Whether they’re exchanging terse threats, engaging in banter mid-mission, or dancing in the now-iconic “Janaabe Aali” sequence, these two command the screen.

It’s rare to see two leading men share space without one overshadowing the other, but here it feels like a true partnership. Hrithik brings effortless elegance and precision; Jr NTR brings grounded intensity and swagger. Together? Cinematic electricity.

Action & Visuals

The Good

• Global Scale: From the icy terrains of Eastern Europe to the neon chaos of Bangkok, the locations are jaw-droppingly gorgeous.
• Practical Stunts: Several sequences—especially a motorcycle chase in Istanbul—feel gritty and real.
• Choreography: Both the action and dance set pieces are meticulously staged.

The Not-So-Good

• CGI Overload: Some action beats, particularly a mid-air cargo plane fight, fall into video game cutscene
• The Abs Incident: Jr NTR’s shirtless reveal should have been a fan-favorite moment, but the VFX work sparked memes and debates about authenticity.

Fan Reactions: The Online Battlefield

Social media has been buzzing since day one:

Positive:

• “Hrithik and NTR together are pure cinema!”
• “Finally, a Bollywood-Tollywood crossover that respects both heroes.”
• “Dance, action, bromance—this movie has it all!”

Negative:

• “The story feels recycled—big action, small emotional payoff.”
• “Those abs… why?”
• “The first half soars, but the second half loses steam.”

Supporting Cast & Cameos

• Kiara Advani gets a meatier role than many expected, holding her own in both dramatic and action scenes.
• Ashutosh Rana returns as Colonel Luthra, grounding the high-octane plot in political intrigue.
• Anil Kapoor pops up in a short but impactful cameo.
• The post-credit sequence is pure fan service, hinting at a massive Spy Universe team-up.

Music & Sound Design

Vishal-Shekhar return for the soundtrack, delivering:

• “Janaabe Aali” – Already viral, this song pits Hrithik and NTR in a dance-off that’s been replayed endlessly online.
• Background Score – Loud, punchy, and perfectly timed for action beats.
• The sound design in action scenes is crisp, making explosions and gunfire feel

Pacing & Storytelling

This is where opinions split:

• First Half: Tight, engaging, full of intrigue.
• Second Half: Slows down in places, focusing more on spectacle than plot.
• Climax: Big and bold, but some viewers felt it lacked an emotional gut punch.

The VFX Abs Debate

We can’t avoid it—Jr NTR’s digitally enhanced abs have become the watercooler conversation.
While some fans defend it as “cinematic exaggeration,” others argue it’s a distracting misstep in an otherwise slick production. The takeaway? If you notice CGI muscles before the fight choreography, something’s off.

Final Verdict

War 2 isn’t perfect. But it is a grand, ambitious, star-powered entertainer that thrives on the charisma of its leads. If you go in for:

• High-energy action
• A Bollywood–Tollywood dream team
• Big-screen spectacle

…you’ll have a blast. If you’re looking for airtight storytelling and zero CGI hiccups, you might walk out with mixed feelings.

War 2 Rating: ★★★½☆ (3.5/5) – Big, bold, but with room to sharpen.

FAQ

Q1: Is War 2 connected to the first War?
Yes. It continues Kabir’s story and links into the YRF Spy Universe, referencing events from War, Pathaan, and Tiger 3.

Q2: Does Jr NTR overshadow Hrithik?
No—their screen presence is balanced. Both shine in different ways, and the film plays to their strengths.

Q3: Is the film worth watching in theatres?
Absolutely—for the visuals, action, and big-screen scale. IMAX or Dolby would enhance the experience.

Q4: Are the abs real?
The internet verdict: mostly VFX-enhanced. Whether that’s a dealbreaker depends on you.

Q5: How’s the music?
Catchy and well-placed, with “Janaabe Aali” stealing the spotlight.

Disclaimer

This review is based on early screenings and audience reactions available at the time of writing. Individual opinions may vary, and box office trends could shift public perception over time. All plot details are kept spoiler-light for readers yet to watch the film.