War 2 Review: Hrithik Roshan and NTR Jr Deliver Style Over Substance

The long-awaited sequel to 2019’s blockbuster has finally arrived, bringing together two powerhouse performers in what promised to be the ultimate action extravaganza. This War 2 review examines how director Ayan Mukerji’s vision translates Hrithik Roshan’s return as the enigmatic Kabir and NTR Jr’s Bollywood debut into a globe-trotting spy thriller that prioritizes spectacle over storytelling. While the film delivers on visual grandeur and star power, this comprehensive War 2 review reveals a production that struggles to balance its ambitious scope with narrative coherence.

War 2 Review: Plot and Character Development Analysis

War 2 continues the YRF Spy Universe tradition of featuring complex protagonists caught between loyalty and betrayal. Hrithik Roshan reprises his role as Kabir, now operating as a freelance mercenary suspected of turning traitor, while NTR Jr debuts as Vikram, an elite R&AW supersoldier tasked with hunting down his former ally. The film’s narrative structure follows familiar spy thriller conventions, featuring multiple twists, divided loyalties, and a 70s-style backstory that attempts to explain the central conflict.

This War 2 review notes that while the plot mechanics are functional, the film suffers from an overreliance on spectacle at the expense of character development. The ideological war between old-fashioned patriotism and modern jingoism, a recurring theme in YRF’s spy universe, feels more theoretical than practical in its execution. The antagonists are born bitter rather than developed through compelling circumstances, unlike the more nuanced villains in previous entries like Pathaan.

Hrithik Roshan’s Performance and Star Power

Hrithik Roshan continues to demonstrate why he remains Bollywood’s premier action star, bringing his characteristic charisma and physical prowess to Kabir’s complex journey. His screen presence remains unmatched, and his ability to convey internal conflict while maintaining the character’s mysterious aura showcases his evolution as a performer. The film adapts to his star persona with slick Western treatment, electric guitars, and high-art brawls that complement his sophisticated screen image.

However, this War 2 review observes that even Hrithik Roshan’s commanding presence cannot entirely overcome the film’s technical shortcomings. The heavy reliance on green-screen technology creates a disconnect between the actor and his environment, resulting in action sequences where his perfectly still face maintains composure even during the most extreme situations, from falling through the sky to surviving explosions.

NTR Jr’s Bollywood Debut and Cultural Integration

NTR Jr’s entry into Bollywood represents a significant moment for pan-Indian cinema, and his performance in War 2 demonstrates his ability to adapt his Telugu film sensibilities to Hindi cinema. The film intelligently incorporates his cultural background, providing Vikram with god-fearing music themes featuring tiger roars and masala-infused stunts that honor his South Indian fan base while introducing him to new audiences.

This War 2 review acknowledges that NTR Jr brings intensity and authenticity to his role, particularly in the action sequences and dance face-off with Hrithik Roshan. However, the character’s deadpan aura occasionally creates a disconnect between his head and body language during action sequences, a technical issue that affects the overall impact of his performance.

Kiara Advani’s Supporting Role and Performance

Kiara Advani appears in War 2 in a supporting capacity, playing a role that fits within the film’s high-stakes espionage narrative. While her screen time is limited compared to the male leads, Advani brings her characteristic screen presence and professionalism to the production. However, this War 2 review notes that her character suffers from the common issue plaguing female roles in big-budget action franchises – being underutilized despite the actor’s proven capabilities.

The film positions Advani’s character within the broader spy universe framework, but like many female characters in male-dominated action spectacles, her role feels more functional than fully developed. Critics have pointed out that her character arc lacks the depth and agency that contemporary audiences expect from female characters in major productions, representing a missed opportunity to create a more balanced ensemble dynamic.

Technical Aspects and Visual Spectacle

War 2 showcases impressive production values with its globe-trotting narrative spanning Japan, Spain, Italy, Abu Dhabi, and Switzerland. The film features elaborate set pieces including cobblestoned car chases, a snowy samurai slaughterhouse with expressive wolves, physics-defying airplane action, and cable car sequences that demonstrate the production’s ambitious scope.

However, this War 2 review must address the film’s significant technical shortcomings. The over-reliance on VFX and green-screen technology creates an artificial atmosphere that distances audiences from the action. Unlike the practical effects and in-camera work of franchises like Mission: Impossible, War 2’s post-produced sequences often lack the urgency and tactile reality that make action scenes truly thrilling.

Box Office Performance and Commercial Success

Despite mixed critical reception, War 2 has achieved considerable commercial success at the box office. The film opened with ₹52 crore on its first day and crossed the ₹100 crore milestone within four days of release, making it the ninth film of 2025 to achieve this feat.

Critical Reception and Audience Response

The critical reception for War 2 has been notably mixed, with this War 2 review reflecting broader industry sentiment about the film’s prioritization of spectacle over substance. Critics have praised the star performances and production values while criticizing the weak plot, disappointing action sequences, and poor character development.

Cultural Impact and Pan-Indian Appeal

War 2 represents a significant attempt at pan-Indian filmmaking, bringing together Hrithik Roshan’s Hindi film stardom with NTR Jr’s Telugu cinema popularity. The film’s casting reflects commercial calculations to expand viewer demographics while making narrative sense within the story’s North-versus-South cultural framework.

This War 2 review recognizes the film’s ambitious attempt to bridge regional cinema boundaries, following the success of films like RRR and Pushpa in creating truly national blockbusters. However, the execution sometimes feels more calculated than organic, with cultural elements serving commercial purposes rather than genuine storytelling needs.

Direction and Screenplay Analysis

Director Ayan Mukerji faces the challenging task of following up his fantasy epic Brahmastra with a grounded spy thriller, and this War 2 review suggests that some of his previous film’s issues carry over into this new project. The film struggles with pacing, particularly in its 2 hours and 50 minutes runtime, where elaborate action sequences often feel disconnected from the central narrative.

The screenplay by Sridhar Raghavan, Abbas Tyrewala, and Aditya Chopra attempts to balance multiple plot threads and character arcs but sometimes loses focus in favor of spectacular set pieces. The film’s commitment to the YRF Spy Universe continuity occasionally constrains individual storytelling choices.

Music and Background Score

The film’s soundtrack, composed by Pritam with background score by Sanchit Balhara, deserves recognition for adapting to each character’s cultural background. Hrithik Roshan’s sequences feature Western-influenced electric guitar themes, while NTR Jr’s portions incorporate traditional elements with modern orchestration.

The dance face-off between the two leads has become a particular highlight, showcasing both actors’ exceptional dancing abilities while serving the narrative’s competitive dynamic between their characters.

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