War 2 (2025) Movie: Hrithik and NTR’s Action Thriller Misses the Mark
The much-awaited sequel War 2 arrives with Hrithik Roshan returning as the conflicted spy Kabir. Director Ayan Mukerji takes charge this time, bringing NTR Jr. into Bollywood alongside Kiara Advani and the reliable Ashutosh Rana. The YRF Spy Universe expands with bigger stakes and international locations.
After the success of the first film, expectations were sky-high for this follow-up. The makers promised enhanced action sequences and deeper character exploration. With shooting wrapped across Mumbai and various global destinations, the production scale certainly looks impressive on paper.
A Story That Loses Its Way
The plot centers on Kabir Dhaliwal, now a rogue agent threatening national security. His former colleague Vikram gets the dangerous assignment of hunting him down. Their shared past as training partners should create compelling drama, but the emotional core feels hollow.
What starts as an intriguing premise quickly becomes repetitive. The film jumps between locations without building meaningful tension. I kept waiting for the story to dive deeper into why Kabir turned against his country, but those answers never come satisfactorily.
Strong Actors, Weak Material
Hrithik Roshan brings his usual dedication to the physical demands of Kabir. He looks the part of a dangerous operative, but the script gives him little room for emotional range. His action sequences are well-executed, though they can’t mask the character’s thin writing.
NTR Jr. makes a confident entrance into Hindi cinema as Vikram. He handles the action choreography with natural flair and matches Hrithik’s intensity. Their confrontational scenes work best when the dialogue stays minimal. I wished the film had explored their mentor-student relationship more thoughtfully.
Technical Craft With Clear Limitations
Ayan Mukerji shows visual flair in staging the bigger set pieces. His background in fantasy filmmaking brings some creative touches to the action design. However, he struggles with the film’s rhythm, letting scenes drag when they should move quickly.
The international locations look stunning, giving the film a genuine globe-trotting feel. Some computer-generated effects blend seamlessly while others stick out awkwardly. The sound design works overtime during fight sequences but can’t elevate the quieter dramatic moments.
Reception Reflects The Problems
Critics have been harsh on War 2, with Rotten Tomatoes showing just 29% approval from professional reviewers. The 4.7/10 average tells the story of a film that disappoints despite its resources. Audience scores on IMDb hover around 6.0/10, suggesting general viewers share similar concerns.
Times of India critic awarded 3 stars, praising only the action while noting story weaknesses. Many reviews point to pacing problems and over-reliance on spectacle. Theater experiences vary, with some audiences finding the middle portions particularly slow.
Where It Succeeds and Stumbles
The film delivers on its promise of big-budget action thrills. Both Hrithik and NTR commit fully to their physical performances. The international scope gives it a premium feel that fans of the spy genre will appreciate. Production values remain consistently high throughout.
Unfortunately, the screenplay lacks the strategic plotting that makes great spy thrillers memorable. Action scenes pile up without emotional weight behind them. I found myself checking my watch during the second hour as momentum stalled completely.
Bottom Line Assessment
War 2 works as a showcase for its stars’ action skills but fails as compelling storytelling. The film serves its purpose within the larger spy universe without creating lasting impact. Action enthusiasts will find enough to enjoy, while those seeking narrative depth will leave unsatisfied.
This sequel had all the ingredients for success but couldn’t blend them effectively. As entertainment, it passes the basic test. As cinema that you’ll remember months later, it comes up short. The franchise can survive this misstep, but future installments need stronger foundations.
Rating: 3/5
