Ayan Mukerji steps into YRF’s spy universe with War 2, and while the teaser may have felt underwhelming, the final film is anything but. This is a slick, stylish, and emotional action drama that puts Kabir (Hrithik Roshan) in the middle of his most personal and difficult mission yet. He is forced to cross dangerous moral lines and make sacrifices he never imagined, only to face powerful new obstacles in the form of Junior NTR’s fierce RAW assigned Agent Vikram The question isn’t just how far Kabir will go, but why he is willing to risk everything.
In terms of direction, the film feels refreshingly different from most spy-universe entries. Where earlier films tend to stick to a familiar color palette, Ayan Mukerji experiments boldly with light and tone. Neon hues, inventive grading, and kinetic camera angles give War 2 a unique identity. One standout scene drenched in striking red lighting is both cinematic and symbolic, showcasing just how much Mukerji elevates the visuals. At times the style takes the spotlight over substance, but it’s undeniable that he brings fresh energy into the universe.
The action is another highlight, and Kabir’s entry alone with Katana action sequence in Japan is enough to get audiences cheering. The buildup, the tone, and that thunderous background score make it a perfect hero moment. But the film doesn’t stop there, War 2 aims to be a spectacle, with an explosive sequence every 10 to 15 minutes. Both Hrithik and Junior NTR are introduced through massive action set pieces, and both land well.
The katana fight during Kabir’s first appearance is easily one of the most memorable sequences, while the car chase later on steals the show with its thrill, pacing, and music. Even the plane and boat sequences, which seemed like they might go over-the-top, exceed expectations and are executed with flair. Yes, a few stunts do stretch believability, but the sheer energy makes them fun to watch.
What ties it all together is the film’s background score, which is nothing short of phenomenal. From the booming hero themes that play during entries to the tension-filled beats in the middle of fights, the music consistently elevates the action. Even the two songs are used effectively, while the BGM often rescues otherwise ordinary sequences, ensuring the film never loses momentum.
Performances are where War 2 really shines. Hrithik Roshan’s screen presence is simply magnetic, whether he’s fighting, delivering an intense monologue, or even throwing in a cheesy line, he does it all with effortless charm. His look and charisma add another layer, proving once again that he’s aging like fine wine. Junior NTR matches him with equal firepower, and what truly makes the film engaging is the chemistry between Kabir and Vikram. Whenever the two share the screen, whether it’s a brutal confrontation, an emotional moment, or even a dance number, their energy is impeccable. They balance rivalry and camaraderie so well that their dynamic becomes the emotional backbone of the film.
Kiara Advani is given more than just the role of a love interest. Her character has purpose, agency, and even some action sequences of her own, all of which she handles convincingly. That said, the romantic chemistry between her and Hrithik doesn’t quite land, largely because they don’t get enough meaningful screen time together. Among the supporting cast, Ashutosh Rana once again impresses with his raw intensity and sharp dialogue delivery. On the other hand, Anil Kapoor, despite being a powerhouse actor, is saddled with a weakly written role that doesn’t suit him well, making it one of the film’s more disappointing aspects.
Not everything works smoothly. At close to three hours, the runtime can definitely be felt. Some scenes drag on unnecessarily, and the constant back-to-back action sequences occasionally overwhelm the pacing. The VFX also falters in places, certain moments look unfinished and noticeably fake. Yet, the inventive use of lighting, bold shot choices, and strong performances help cover those cracks, with creative touches like the under-snow sequence standing out.
Perhaps the biggest surprise is that War 2 doesn’t play out like a typical spy-universe film. Instead of globe-trotting missions and high-tech gadgetry, it leans into Kabir’s personal journey, putting more weight on character-driven storytelling. That choice may divide audiences—those expecting the slick James Bond vibe of Pathaan or Tiger may feel underwhelmed, but others will appreciate the more emotional core. Like Tiger 3, this entry adds a personal touch, though here it feels less forced and far more engaging. And yes, there’s a post-credit scene, so fans should stick around.
⭐ Verdict:
Overall, War 2 is a bold and entertaining sequel that blends blockbuster action with a surprisingly personal story. It has flaws—an overlong runtime, uneven VFX, and occasional pacing issues—but Hrithik Roshan’s magnetic presence, Junior NTR’s powerful performance and Ayan Mukerji’s inventive direction make it a ride worth taking. It may not expand the spy universe in the way some expect, but as a film, it delivers thrills, emotion, and style in equal measure.
🔥 War 2 is holding strong at the Indian box office:
If you want a deeper analysis of how War 2 is shaping the spy universe, plus more thoughts on earnings, audience reception, and future franchise predictions:
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