War 2 Review: Why Hrithik and NTR’s Chemistry Couldn’t Save This Bloated Spy Thriller
War 2 pairs Hrithik Roshan with Jr. NTR in what should have been the year’s biggest action showdown. Ayan Mukerji directs this sixth entry in YRF’s spy world, with Kiara Advani rounding out the main cast. The film dropped on Independence Day 2025 with sky-high expectations.
The story puts Major Kabir Dhaliwal in the crosshairs of his own agency after questions about his loyalty surface. Enter Agent Vikram, tasked with hunting down his former colleague. The setup promises a deadly game between two trained killers who know each other’s moves.
How the Story Unfolds
Kabir goes from decorated agent to most-wanted target in India. Vikram, a force described as absolutely nuclear, gets unleashed to track him down. Their chase spans multiple countries and puts them on a collision course.
The plot had me hooked initially. But as things progressed, I noticed too many convenient twists that led nowhere. The screenplay throws in subplots and forgets about them. Several moments made me question basic logic, pulling me out of the experience.
The Star Power
Hrithik Roshan brings his A-game as Kabir. His action sequences showcase why he remains Bollywood’s premier action star. I found his physical work flawless, from the fight choreography to his screen presence. He carries emotional scenes with equal conviction.
Jr. NTR steps into Hindi cinema with confidence as Vikram. His intensity matches Hrithik’s, creating sparks whenever they share the screen. Their confrontations deliver the high-voltage moments fans came for. The energy between them feels authentic.
Supporting Cast
Kiara Advani gets shortchanged with a role that’s more decorative than functional. Her character adds little to the actual story, which frustrated me. With an actor of her caliber, the writers should have done better.
Ashutosh Rana and Anil Kapoor bring gravitas in limited screen time. They add weight to scenes but work within narrow boundaries that don’t let them explore much depth.
Action Delivers, Logic Doesn’t
The action choreography provides the film’s biggest thrills. Multiple sequences had me at the edge of my seat. The hand-to-hand combat feels brutal and well-executed. Camera work captures these moments with style.
But here’s where things got tricky for me. Watching Kabir fight off fifty trained fighters like they’re practice dummies killed the tension. I needed to feel he’s in real danger. When action defies basic physics repeatedly, stakes disappear. The VFX work swings between impressive and obviously fake.
Behind the Camera
Ayan Mukerji swings big but doesn’t connect consistently. His vision for scale shows through, but the execution stumbles. I felt the pacing drag in the second half despite constant action, which shouldn’t happen in a thriller.
The screenplay focuses too much on spectacle and not enough on smart spy tactics. I wanted strategic moves, mind games, clever planning. Instead, everything gets solved through punching and shooting. Character motivations stay shallow throughout.
Technical Side
The background music pumps up action scenes effectively. Sound design creates impact when fists fly and bullets fire. But I noticed the editing needed tightening. The film runs long with scenes that repeat similar beats.
Cutting twenty minutes would have resulted in a sharper product. Some sequences drag without adding value to the story or characters.
The Good Stuff
Getting Hrithik and NTR together was brilliant casting. Their physical commitment to roles shows in every frame. Some set pieces genuinely impressed me with their ambition and scale.
Production money shows on screen clearly. Locations look gorgeous, adding international flair. The mid-credits scene sets up interesting possibilities for future films, which I enjoyed.
Where It Falls Apart
The screenplay needed multiple rewrites before shooting. I counted several plot holes that broke my immersion. Style takes precedence over substance throughout, which works for some viewers but left me wanting more.
Wasting Kiara in such a nothing role seemed criminal. The main villain lacks proper development, making the conflict feel cookie-cutter. Action that ignores real-world physics made me care less about outcomes.
What Critics Said
IMDb users landed on 5.9/10, reflecting split opinions. Roger Ebert’s reviewers acknowledged the film knew its audience but noted execution problems. Variety described it as a downgrade for the spy franchise.
Rotten Tomatoes critics highlighted strong performances and visuals while calling out weak storytelling. The Hollywood Reporter India said it delivered neither spectacular highs nor complete disaster. Most agreed it entertains without achieving greatness.
What Viewers Thought
Public reaction split down the middle. Social media praised the Hrithik-NTR pairing heavily. Many found it acceptable for one-time viewing. The action set pieces got appreciation across the board.
Complaints centered on runtime and missing strategic depth. Theater crowds reacted mixed, with some enjoying the ride while others felt let down. The film didn’t generate strong word-of-mouth needed for long-term success.
2.5 out of 5
