War 2 returns to the YRF Spy Universe with Hrithik Roshan and NTR Jr. in a battle of charisma and combat. While it delivers a few thrilling moments, the predictable plot and inconsistent execution hold it back from becoming a franchise high point.
A Sequel with Sky-High Expectations
As the much-anticipated follow-up to War (2019), War 2 carries the weight of fan expectations, especially with two superstars — Hrithik Roshan and NTR Jr. — headlining the cast. Directed with the intent to blend intense action, sleek visuals, and franchise-building moments, the film offers sporadic excitement but doesn’t fully escape the shadows of its predecessors.
Story
Agent Kabir (Hrithik Roshan), once RAW’s most trusted operative, has now gone rogue and works as a freelance assassin. A shadowy international cartel named Kaali recruits him to aid their mission of destabilising India. Tasked with stopping him is RAW’s fiercely determined Vikram Chalapathi (Jr NTR).
What follows is a cat-and-mouse chase spanning multiple countries, with Wing Commander Kavya Luthra (Kiara Advani) caught in the middle due to a complicated history with Kabir. Why Kabir turned against his own, how Vikram fits into his past, and whether India can be saved from Kaali forms the crux of the film.
Performances That Power the Film
The film’s biggest win is its casting. Hrithik Roshan brings his trademark swag and restrained menace to Kabir, while Jr NTR commands the screen with raw intensity and a heroic presence that balances Hrithik’s cool. Their face-offs and shared frames have an undeniable energy, even when the writing doesn’t fully back them.
Kiara Advani is confident but underutilised, while Ashutosh Rana adds gravitas in his limited role. The supporting cast serves the plot, but the spotlight firmly stays on the two leads.
What Works
- Star Chemistry: Watching Hrithik and Jr NTR together is a treat for action lovers.
- Visual Appeal: Exotic locations are beautifully captured by Benjamin Jasper’s cinematography.
- First Half Action: The intro set pieces and chase sequences provide some adrenaline early on.
Where It Falters
Despite its promising premise, the storytelling plays it safe. The first half is engaging in parts, but the second half struggles with pacing and lacks the punchy moments that make for a memorable spy thriller. Emotional beats, especially between Kabir and Vikram, arrive too late to have a real impact.
The globe-trotting feels more like a checklist than a necessity for the story, with locations changing so fast that none leave a lasting impression. Some action scenes, though stylish, feel overlong and don’t carry enough urgency.
Action & Technical Aspects
Action remains the film’s strongest selling point, though uneven execution keeps it from soaring. The katana fight, train-top battle, and climactic duel stand out for their choreography and tension. On the other hand, the boat chase suffers from unconvincing CGI and noticeable green-screen effects, which dampen its impact for a big-screen spectacle.
Visually, the film mixes slick production design with moments that feel rushed in post-production. The background score is serviceable but lacks a signature theme, while the soundtrack offers no breakout hits.
Final Verdict
War 2 delivers enough high-octane sequences and star power to satisfy franchise loyalists, but it plays too safe to be a genre standout. Its biggest strength lies in its cast, especially Hrithik Roshan, while its biggest drawback is the reluctance to move beyond familiar storytelling beats.
Bullseye Rating:★★★ (3/5 stars)
War 2 is a stylish but uneven sequel — worth a watch for its stars and select action sequences, but held back by predictable writing.
The movie is currently in theatres.