Bollywood’s action landscape just got bigger with the release of War 2, one of the most anticipated films of 2025. Directed by Ayan Mukerji and backed by Yash Raj Films, the movie unites two powerhouses of Indian cinema—Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR—for the first time on screen. Adding to the star value is Kiara Advani, who plays a crucial role in the action drama.
The film has opened on an extraordinary note, collecting ₹52 crore on its opening day in India, despite facing direct competition from Rajinikanth’s Coolie, another pan-Indian blockbuster running in theaters. With action, style, and larger-than-life storytelling, War 2 promises to be an integral chapter in the YRF Spy Universe that already includes hits like Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, and Pathaan.
But is the film living up to its sky-high expectations? Let’s take a closer look at its review, rating, and box office updates.
War 2 Review: Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR Power the Film
At its core, War 2 is a high-octane action thriller that attempts to push the boundaries of Indian filmmaking. Hrithik Roshan returns as Kabir, the charismatic spy who stole hearts in War (2019), while Jr NTR steps into the YRF Spy Universe as a formidable new force. Their on-screen clash and eventual partnership form the backbone of the film.
Ayan Mukerji, best known for Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Brahmāstra, brings his signature visual flair and attempts to marry emotional depth with breathtaking action. The action set pieces—from high-speed chases to hand-to-hand combat—have been designed on an international scale.
That said, early reviews suggest the film is receiving a mixed response:
- The Positives:
- Hrithik Roshan delivers a magnetic performance, combining intensity, charm, and charisma.
- Jr NTR’s Hindi debut is electrifying, and his rugged presence has been unanimously praised.
- Action sequences, including a subway chase in Kolkata and a skydiving stunt in Europe, have left audiences thrilled.
- The film’s visual effects and sound design raise the benchmark for Bollywood action.
- The Negatives:
- Some critics feel the storyline is predictable and formulaic, relying heavily on spectacle over substance.
- The emotional beats don’t always land, and the screenplay is stretched in parts.
- A few reviews even labeled it “underwhelming” and “too safe” considering the scale of the project.
Overall, War 2 can be described as a stylish action entertainer that caters to fans of masala cinema and big-screen adrenaline.
War 2 Rating
Based on early critic and audience reviews, War 2 is currently averaging around:
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) from action lovers and fans of Hrithik and Jr NTR.
- ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) from critics who felt the script lacked freshness.
This makes it a crowd-pleasing entertainer, though not unanimously acclaimed.
Jr NTR’s Bollywood Debut: A Celebration
One of the biggest highlights of War 2 is Jr NTR’s Hindi cinema debut. Known as the “Young Tiger” of Telugu cinema, Jr NTR commands a massive fan following across the South. His entry into Bollywood was celebrated with grand fan shows, midnight screenings, and social media trends.
Fans were seen bursting crackers, distributing sweets, and putting up giant cutouts outside theaters, marking the film’s release as a festival. His chemistry with Hrithik Roshan has been widely appreciated, and trade experts believe Jr NTR’s inclusion will significantly boost War 2’s box office in southern states.
War 2 Box Office Collection Day 1
Despite facing competition from Rajinikanth’s Coolie, War 2 stormed the box office with a ₹52 crore opening day collection in India. This figure places it among the top Bollywood openers of 2025.
Here’s a breakdown of the early box office performance:
- Day 1 India Collection: ₹52 crore
- Day 1 Overseas Collection: Approx. ₹18 crore
- Worldwide Gross (Day 1): ₹70 crore
The film benefitted hugely from the Independence Day weekend, which traditionally boosts big releases. Trade analysts expect the numbers to grow further over the first weekend, especially in metro cities and southern markets.
Competition with Rajinikanth’s Coolie
While War 2 is dominating in Hindi-speaking regions, Rajinikanth’s Coolie is giving it stiff competition in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and parts of Andhra Pradesh. Coolie too opened to massive crowds, with record advance bookings in the South.
This box office clash has divided audiences, but analysts believe both films can thrive due to the festive season and wide release strategy. Together, they are expected to set new records for Indian cinema in August 2025.
YRF Spy Universe Expansion
War 2 is not just another action film—it’s also a crucial step in the expansion of the YRF Spy Universe. The film reportedly includes cameo appearances and hints about future crossovers, including Salman Khan’s Tiger and Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan.
This interconnected storytelling strategy is Bollywood’s answer to Hollywood’s Marvel Cinematic Universe, and War 2 is seen as a testing ground for how audiences respond to such crossovers. Fans can expect more surprises in upcoming installments like Tiger vs Pathaan.
Audience Reactions
Social media has been buzzing since the first shows of War 2:
- Hrithik Roshan’s fans have hailed him as the “Greek God of Action.”
- Jr NTR’s supporters are celebrating his massive Bollywood entry.
- Some viewers, however, complained about the length and predictability of the story.
On platforms like X (Twitter) and Instagram, hashtags like #War2Review, #HrithikVsNTR, #YRFSpyUniverse have been trending since morning.
War 2: The Road Ahead
With an opening day collection of ₹52 crore, War 2 is already a commercial success. The real test will be its weekday collections and whether strong word of mouth can carry it past the ₹300 crore mark in India.
If it sustains momentum, trade experts believe War 2 could cross ₹600 crore worldwide, placing it among the highest-grossing Indian films of 2025.
Conclusion
War 2 is a film that thrives on its star power, slick action, and cinematic scale. While it may not win over everyone with its story, it offers enough thrills to satisfy fans of big-screen spectacles. With Hrithik Roshan’s magnetic performance and Jr NTR’s fiery Bollywood debut, the movie is set to remain a talking point for weeks.
The War 2 box office collection is off to a flying start, and with the festive weekend ahead, it’s poised to scale even greater heights. For fans of action, style, and star-driven cinema, War 2 is an event film that deserves a big-screen watch.
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