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By Aishwarya Vinu Nair | Opening Doorz Editorial |August 22, 2025 Rating: 2.5/5 The Essence: As a film lover based in the UK, it was my admiration for Hrithik Roshan […]
By Aishwarya Vinu Nair | Opening Doorz Editorial |August 22, 2025
Rating: 2.5/5
The Essence: As a film lover based in the UK, it was my admiration for Hrithik Roshan that led me to watch ‘War 2’ in Coventry. However, despite Roshan’s star power, the film struggled to combine spectacle with substance. The packed houses for Rajnikanth’s ‘Coolie’ (which released simultaneously) are a reminder that star power truly captivates when paired with strong storytelling. ‘War 2’, unfortunately, illustrates that spectacle without soul eventually loses its charm.
When War 2 was announced, expectations were sky-high. The first film, released in 2019, was a runaway success that paired Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff in a high-octane action spectacle. But did the sequel live up to the legacy of the original?
As someone based in the UK who watched the movie in Coventry, I went in with excitement, fuelled mostly by my admiration for Hrithik Roshan. Unfortunately, while War 2 delivers on action, scale, and star power, it falters in storytelling, coherence, and emotional depth. Methinks there was no need to take this franchise forward. War was enough!
There is no denying Hrithik Roshan’s screen presence. Whether it’s his impeccable dancing, intense stares, or fluid action choreography, Hrithik dominates every frame. Even when the film meanders, he keeps viewers glued to the screen. However, a deeper look into his character’s motivations could reveal why the film feels emotionally hollow. The protagonist’s actions often lack convincing motivation, which results in missed opportunities for emotional engagement. Understanding his goals and obstacles might have added layers to the narrative, making it more than just a visual spectacle.
His entry sequence is designed for whistles, with familiar background music from the first War. Hrithik is the reason many (including myself) bought a ticket, and in truth, he alone raises the film’s otherwise middling rating.
The biggest change in War 2 is the inclusion of Telugu superstar Junior NTR. After his career-defining performance in RRR, expectations were understandably huge. And while his intensity in action scenes is impressive, the character is let down by corny one-liners and forced humour.
Comedy isn’t his natural strength, and the awkward lines only amplify the mismatch. Compared to his magnetic screen presence in RRR, his role here feels undercooked. Still, his pairing with Hrithik creates some memorable moments.
Kiara Advani plays the female lead but remains largely sidelined. Her character flits in and out of the narrative without much weight. Worse still, her chemistry with Hrithik feels flat. In fact, the bromance between Hrithik and Junior NTR has more spark than the intended romance.
Veterans like Anil Kapoor and Ashutosh Rana prove that experience can outshine even the most limited screen time. Anil Kapoor brings gravitas to his role, while Ashutosh Rana, despite appearing for only about ten minutes, leaves a lasting impression. His ability to elevate even the weakest dialogues is remarkable. But then, he is Ashutosh Rana, an actor who can nail any character!
Here’s where War 2 stumbles most. While it’s marketed as part of the expanding YRF Spy Universe, the story feels patched together. At nearly three hours, the film drags with unnecessary fillers, stretched sequences, and far-fetched action set pieces.
There are occasional references to other YRF spy films and cameos in dialogue, but nothing substantial enough to make it exciting. Instead, the narrative seems more concerned with outdoing Hollywood blockbusters, without grounding itself in logic.
Action is the backbone of War 2, but it often crosses into cartoonish territory. Scenes like fighting atop a flying aircraft at 30,000 feet or a speedboat inexplicably entering Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit push the boundaries of believability to the point of laughter.
While big-budget VFX adds gloss, it is sometimes painfully obvious, pulling audiences out of the moment. Unlike Mission Impossible, where the stunts feel visceral and real, War 2 slips into spectacle for spectacle’s sake.
The first War gave us unforgettable tracks like Ghungroo and Jai Jai Shiv Shankar. By contrast, War 2’s music disappoints. The much-hyped Hrithik-Jr. NTR dance number feels mismatched. While the choreography dazzles, the song itself leans toward Sufi vibes, clashing with the boho-chic beach setting. It does not merge with their outfits and the ambience. Another track, Aavan Jaavan, is mediocre at best and is carried only by the actors’ dance moves.
The background score fares better, particularly in heightening Hrithik’s action sequences. But overall, the soundtrack is a significant step down from its predecessor.
In the UK, War 2 faced stiff competition from Rajnikanth’s Tamil film Coolie, which was released simultaneously. The South Indian superstar’s pull overshadowed War 2, with packed theatres and celebratory crowds for Coolie.
This clash undoubtedly hurt War 2’s reception abroad, highlighting how pan-India films from the South are increasingly dominating even international markets.
War 2 is the definition of style over substance. Hrithik Roshan delivers a magnetic performance, Junior NTR brings intensity despite uneven writing, and the supporting cast adds credibility. However, the weak script, long runtime, and illogical action sequences hold the film back.
If you’re a Hrithik Roshan fan, it’s worth a watch for his sheer star power. But if you’re looking for a tight, gripping spy thriller, you may walk out disappointed.
As a film lover based in the UK, it was my admiration for Hrithik Roshan that led me to watch War 2 in Coventry. However, despite Roshan’s star power, the film struggled to combine spectacle with substance. The packed houses for Rajnikanth’s Coolie (which released simultaneously) are a reminder that star power truly captivates when paired with strong storytelling. War 2, unfortunately, illustrates that spectacle without soul eventually loses its charm.
CREDITS
Producer: Aditya Chopra
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Star Cast: Hrithik Roshan, N.T. Rama Rao Jr., Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana, Anil Kapoor
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