War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji, marks a high-stakes return to YRF’s Spy Universe, bringing together Bollywood’s Hrithik Roshan (reprising his role as Agent Kabir) and Telugu cinema star Jr NTR in his first Bollywood film. Released on August 14, 2025, across Hindi and Telugu versions, it’s poised as a blockbuster with gripping action and star power.
Review & Rating Highlights
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First Dynamic Chemistry – Audiences and critics alike have applauded the “terrific chemistry” between Hrithik and Jr NTR, often citing it as the film’s strongest asset.Visual Spectacle, Mixed Execution – The film delivers on high-octane action and dazzling visuals, though some VFX sequences—especially involving planes—have been criticized as cartoonish or video-game-like.
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Mixed Audience Reactions – Many viewers praised the exhilarating first half and thrilling climax, while others found the second half underwhelming or overly generic. Some labeled the experience as “strictly mid” amid soaring expectations.
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Critics’ View – Critiques ranged from admiration for its ambition to disappointment over its coherence. Some called it “tedious,” noting that the film doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential.
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Pre-release Buzz & Box Office
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Advance bookings were solid, though they trailed behind the concurrently released Rajinikanth’s Coolie. Day-one business hovered around ₹16–21 crore via advance sales.
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Fan pre-sales crossed 7.5 lakh tickets, yet didn’t match the colossal hype of previous entries.
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Public Talk Snapshot
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Goosebumps and Firepower – Social media buzz hailed War 2 as a “pure goosebumps” experience, with fans marveling at the explosive energy and face-offs.
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Visuals vs. Substance Debate – While some celebrated the visual artistry, others flagged inconsistent visual execution and pacing issues.
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Telugu Version Cuts – Notably, reports surfaced about certain scenes being edited out of the Telugu version, leaving fans disappointed.
Quick Take: Summary Table
| Aspect | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Lead Chemistry | Hrithik Roshan & Jr NTR deliver undeniable on-screen synergy. |
| Action & Visuals | Thrilling and bold, but occasionally veer into over-the-top CGI. |
| Audience Reception | First half and climax praised; middle sections and pacing noted as uneven. |
| Critical Feedback | Divided: some laud the spectacle, others criticize the storytelling structure. |
| Box Office & Buzz | Strong pre-release buzz; advance bookings solid but overshadowed by Coolie. |
| Fan Talk | Highly energetic reactions, tempered by concerns over execution and edits. |
Conclusion
War 2 stands tall on the back of its lead pair’s charisma and high-octane presentation. It brings a punchy, heart-pounding spectacle, especially in the early sequences and climactic face-off. But mixed storytelling, pacing inconsistencies, and occasionally unconvincing visuals keep it from being a flawless triumph.
If you’re up for a visual treat full of star power and adrenaline-charged moments—but don’t mind a few narrative hiccups—War 2 is well worth the watch.
