War 2 Review – Clash of the Titans or Just Another Holiday Masala Flick?
This Independence Day, Bollywood saw one of its most hyped box office clashes. Two massive films went head-to-head, but one of them had an extra weight of expectation on its shoulders, Yash Raj Films’ latest addition to their Spy Universe, War 2.
It marks the return of R&AW agent Kabir (Hrithik Roshan), this time facing a shadow organisation determined to manipulate India’s future from behind the scenes. On paper, that’s a premise ripe for espionage thrills, high-stakes action, and patriotic adrenaline. But does War 2 deliver on that promise? Let’s talk.
Expectations Going In
Going into the film, I was mentally prepared for chaos and a generous dose of suspension of disbelief. It’s a blockbuster holiday weekend release, after all. Big Bollywood action movies, especially in the YRF Spy Universe, have always dabbled in the physics-defying and gravity-denying department.
I was ready for stylish fight sequences, dramatic slow-motion walks, punchy one-liners, and “hero shots” tailor-made for superstar charisma. I wasn’t expecting an Oscar-winning screenplay, just a masala entertainer with the budget to pull off some jaw-dropping set pieces.
Style vs. Substance
And here’s where the problem begins. War 2 is stylish, no doubt. Every slow-motion frame of Hrithik Roshan or NTR Jr. walking towards the camera is a masterclass in how to make stars look like gods. Their on-screen personas are magnetic, and the film milks that “larger-than-life” appeal to the max.
But when the action kicks in? Things start sliding into laughable territory. I promised myself I wouldn’t nitpick the physics. I ignored the moment where characters stand perfectly still in a plane after its door blows off mid-flight, ignoring the whole depressurisation thing.
But when people are casually fighting on top of jets, often without harnesses, or engaging in intense hand-to-hand combat mere hours after taking a sniper bullet to the chest, my brain just tapped out. At this point, you might as well rebrand the Spy Universe into the Super Spy Universe, where everyone is a genetically enhanced super-soldier.
Hollywood Inspirations
The film borrows heavily from Hollywood action blockbusters. You’ll spot stunts and set pieces clearly inspired by Mission: Impossible and Fast & Furious. There’s even a big wrecking ball sequence that had me half-expecting Vin Diesel to walk in talking about “family.”
And the names! The main villainous syndicate is called the Kali Cartel, which sounds suspiciously close to the Cali Cartel from Narcos. Whether it’s a cheeky nod or just lazy writing, I couldn’t tell. At one point, I swear a minor henchman was called Barbosa. Yes, like the pirate. Unfortunately, this one didn’t have Geoffrey Rush’s wit.
The Story – Predictable Twists, Overstretched Runtime
Without giving away spoilers, Kabir and Vikram (NTR Jr.) are on opposite sides for most of the film. The story is padded with multiple twists, the kind that think they’re clever but are actually very predictable.
And the runtime? Let’s just say it tests your patience. Hrithik’s charisma and NTR’s suave charm can only carry so many repetitive scenes.
Kiara Advani plays an exceptional Air Force officer and delivers two solid action moments. But her total screen time feels like a blink-and-miss five minutes. She shines in the song Aava Javan, but the way musical numbers pop up in this film is jarring. One minute there’s a tense discussion, the next Hrithik and NTR are dancing like nothing happened. If you’re going to insert songs mid-action, at least lead into them. Or just put them in the credits.
Action Sequences – Gravity Is Optional
Let’s talk about the stunts. If you can accept a scene where a human payload is carried by a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) at high speeds, hanging onto its wings in thin air, only to land perfectly on a ship in a full “hero pose”, then you’ll be fine here.
If not, well… prepare to roll your eyes. There are sword fights, jet-top battles, and shootouts where bullets and blood loss don’t seem to slow anyone down. But the crowd in my theatre ate it up. People cheered every time Hrithik slashed his katana or NTR landed a punch. And honestly, in a movie like this, that’s part of the fun.
Performances – The Saving Grace
Hrithik Roshan oozes confidence and brings back the rugged charm of Kabir. His screen presence is still unmatched in Bollywood’s action space.
NTR Jr. holds his own, matching Hrithik in intensity and style. The two have great on-screen chemistry, even when they’re supposed to be on opposite sides.
Kiara Advani makes the most of her limited screen time, proving she can pull off action just as well as glamour.
Unfortunately, the script doesn’t give any of them enough meat to elevate this from a visual spectacle into something memorable.
War 2 Post Credit Scene
In true franchise fashion, War 2 drops a post-credit tease. We see Bobby Deol training recruits for Alpha, the next installment in the Spy Universe. He’s positioned as the next big villain, and if his Animal performance was any hint, this could be interesting.
Final Thoughts
Let’s get this straight: War 2 is not a masterpiece.
If you can overlook the massive disregard for realism and embrace the over-the-top spectacle, it’s a fun holiday watch. But if you expect logic, grounded action, or a tightly woven plot, this might frustrate you.
I’ll be generous and give it 2.75 out of 5, purely for the star power, slick visuals, and the kind of swagger only Hrithik and NTR can pull off.
So is War 2 good?
If you’re part of the target audience, fans of loud, stylish, big-screen Bollywood action who don’t overthink the “how” and “why” of a scene, you’ll probably have a great time.
If you want substance, layered storytelling, or realistic espionage, you might walk out thinking, That’s three hours I won’t get back.
Either way, War 2 is designed to be a crowd-pleaser for the holiday season. It’s a movie to watch with friends, laugh at the absurd moments, cheer for the action, and then promptly forget about until the next Spy Universe entry drops.
Rating:
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