War 2 Review: Hrithik Roshan & Jr NTR Deliver Explosive Chemistry Amid VFX Flaws and Box Office Buzz
The much-anticipated War 2 finally stormed into theatres on 14 August 2025, bringing together Bollywood heartthrob Hrithik Roshan and Telugu superstar Jr NTR in a high-stakes spy thriller directed by Ayan Mukerji. Also starring Kiara Advani, this ₹400-crore spectacle is part of YRF’s expanding Spy Universe and marks Jr NTR’s grand Bollywood debut. While the film packs adrenaline-pumping action and sizzling star chemistry, it’s not without its share of controversies, especially over its VFX quality.
Box Office: Strong Start Despite Heavy Competition
War 2 entered cinemas riding on massive pre-release hype. The film earned an impressive ₹16 crore in advance bookings and managed to cross the ₹20-crore mark by midday on opening day. Early trade estimates suggest that the film could end day one with earnings between ₹55 and ₹60 crore, driven by strong performances in metro cities and solid turnout in Telugu-speaking states.
However, the film faced tough competition from Rajinikanth’s Coolie, which dominated the southern market, raking in over ₹20 crore by noon. Despite the clash, industry analysts believe War 2’s pan-India appeal, boosted by the Jr NTR factor, will ensure a steady weekend run.
Star Power: Hrithik & Jr NTR’s Magnetic Pairing
If there’s one unanimous verdict from both fans and critics, it’s that the on-screen chemistry between Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR is electric. Whether locked in intense combat or trading sharp-witted banter, the two stars elevate each other’s performance. Social media is flooded with posts praising their screen presence, with many calling it “the soul of the film.”
For Jr NTR, this is a landmark moment. The RRR actor’s Bollywood debut has been met with high praise for his effortless Hindi delivery and commanding action presence. Fans in the Telugu states have turned War 2 screenings into a celebration, complete with firecrackers and giant cut-outs of the star.
Action & Cinematography: High-Octane But Divisive
War 2 spares no expense when it comes to spectacle. The film zips across international locations, from the snow-capped Alps to the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, delivering a visual treat through aerial dogfights, underwater missions, and hand-to-hand combat sequences. The action choreography, particularly in the first half, has been hailed by several reviewers as “some of the best in recent Indian cinema.”
Yet, not all viewers are convinced. Some critics argue that while the set-pieces are grand, the execution lacks freshness. “The action scenes look great in the trailer, but in the theatre, some of them feel predictable,” wrote one reviewer. Others found the pacing uneven, with long stretches of exposition slowing down the adrenaline rush.
VFX Controversy: Fake Abs and Cartoonish Effects
Perhaps the most talked-about aspect of War 2 since its release has been its visual effects—and not always for the right reasons. A significant section of social media has been debating the authenticity of Jr NTR’s much-promoted eight-pack abs, with some calling them a product of “bad CGI.” Memes comparing the sequence to video game graphics have gone viral.
Another sequence involving a high-speed aerial chase has drawn criticism for looking “cartoonish” and “worse than PlayStation cut-scenes.” While fans of the film argue that the overall impact outweighs these shortcomings, the VFX chatter has somewhat overshadowed the technical achievements in other areas, like stunt work and production design.
Story & Screenplay: A Stylish, If Familiar, Ride
Narratively, War 2 treads familiar ground for the spy-action genre. The plot revolves around a covert mission that forces two elite agents—Kabir (Hrithik Roshan) and a mysterious rival operative played by Jr NTR—to either destroy each other or join forces against a common enemy. Kiara Advani plays a pivotal role that ties the two leads into the central conflict.
While the storyline is straightforward, its execution focuses heavily on style, dramatic confrontations, and sleek visuals. This approach works for audiences looking for pure entertainment, but some critics have labeled the plot “derivative” and “predictable.” The film’s second half, in particular, has been described as overstuffed with twists that fail to pack the intended punch.
Kiara Advani’s Role: Understated but Significant
Kiara Advani steps into the spy universe with a role that’s less about glamour and more about strategic influence in the plot. While she doesn’t have as much screen time as the male leads, her character adds emotional weight and plot propulsion. Her performance has received modest praise, with several fans hoping she gets a bigger arc in future instalments.
Audience Reception: Love, Criticism, and Memes
The audience reaction to War 2 has been a mixed bag. On one side are fans who can’t stop raving about the scale, star power, and whistle-worthy moments—especially Jr NTR’s introduction scene and the interval twist. On the other side are viewers pointing out its flaws: uneven pacing, questionable CGI, and an overreliance on style over substance.
On Twitter and Instagram, the hashtags #War2Review and #HrithikVsJrNTR have been trending since the early morning shows. Fan-made edits of action sequences are going viral, as are memes poking fun at the “fake abs” controversy.
The Spy Universe Factor
War 2 is the sixth film in YRF’s interconnected Spy Universe, following hits like Ek Tha Tiger, War (2019), and Pathaan. While it shares thematic DNA with its predecessors—globe-trotting missions, charismatic heroes, and high-stakes espionage—it also teases future crossovers. Without giving away spoilers, the post-credits scene has already set social media abuzz with speculation about upcoming films in the franchise.
Trade Prediction: A Long but Competitive Run
Trade experts believe that while War 2 may not surpass Pathaan’s record-breaking numbers, it’s well-positioned for a strong theatrical run, especially during the Independence Day and Raksha Bandhan holidays. The film’s biggest advantage is its dual-star appeal—drawing in both Bollywood loyalists and Jr NTR’s massive South Indian fanbase.
However, the competition from Coolie in the south and upcoming releases in the north will test its staying power. The real measure of success will be whether it can sustain high occupancy rates beyond the first week.
Final Verdict
War 2 is a classic case of a blockbuster that delivers on scale and star appeal but leaves room for improvement in storytelling and technical finesse. Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR’s crackling chemistry is worth the price of admission, and the action sequences will thrill fans of the genre. Yet, for those seeking a tight, innovative spy thriller, the film may feel like a glossy but familiar ride.
Pros:
- Magnetic pairing of Hrithik and Jr NTR
- Grand international action sequences
- Strong first-half pacing and interval high point
Cons:
- Patchy VFX in key scenes
- Predictable storyline
- Uneven second-half pacing
Whether you walk out cheering or critiquing, one thing’s certain: War 2 is a cinematic event that has everyone talking—and that’s half the battle won at the box office.
