War 2 Review: Star Power Meets Action, but Story Falls Short

The much-anticipated War 2 has finally arrived, marking the Bollywood debut of Telugu superstar NTR after his monumental success in RRR. Set within the ambitious Yash Raj Films spy universe, the film pairs him for the first time with Hrithik Roshan — a duo that had fans buzzing long before the release. With a well-established franchise, stylish action, and two powerhouse leads, expectations were high. But does the film live up to its hype?

The Story

Kabir (Hrithik Roshan), once a celebrated RAW agent, now lives as a fugitive branded a traitor. In the opening sequences, he is shown carrying out the assassination of an influential figure in Japan, fulfilling a mysterious prior arrangement. This act attracts the attention of “The Cartel,” a shadowy anti-national group seeking to destabilize India. They enlist Kabir for a shocking mission — to kill his own mentor, Sunil Luthra (Ashutosh Rana). To everyone’s horror, Kabir complies.

The assassination shakes India’s intelligence community. Newly appointed RAW chief Vikrant Kaul (Anil Kapoor) responds by assembling a specialized task force. At the forefront is Vikram Chalapathi (NTR), a determined government soldier tasked with bringing Kabir to justice. Assisting him is Kavya Luthra (Kiara Advani), Sunil Luthra’s daughter, whose personal stake in the mission adds an emotional layer.

From there, the film unravels the mystery behind Kabir’s apparent betrayal. Was it personal revenge, coercion, or something deeper? As Vikram closes in, the truth behind The Cartel’s operations — and Kabir’s real motives — begins to emerge.

Action vs. Emotion

Director Ayan Mukerji wastes no time establishing War 2 as a double-hero narrative. Since the project’s announcement, audiences speculated whether Hrithik or NTR would play the hero or villain. The screenplay leans into this tension, keeping the power balance shifting between the two characters.

The first half delivers exactly what fans expect — high-adrenaline chases, crisp fight choreography, and slick set-pieces across exotic locations. The face-offs between Hrithik and NTR are especially engaging, and the interval twist provides a temporary jolt of excitement.

However, the second half struggles to maintain momentum. Attempts to weave in emotional depth and patriotic drama feel formulaic, often echoing older spy thrillers. The Kabir-Kavya scenes are particularly predictable, offering little freshness. While there are a few plot twists, they lack real surprise, and in some cases, create unnecessary confusion. The climax is functional but fails to deliver the grand emotional or narrative payoff the setup promised.

Performances That Carry the Film

Hrithik Roshan slips into Kabir’s persona with ease, his physicality and screen charisma intact. He handles the action effortlessly and delivers his signature dance flair in the musical numbers. His confrontations with NTR are among the film’s strongest assets.

NTR, making his Hindi debut, is the revelation here. As Vikram, he radiates confidence and authority, holding his own against Hrithik in every shared frame. His performance adds gravitas to the otherwise uneven screenplay, making him one of the film’s key highlights.

Kiara Advani brings glamour and charm, though her character feels underwritten. She makes the most of her screen time and connects well with younger audiences. Anil Kapoor, as the no-nonsense RAW chief, provides reliable support, while Ashutosh Rana delivers a brief but impactful turn as Luthra.

Craft and Technical Brilliance

If the storytelling falters, the technical aspects work overtime to keep the audience engaged. Cinematographer Benjamin Jasper captures the film with a glossy, cinematic sheen. Action sequences are staged with precision, often enhanced by inventive camera angles.

The background score by Sanchit and Ankit Balhara deserves special mention. The pulsating beats heighten the urgency during action scenes and lend some gravitas to key moments. The editing keeps the pace brisk in the first half, though the second half could have benefited from tighter trimming.

Where It Falters

Despite its stellar cast and impressive production values, War 2 stumbles due to weak writing. Aditya Chopra’s story feels recycled from earlier spy thrillers, offering few genuine surprises. The emotional beats are predictable, the patriotic messaging feels overfamiliar, and the character arcs lack depth.

For fans of pure action, the film will deliver enough spectacle to justify a viewing. But for those seeking a gripping spy drama with layered storytelling, War 2 might feel like a missed opportunity.

Verdict

War 2 is a high-gloss, action-packed entertainer that thrives on star power but is let down by a familiar and underwhelming narrative. Hrithik Roshan and NTR’s on-screen chemistry is electric, and the action choreography is top-tier. Yet, without a compelling story to match the spectacle, the film falls short of becoming the genre classic it aspires to be.

Review By: Team maverick

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Cast: NTR, Hrithik Roshan, Kiara Advani, Anil Kapoor, Ashutosh Rana
Music: Sanchit Balhara, Ankit Balhara
Banner: Yash Raj Films