War 2 Review – A Wasted Opportunity for a Dream Combination
Sarkar Rating: 2.5/5 Release Date : Aug 14, 2025
Cast
Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani
Crew
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Producer: Aditya Chopra
Screenplay: Shridhar Raghavan
Director of Photography: Benjamin Jasper ACS
Music: Pritam
Editor: Aarif Sheikh
Story
War 2 follows two friends—played by Hrithik Roshan and NTR—whose choices push them down different paths, eventually bringing them face-to-face in a conflict tied to the nation’s fate. Their motives, and the inevitable clash that follows, form the core of the plot.
Performances
Hrithik Roshan
Hrithik brings his trademark charm, style, and screen presence to War 2. His look and vibe remain similar to the first War, and he effortlessly holds the frame with confidence. While the role isn’t layered, there are moments where Hrithik the actor shines. He’s a visual asset, but the material doesn’t give him much to explore beyond the surface.
NTR
Joining YRF’s biggest spy franchise was a bold move for NTR, but the payoff is underwhelming. From styling to character design, nothing feels distinctive or impactful. His role lacks depth, the writing offers no standout moments, and the character leaves no lasting impression—disappointing both die-hard fans and neutral viewers. Given the scale of the project, his underutilization is a major missed opportunity.
Analysis
Directed by Ayan Mukerji, War 2 opens in Japan with an engaging action block introducing Hrithik. His entry works well, setting the stage for a grand face-off. Unfortunately, the story soon falls into a predictable, formula-driven pattern.
While one doesn’t expect groundbreaking storytelling from a spy-action film, the real letdown is in the action itself. The set pieces lack freshness and energy. Even the much-hyped Hrithik–NTR face-offs fail to generate sparks—chemistry, banter, and emotional stakes are all absent.
Kiara Advani’s role is minimal, leaving no strong impression. NTR’s introduction, clearly aimed at South audiences, feels forced and hollow. The first half is barely passable, putting all the weight on the second half to deliver.
The second half offers a few better-designed action moments and some scattered engaging sequences. An emotional exchange between the leads toward the climax works moderately well. But the final resolution is flat and forgettable. The core issues—weak writing, bland character arcs, and unimaginative action—remain unchanged.
War 2 ultimately feels like a squandered opportunity. A North–South superstar combination like Hrithik and NTR deserved an electrifying script, but instead gets bogged down by routine plotting and uninspired execution.
Supporting Cast
Despite the presence of big names, the supporting cast is wasted. Anil Kapoor’s role is blink-and-miss. Kiara Advani gets a song and a handful of scenes with no real scope. Ashutosh Rana is fine in his limited part, but overall, no supporting performance stands out.
Music & Technical Aspects
Pritam’s songs are passable but forgettable, while the background score starts strong before losing steam. Cinematography by Jasper meets YRF’s usual slick standards but doesn’t bring visual novelty. Editing by Aarif drags the pacing, especially in between action scenes. Production values are solid but offer nothing beyond the expected.
Highlights
Dance sequences featuring both leads
A couple of moderately engaging action blocks
Emotional moment toward the end
Drawbacks
Template story with zero freshness
No memorable moments between Hrithik and NTR
Action sequences lack adrenaline
Underutilization of the Hrithik–NTR combination
Verdict
War 2 is a glossy but hollow sequel that wastes the rare chance to unite two of India’s biggest stars. Fans expecting fireworks will get a few sparks at best.
Read Also: War 2 Trailer Review: Hrithik Roshan vs Jr NTR – Sparks Fly, But Does It Truly Ignite?