Knowlepedia

War 2

Revision as of 07:17, 22 August 2025 by Mr.x (talk | contribs) (→Filming)

War 2 is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language action thriller film directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films. The script is written by Shridhar Raghavan and Abbas Tyrewala, based on an original story by Chopra.[1] It is the sixth film in the YRF Spy Universe and a sequel to War (2019). The film stars Hrithik Roshan, N. T. Rama Rao Jr., and Kiara Advani, along with Ashutosh Rana and Anil Kapoor.

War 2

Theatrical release poster
Directed by Ayan Mukerji
Produced by Aditya Chopra
Screenplay by Shridhar Raghavan
Dialogues by Abbas Tyrewala
Story by Aditya Chopra
Starring Hrithik Roshan
N. T. Rama Rao Jr.
Kiara Advani
Ashutosh Rana
Anil Kapoor
Music by Songs:
  • Pritam

Score:

  • Sanchit Balhara
  • Ankit Balhara
Cinematography Benjamin Jasper
Edited by Aarif Sheikh
Production company Yash Raj Films
Distributed by Yash Raj Films
Release date August 14, 2025
Running time 173 minutes
Country India
Language Hindi
Budget ₹400 crore
Box office

Filming began in October 2023, with major shooting in Mumbai and some schedules in Spain, Italy, and Abu Dhabi.[2] The soundtrack is by Pritam, while Sanchit and Ankit Balhara composed the background score. With an estimated budget of ₹400 crore, it is among the most expensive Indian films ever made.[3][4][5]

War 2 was released worldwide on 14 August 2025, during the Indian Independence Day weekend, in standard and premium formats like IMAX, D-Box, ICE, 4DX, and Dolby Cinema.[6]

Plot

In 2024, five years after going rogue, Kabir Dhaliwal works as a mercenary but is secretly still loyal to RAW. He infiltrates the Kali Cartel, a powerful syndicate trying to control India. To prove loyalty, he is forced to "kill" his mentor Colonel Luthra, earning the cartel’s trust.

RAW believes Kabir has turned traitor. Luthra’s daughter Kavya, who once loved Kabir, is assigned to catch him. Meanwhile, Special Officer Vikram Chelapathi joins the mission, secretly hiding his past with Kabir.

Kabir discovers that Vikram is actually Raghu, his childhood friend from Mumbai. Long ago, Kabir joined the army while Raghu failed, leaving him bitter. Now Vikram has become part of the cartel.

The cartel’s leader Gulati is killed by Vikram, who frames Kabir. Later, Kabir and Kavya find out that Defence Minister Sarang is also a cartel member, plotting to become Prime Minister by staging his family’s murder. Kabir fights back and kills Sarang.

In the climax, Kabir battles Vikram in an ice cave. Instead of killing him, Kabir convinces Vikram to join him in secretly destroying the cartel.

Nine months later, Vikram is declared a martyr, but in reality, he and Kabir continue working from the shadows. Kabir reunites with Kavya and promises to always protect India.

In a post-credits scene, a girl is recruited into a mysterious program called Alpha.

Cast

  • Hrithik Roshan as Major Kabir Dhaliwal "Kaboo"
  • N. T. Rama Rao Jr. as Major Vikram Chelapathi "Raghu"
  • Kiara Advani as Wing Commander Kavya Luthra, Colonel Luthra's daughter
  • Ashutosh Rana as Colonel Sunil Luthra
  • Dishita Sehgal as Ruhi, Kabir's adoptive daughter
  • Anil Kapoor as Vikrant Kaul, Chief of RAW
  • Varun Badola as Vilasrao Sarang
  • Soni Razdan as Nafisa Rahmani, Khalid's mother (cameo appearance)
  • Tiger Shroff as Captain Khalid Rahmani (flashback appearance)
  • Bobby Deol (cameo appearance)

Production

Development

At the launch party of War in October 2019, director Siddharth Anand said he was working on a sequel and might turn it into a franchise if the audience liked it.[7][8] In April 2023, Yash Raj Films officially confirmed War 2 as the sixth film in the YRF Spy Universe. Ayan Mukerji was chosen as the new director, replacing Anand. This was Mukerji’s first film in the Spy Universe and his first project outside Dharma Productions.[9][10]

Casting

Shanoo Sharma handled the casting. Hrithik Roshan returned to play his role from War.[11] N. T. Rama Rao Jr. joined in April 2023, marking his Hindi film debut.[12][13] Kiara Advani joined in July 2023..[14][15] Ashutosh Rana confirmed he would return as his character from War and Pathaan.[16] Hrithik Roshan also appeared in a cameo in Tiger 3, directed by Mukerji.[17][18] Anil Kapoor joined the cast in July 2024.[19] Bobby Deol made a cameo in the post-credits scene, teasing his role in the next film, Alpha.[20]

Filming

Shooting began in October 2023 in Salamanca, Spain, with a car chase scene.[21][22] Because Hrithik Roshan and N. T. Rama Rao Jr. were busy with other films, stunt doubles were used for some scenes.[23] In December 2023, filming moved to Abu Dhabi for a boat chase and other action scenes,[24][25] including some at Yas Marina Circuit.[26]

In March 2024, Roshan filmed his introduction scene in Mumbai, including a katana fight in a Shaolin Monastery-style set.[27][28] In April 2024, Roshan and Rao shot an aerial action scene in Vile Parle. In August 2024, Advani filmed her introduction at Infiniti Mall, Malad.[29]

In September 2024, the team filmed in Italy for 15 days in places like Venice, Lake Como, Naples, and the Amalfi Coast.[30][31] These scenes included a song with Advani and Roshan and some action sequences. In October 2024, a large 40-man action sequence with Rao was shot in Andheri.[32]

The climax was filmed in December 2024 at Film City and YRF Studios in Mumbai with multiple action directors involved.[33] A big dance number with Roshan and Rao, choreographed by Bosco Martis and featuring over 500 dancers, was planned for March 2025 but postponed after Roshan injured his leg.[34][35] It was later filmed in early July 2025, and Rao began dubbing that same month as filming wrapped up.[36][37]

Soundtrack

Soundtrack Listing
No. Title Lyrics Music Singer(s) Length
1 "Aavan Jaavan" - - Arijit Singh, Nikhita Gandhi 3:45
2 "Janaab-e-Aali" - - Sachet Tandon, Saaj Bhatt 3:36
Total length: 7:21

Release

Theatrical

War 2 will release in theaters on 14 August 2025, one day before India's Independence Day. It will be available in standard, IMAX, D-Box, ICE, 4DX, Dolby Cinema, and other premium formats, with dubbed versions in Telugu and Tamil. It will clash with Coolie. This is the first Indian film to be shown and graded in the Dolby Cinema format.

Distribution

Sithara Entertainments bought the film’s distribution rights for the Telugu states for ₹90 crore. Think Studios bought the distribution rights for Tamil Nadu.

Marketing

The teaser for the film was released on 20 May 2025, on Rao's 42nd birthday. It was criticized for poor visuals, low production quality, and weak action scenes. Some fans felt Rao was miscast. The teaser also faced backlash for promoting the release date as "This Independence Day – 14 August," which is Pakistan's Independence Day, raising questions about its suitability for a patriotic film. Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma was condemned for posting an inappropriate comment about Advani’s bikini appearance in the teaser; he later deleted the post after public outrage. The official trailer came out on 25 July 2025, and a pre-release event was held on 10 August 2025 in Hyderabad.

Reception

Critical response

War 2 received mostly negative reviews from both critics and audiences, who criticized its story, screenplay, dialogues, and even the action. On Rotten Tomatoes, only 15% of 13 reviews were positive. Times Now (3/5) praised the acting, action, and dialogues but felt the second half was slow. Firstpost (2.5/5) said the film had too many pointless conversations and fights. Bollywood Hungama (2/5) called the screenplay clichéd, direction weak, and editing dragging, though it praised the visuals, action, and design. The Hindu said director Ayan Mukerji lost grip on the narrative while balancing Hrithik Roshan and NTR’s roles. News18 (2.5/5) liked the action but criticized the poor plot. Variety felt the film lacked excitement despite Roshan and NTR’s star power. The Indian Express (1.5/5) called it “a glossy snooze-fest.” India Today (2/5) said the action was unrealistic, the plot confused, and the music unimpressive. Cinema Express (1.5/5) called the movie unnecessary, formulaic, and made only to cash in on the franchise, with big stars and flashy action unable to make it engaging.

Box office

Sequel

Following the success of War (2019), director Siddharth Anand confirmed plans for a sequel. War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji, was released on 14 August 2025, with Hrithik Roshan reprising his role as Kabir, alongside N. T. Rama Rao Jr. and Kiara Advani. The sequel continues the action-packed YRF Spy Universe storyline.

External links

References

  1. ↑ NTR Jr, Hrithik Roshan Face Off in Explosive 'War 2' Teaser, by Naman Ramachandran . In Variety (20 May 2025) . Retrieved 31 May 2025
  2. ↑ EXCLUSIVE: 150 shooting days, six action scenes, five countries, two songs, two superstars & one mission – War 2 details revealed, by Himesh Mankad . In Pinkvilla (19 May 2025) . Retrieved 19 May 2025
  3. ↑ WAR 2 is India’s most EXPENSIVE spy thriller at Rs. 300 - 400 crores; NTR Jr. paid Rs. 70 cr. while Hrithik walks away with Rs. 50 crores plus profits! . In Bollywood Hungama (26 July 2025) . Retrieved 20 August 2025
  4. ↑ Hrithik Roshan joins Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan in YRF profit-sharing deal; earns Rs 50 crore for War 2: REPORT . In The Times of India (2025-07-26) . Retrieved 2025-08-20
  5. ↑ War 2 box office collection day 4: Hrithik Roshan, JR NTR film performs the lowest on its first Sunday . In The Financial Express (2025-08-18) . Retrieved 2025-08-22
  6. ↑ Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR starrer 'War 2' gets a release date . In The Hindu (29 November 2023) . Retrieved 29 November 2023
  7. ↑ War is Not Over Yet, Director Siddharth Anand Reveals a Sequel is in Works . In News18 . Retrieved 6 October 2019
  8. ↑ Yash Raj Films planning a SEQUEL to the Hrithik Roshan – Tiger Shroff starrer War? . In Bollywood Hungama (1 October 2019) . Retrieved 10 March 2025
  9. ↑ Siddharth Anand opens up about Ayan Mukerji directing War 2, looking up to Aditya Chopra as father figure: 'YRFs doors are always open for me' . In The Indian Express (2 February 2024) . Retrieved 11 November 2024
  10. ↑ Not Siddharth Anand, Ayan Mukerji to direct Hrithik Roshan starrer War 2 . In Bollywood Hungama (4 April 2023) . Retrieved 11 November 2024
  11. ↑ Hrithik Roshan to return as Kabir in War 2, Siddharth Anand may not direct the film: Report . In The Times of India (18 February 2023) . Retrieved 18 February 2023
  12. ↑ 'RRR' Star NTR Jr to Face Off Against Hrithik Roshan in Spy Universe Film 'War 2', by Naman Ramachandran . In Variety (5 April 2023) . Retrieved 11 November 2024
  13. ↑ Jr NTR joins Hrithik Roshan in War 2 . In Bollywood Hungama (5 April 2023) . Retrieved 24 June 2025
  14. ↑ Kiara Advani joins Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR in Ayan Mukerji's actioner War 2 . In The Indian Express (16 June 2023) . Retrieved 11 November 2024
  15. ↑ Kiara Advani joins Jr NTR, Hrithik Roshan in 'War 2', by ANI . In The Hindu (17 June 2023) . Retrieved 11 November 2024
  16. ↑ Ashutosh Rana confirms return as Colonel Luthra in Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR's War 2 & Alia Bhatt, Sharvari's Alpha . In OTTPlay . Retrieved 2025-08-20
  17. ↑ EXCLUSIVE: Hrithik Roshan's scene in Salman Khan's Tiger 3 is 2 minutes 22 seconds long; was shot on Saturday, November 4 . In Bollywood Hungama (8 November 2023) . Retrieved 11 November 2024
  18. ↑ EXCLUSIVE: Hrithik Roshan's scene in Salman Khan's Tiger 3 is directed by Ayan Mukerji; ENHANCES excitement for War 2 . In Bollywood Hungama (12 November 2023) . Retrieved 31 May 2025
  19. ↑ War 2: Anil Kapoor Joins the Spyverse with a 'Jhakaas' Cameo, Taking on a Significant Role Alongside Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR in the Action Film . In Zoom TV . Retrieved 2025-08-20
  20. ↑ SCOOP: Not Salman Khan, or Shah Rukh Khan, Bobby Deol to have a cameo in War 2 . In Bollywood Hungama . Retrieved 10 August 2025
  21. ↑ War 2: Director Ayan Mukerji spotted filming a car chase sequence in Spain . In The Times of India (18 October 2023) . Retrieved 11 November 2024
  22. ↑ War 2 shoot begins in Spain, director Ayan Mukerji clicked filming car chase. See videos, pics . In The Indian Express (18 October 2023) . Retrieved 16 April 2024
  23. ↑ Ayan Mukerji wraps up the first schedule of War 2 in Spain with Hrithik & NTR Jr's stunt double . In Bollywood Hungama (25 October 2023) . Retrieved 11 November 2024
  24. ↑ War 2 update: Here's when Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR kick off the shoot for Ayan Mukerji's actioner, by Aishwarya Vasudevan . In OTT Play . Retrieved 23 November 2023
  25. ↑ Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR's War 2 promises jaw-dropping action scenes, epic speed boat chase and more | Here's everything you need to know! . In OTT Play . Retrieved 24 June 2024
  26. ↑ Hrithik Roshan to kickstart 'War 2' shooting with Ben Jasper from THIS date . In The Times of India (5 March 2024) . Retrieved 11 November 2024
  27. ↑ REVEALED: Hrithik Roshan to have a ROCKING entry scene in War 2; to indulge in a sword fight with a menacing villain in a Japanese monastery . In Bollywood Hungama (12 August 2024) . Retrieved 11 November 2024
  28. ↑ 'War 2': Hrithik Roshan to make a thrilling entry with epic sword fight scene in Japanese monastery . In The Times of India (12 August 2024) . Retrieved 11 November 2024
  29. ↑ Hrithik Roshan to play Alia Bhatt's mentor in Alpha; Kiara Advani shoots for her MASSY action scene for War 2 in Malad mall: Report . In Bollywood Hungama (18 August 2024) . Retrieved 18 August 2024
  30. ↑ Hrithik Roshan, Kiara Advani to shoot romantic track for War 2 in Venice, Lake Como: Report . In Bollywood Hungama (10 September 2024) . Retrieved 11 November 2024
  31. ↑ Hrithik Roshan, Kiara Advani dance on the streets of Italy while shooting War 2; pictures and videos leak . In Hindustan Times (24 September 2024) . Retrieved 25 June 2025
  32. ↑ Jr NTR begins filming 40-man fight sequence for War 2 at Yash Raj Studios: Report . In Bollywood Hungama (22 October 2024) . Retrieved 25 June 2025
  33. ↑ Ayan Mukerji ropes in Hollywood and Bollywood stunt experts for War 2 climax: Report . In Bollywood Hungama (29 November 2024) . Retrieved 31 May 2025
  34. ↑ Anl Arasu roped in to choreograph the climax action sequence between Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR in War 2 . In Times of India (22 June 2024) . Retrieved 22 June 2024
  35. ↑ 'Venom', 'Avengers' stunt directors to design Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR EPIC climax for 'War 2' . In The Times of India (29 November 2024) . Retrieved 29 November 2024
  36. ↑ Jr NTR wraps up shooting for War 2: "It's always a blast being on set with Hrithik Roshan" . In Bollywood Hungama (7 July 2025) . Retrieved 2025-07-07
  37. ↑ Hrithik Roshan gets emotional as War 2 wraps up: "149 days of blood, sweat, and injuries" . In Bollywood Hungama (8 July 2025) . Retrieved 8 July 2025
Retrieved from "https://knowlepedia.org/index.php?title=War_2&oldid=18152"