“War 2 review” is one of the hottest searches in India this week—and for good reason. The latest entry in Yash Raj Films’ Spy Universe lands in theaters on August 14, 2025, right on the Independence Day weekend. It brings back Hrithik Roshan as Kabir and pits him against Jr NTR, with Kiara Advani joining the mission. The film is directed by Ayan Mukerji, whose eye for scale and spectacle shaped Brahmāstra. It aims to push Hindi action cinema forward with bigger set pieces, premium formats, and a clear plan to expand the franchise.
Quick facts at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Release date | August 14, 2025 (India) |
| Director | Ayan Mukerji |
| Cast | Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, Kiara Advani; ensemble includes familiar Spy Universe faces |
| Producer | Yash Raj Films (Aditya Chopra) |
| Certification | U/A (after minor CBFC cuts) |
| Reported runtime | ~173 minutes (longest in the Spy Universe; reported) |
| Formats | Theatrical, with premium formats like IMAX and Dolby Cinema in select locations |
| Universe placement | Sixth entry in the YRF Spy Universe (after Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, Pathaan, Tiger 3) |
TL;DR — Our Verdict
Short verdict: War 2 is a big-screen crowd play with glossy action, handsome stars, and an ambitious franchise arc. The film packs spectacle and stunt craft. The writing swings for scale, not subtlety. Early reactions trend mixed, with praise for scale and set pieces and criticism of pacing and depth. If you want a large-format action ride, go. If you crave a tight thriller, temper expectations.
Score: 3.5/5
Best for: Action fans, Spy Universe followers, Hrithik and Jr NTR admirers, IMAX/Dolby seekers.
Skip/Wait if: You need lean storytelling, shorter runtime, or character-heavy drama.
At-a-glance verdict box
| Category | Quick Take |
|---|---|
| Action | Big, stylish, frequent |
| Performances | Star power delivers; chemistry varies by scene |
| Story | High stakes, franchise-first; uneven focus |
| Pacing | Long runtime; second-half heft |
| Value | Best in theaters, premium formats shine |
Reasoning blends public facts, early reactions, and franchise context.
What’s New in War 2?
This sequel expands scale and cross-regional appeal. The film pairs a Pan-India star (Jr NTR) with a Hindi megastar (Hrithik Roshan) and casts Kiara Advani as the new lead. Director Ayan Mukerji takes over the Spy Universe baton for the first time, aiming for scale and cohesion across titles. Reported updates also include a longer runtime and U/A certification with minor CBFC edits ahead of release.
Key upgrades vs. the 2019 film
| Aspect | War (2019) | War 2 (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Siddharth Anand | Ayan Mukerji |
| Lead face-off | Hrithik Roshan vs. Tiger Shroff | Hrithik Roshan vs. Jr NTR |
| Female lead | Vaani Kapoor | Kiara Advani |
| Runtime | Shorter | Reported ~173 mins, longest in universe (pre-release reports) |
| Certification | U/A | U/A with CBFC edits noted |
| Franchise scope | Introduces Spy Universe linkages | Deepens cross-title connections; teases future entries (per reports) |
Editions, pricing & value
It’s a theatrical-only event at launch. Ticket prices vary by city, format, and time; major metros show premium pricing for IMAX and recliner screens. Advance booking reports signaled strong interest, with head-to-head competition from Rajinikanth’s Coolie on the same weekend.
| Edition | What you get | Typical price band* | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2D Standard | Regular seats | City/chain dependent | Casual viewers |
| 2D Recliner | Larger seats, comfort | Higher than standard | Comfort seekers |
| IMAX | Bigger canvas, dynamic mix | Premium | Visual spectacle fans |
| Dolby Cinema (select) | HDR image, object-based sound | Premium | Audiophiles, immersion hunters |
Action Review — Does War 2 Deliver?
The series sells slick action, and War 2 stays on brand. The film leans into globe-trotting set pieces, close-quarters fights, and chase beats that feel designed for premium screens. Early audience chatter calls out intro sequences, shootouts, and stylized combat as highlights, even among viewers who felt the drama dipped.
Set-piece snapshot
| Set-piece type | What works | What may not |
|---|---|---|
| Openers | Fast setup; star entrances land | Exposition can feel rushed |
| Car/Bike chases | Clean geography; big scale | Lengthy stretches add to runtime |
| Hand-to-hand | Crisp beats; star charisma | Coverage can favor style over grit |
| Team ops | Spy-universe flavor | Stakes sometimes told more than shown |
Early reactions are mixed but consistently note strong stunt design and scale.
Choreography & design
Ayan Mukerji and the stunt team favor clean silhouettes, sharp transitions, and bold location work over hyper-cut chaos. The style prioritizes clarity—you can tell who hits whom and how the space bends. That said, the sheer number of set pieces stretches the runtime and occasionally dilutes tension.
Stability and technical polish
Premium auditoriums matter. IMAX and Dolby mixes lift the score, bass hits, and ambience. If you have a choice, these formats enhance value and dampen pacing fatigue.
At a glance: action rating
| Measure | Rating |
|---|---|
| Scale | 9/10 |
| Choreography | 8/10 |
| Variety | 8/10 |
| Emotional stakes | 6.5/10 |
| Payoff | 7/10 |
Story & World-Building (Spoiler-Safe)
The plot keeps the Spy Universe machine humming. It promises a cat-and-mouse between Kabir and a formidable new rival, with shifting alliances and a globetrotting espionage thread. The narrative also appears to seed future crossovers—reports even tease post-credit appearances tying back to other marquee spies. Expect the story to serve the franchise while giving just enough personal arcs to anchor the fireworks.
Narrative frame
| Element | Notes |
|---|---|
| Stakes | National and international security risks |
| Tone | Slick spy thriller with heroic swagger |
| Structure | High-octane openers → investigations → betrayals → final showdown |
| Spoiler-safe takeaway | Franchise chess pieces move; relationships tested |
Franchise glue
YRF continues the interconnected playbook: characters can hop titles, and events echo across films. That “universe” feel increases the sense of scale and keeps fans invested between releases. (We’ll avoid spoilers here; the mid/post-credit buzz exists—treat as bonus teases rather than core plot content.)
Performances, Cinematography & Sound
Performances.
Hrithik Roshan brings star presence and physical command. Jr NTR’s Hindi debut gives the film a real North-South bridge and fresh energy; his screen weight helps the face-off feel balanced. Kiara Advani adds glamour and a sharper role profile than many spy films offer, though early chatter suggests her screen time centers on momentum more than backstory.
Cinematography.
Benjamin Jasper, celebrated for vivid commercial work, served as cinematographer; he called the shoot a “crazy few years,” hinting at the project’s scope across multiple countries. Expect bold color, polished lighting, and elegant camera rigs that flatter both leads and locations.
Music & background score.
Multiple industry reports link Pritam to the film’s songs, and promotional drops suggest a high-energy album designed for mass appeal and dance floors. An official audio release like “Datt Botallan De” points to a pulsing, contemporary sound. (As always, album credits finalize around release; treat early attributions as “reported”.)
Sound design & mix.
In large-format screens, the low-frequency effects and object-based surround carry the chases and firefights. If your city has IMAX or Dolby Cinema, the film’s mix is built to use it.
At a glance: craft & music
| Department | Strengths | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acting | Star charisma, physicality | Emotional beats compete with scale |
| Camera | Scale, clean coverage | Some sequences prioritize gloss over grit |
| Music | Big, hooky numbers | Final credits may update with release |
| Sound | Premium mixes pop | Standard screens feel flatter |
CBFC Cuts, Certification & Runtime
India’s CBFC granted the film a U/A certificate with six changes: reductions to sensual imagery, trimming of a bikini shot, and removal of an obscene gesture. These are typical genre-adjustments to secure a wide certificate across markets. Several trade pieces also report a final runtime near 173 minutes (excluding end credits). That makes War 2 the longest Spy Universe entry.
Regulatory & runtime summary
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Certificate | U/A |
| CBFC notes | 6 edits; toned down sensual visuals; removed obscene gesture |
| Reported runtime | ~173 minutes (+ post-credits sequence expected) |
| Impact on experience | Family-wider certificate; longer sit demands tight pacing |
Bugs, Patches & “Live-Service” Roadmap (Franchise)
Spy franchises aren’t videogames, but franchise management works a lot like a live-service plan. War 2 arrives amid chatter of post-credit cameos and future linkages that set up the next phase. Reports suggest larger crossovers and even teases beyond the spy slate. Treat War 2 as a big “content drop” for the universe rather than a one-off story.
Franchise tracker
| Title | Year | Notable link |
|---|---|---|
| Ek Tha Tiger | 2012 | Lays the spy foundation |
| Tiger Zinda Hai | 2017 | Expands scope |
| War | 2019 | Introduces Hrithik’s Kabir |
| Pathaan | 2023 | Big crossover energy |
| Tiger 3 | 2023 | Continues shared world |
| War 2 | 2025 | Bridges stars, seeds future |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Mega-scale action that rewards big screens.
- Star power: Hrithik and Jr NTR elevate face-offs.
- Crisp stunt design with clean geography.
- Franchise hooks keep fans engaged.
- Premium format mix lifts immersion.
Cons
- Long runtime risks mid-act sag.
- Writing favors spectacle over layered character arcs.
- Mixed early chatter on cohesion and payoff.
- Edits and cuts may blunt sensual beats without adding pace.
- Head-to-head holiday clash adds box-office pressure for prime shows.
It depends
- If you love premium screens, the show is worth the ticket.
- If you need tight thrillers, wait for OTT. (Speculation pegs a streaming window near three months, but this is unconfirmed.)
Comparisons: War 2 vs. Recent Spy-Verse High-Action Films
| Feature | War 2 (2025) | Pathaan (2023) | Tiger 3 (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core hook | Hrithik vs Jr NTR face-off | SRK comeback swagger | Salman’s legacy chapter |
| Runtime feel | Long, maximalist (reported) | Punchy, event-driven | Mid-long franchise pivot |
| Action style | Glossy, wide canvas | Larger-than-life stunts | Legacy stakes with family angle |
| Music moment | Big album expectations | Viral anthem effect | Franchise callbacks |
| Universe ties | Strong, with post-credit buzz | Major crossover node | Keeps the continuity alive |
Comparative notes use public reporting and franchise context rather than spoilers.
Price, Formats & Best Deals
This weekend is dynamic-pricing territory. Expect higher rates for IMAX/Dolby, evening shows, and top metro multiplexes. Advance booking indicators were strong heading into the holiday frame. The film opens alongside Rajinikanth’s Coolie, which can influence show allocation and surge patterns. Check chains for cashback offers or bank discounts in app-based bookings.
Ticketing & value table
| Format | Typical price position | Value if you like… | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2D Standard | Baseline | A simple watch | Cheapest option |
| 2D Recliner | +30–60% vs. standard | Comfort | Fewer seats; sells out fast |
| IMAX | Premium | Big scale, bassy mix | Best for spectacle |
| Dolby Cinema | Premium | Contrast, HDR, precise sound | Limited screens |
| Morning shows | Lower | Savings | Great for families |
Box Office, Hype & Early Reactions
The film reportedly carries a high budget and opened to mixed social chatter—some praise the intro and action, others call out uneven writing. Pre-release trade talk pegged opening day potential around ₹60 crore in India with upside from the holiday stretch; final numbers will depend on word of mouth, screen count, and Coolie competition.
Hype dashboard
| Metric | Snapshot |
|---|---|
| Budget chatter | “Biggest of 2025” talk circulates (approx. ₹400 cr reports) |
| X/Twitter pulse | Mixed to positive on action, divided on writing |
| Trade whisper | Strong holiday opening potential |
| Key risk | Long runtime + competition |
OTT Window: When to Expect Streaming?
Industry speculation points to a ~3-month theatrical-to-OTT gap, which suggests a late-2025 streaming bow if the film follows recent patterns. Several outlets indicate Prime Video as the likely home, but there is no official confirmation at the time of writing. Theatrical remains the intended primary experience.
Streaming outlook table
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Platform | Unconfirmed (speculation: Prime Video) |
| Window | Speculated ~3 months after theatrical |
| Smart play | Watch theatrical for spectacle; stream later for rewatch |
Final Verdict — Should You Watch War 2?
If you want star-driven action with franchise momentum, yes—watch it in theaters. The film understands the appeal of big entrances, glossy locations, and stunt-forward storytelling. It also understands the fan thrill of a shared universe. You will likely feel the runtime, and you may wish for sharper character arcs. But the event-movie buzz and the Hrithik–Jr NTR face-off deliver the kind of front-row adrenaline that at-home setups struggle to match. For a pure War 2 review bottom line: big screens first; streaming later if you’re on the fence.
Who will love it
| Viewer type | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Spy-verse faithful | Deepens the world and teases what’s next |
| Action hounds | Frequent, well-staged set pieces |
| Star fans | Maximum Hrithik/Jr NTR presence |
Who should wait
| Viewer type | Why you may wait |
|---|---|
| Thriller purists | You want lean plotting |
| Families on a budget | Premium screens are pricey |
| OTT-first viewers | A likely digital release later in 2025 (unconfirmed) |
FAQs (People-Also-Ask)
Is War 2 worth it in 2025?
Yes—if you value scale and stars. The film excels in action and premium presentation. It runs long and leans on franchise beats. For big screens, it’s an easy pick. For tight thrillers, try a weekday show or wait for OTT.
How long is War 2?
Media reports place the runtime at ~173 minutes (excluding end credits), which would make it the longest Spy Universe entry.
What’s the certification? Can teens watch it?
It’s U/A. The CBFC asked for six minor edits trimming sensual imagery and an obscene gesture. Families commonly watch U/A films with parental guidance.
Who composed the music?
Multiple outlets report Pritam on the soundtrack, with promo drops already out. Final album credits land at release.
Does War 2 have a post-credit scene?
Trade coverage suggests post-credit teases that nod to wider universe connections. Treat this as reports/rumor until officially confirmed.
Will it stream on Prime Video?
Speculation points to Prime Video after a ~3-month window, but nothing official yet.
How are early reactions?
Mixed. Some viewers praise the intro and set pieces, others criticize the writing and length.
Final word
As a War 2 review, this piece focuses on what most viewers want to know before they book: Is the action worth the premium screen? Do the stars deliver a real face-off? How long will it feel? The answers, in short: Yes, mostly, and long. If you love big action on a bigger canvas, grab the largest screen you can. If you value a tight spy story over fireworks, aim for a matinee—or wait for OTT confirmation later this year.