War 2 (2025): Box Office, Reviews & The High-Stakes Spy Saga of Kabir Dhaliwal

The YRF Spy Universe raises its stakes higher than ever with War 2 (2025), directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Aditya Chopra. Starring Hrithik Roshan, Jr. NTR (in his Hindi debut), and Kiara Advani, the film explodes onto screens as the sixth installment in Yash Raj Films’ action-packed spy saga. Released worldwide on 14 August 2025, coinciding with the Independence Day weekend, the film arrived with sky-high expectations and one of the biggest budgets in Indian cinema history—₹400 crore.

⚡ The Story: Kabir vs. Vikram, Brother vs. Brother

“Kabir, you can run from RAW, but you can’t run from your past.”

The film continues the saga of Kabir Dhaliwal (Hrithik Roshan), the rogue spy who once shook the RAW establishment. Five years after War (2019), Kabir finds himself drawn into the shadows of the Kali Cartel, a ruthless global syndicate. Enter Vikram Chelapathi (Jr. NTR)—a fierce special unit officer with a buried grudge against Kabir.

What follows is a cat-and-mouse battle across continents—Mumbai, Spain, Berlin, Abu Dhabi, and Davos—where betrayals run deep, friendships are shattered, and the fate of India’s security rests on a single duel between Kabir and Vikram. Kiara Advani adds emotional depth as Wing Commander Kavya Luthra, while Anil Kapoor and Ashutosh Rana lend gravitas to the RAW command center.

The result? A saga of loyalty, vengeance, and redemption that pushes the Spy Universe into its darkest chapter yet.

💥 Box Office: A Record-Smashing Independence Day Opening

“Some wars are fought with guns. Some with numbers.”

Despite mixed reviews from critics, War 2 stormed the global box office:

• Day 1 Collection (Worldwide): ₹82 crore 🌍💰

• So far (till reports): est. ₹113.20 crore 🔥

• Biggest Independence Day weekend opener for a YRF Spy Universe film.

• One of the highest openings of 2025, proving that Hrithik Roshan + Jr. NTR = box office gold.

With IMAX, 4DX, and premium formats boosting ticket sales, the film is expected to continue drawing massive crowds, especially in South India due to Jr. NTR’s debut in Bollywood.

🎭 Reviews: Critics Divided, Fans Thrilled

“Not every hero wears a uniform. Some wear scars.”

While fans celebrated the larger-than-life spectacle, critics weren’t entirely impressed:

• Praise: Action sequences, Hrithik and Jr. NTR’s powerhouse performances, Pritam’s adrenaline-pumping soundtrack, and Benjamin Jasper’s breathtaking cinematography.

• Criticism: The screenplay was seen as overstuffed with subplots, and the 173-minute runtime felt stretched for some viewers.

• Audience Verdict: Fans embraced the Kabir vs. Vikram rivalry, calling it one of the most intense duels in Bollywood history.

Rotten Tomatoes-style consensus? “A visual spectacle with flawed storytelling—but worth it for the action and star power.”

🌍 Why War 2 Matters in the YRF Spy Universe

With Kabir’s return, Jr. NTR’s fiery debut, and a shocking post-credits “Alpha Program” reveal, War 2 sets the stage for future Spy Universe crossovers. Imagine Kabir, Pathaan, and Tiger uniting against a global threat—that’s where YRF is heading.

This film isn’t just another sequel; it’s a pivotal chapter that connects past betrayals with future wars.

⭐ Final Verdict

War 2 may not win over every critic, but it delivers on spectacle, emotion, and box office fireworks. With Hrithik Roshan in top form, Jr. NTR making a thunderous Bollywood debut, and action sequences that rival Hollywood standards, the film ensures that the Spy Universe remains the crown jewel of Indian action cinema.

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5) – A flawed yet fiery action epic.

👉 Streaming details for War 2 are yet to be announced, but the film is expected to land on Prime Video after its theatrical run.

🔥 Kabir vs. Vikram. Hrithik vs. NTR. War vs. Peace. This Independence Day, the war was personal.