War 2 Movie Review: A High-Octane Action Spectacle with Mixed Success

War 2: The YRF Spy Universe Expands

War 2 continues the legacy of YRF’s Spy Universe a franchise that includes hits like Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, Pathaan and Tiger 3. Following the massive success of the original War which grossed over ₹471 crore globally the sequel carries the burden of delivering a bigger bolder experience. Directed by Ayan Mukerji known for his visually rich storytelling in films like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Brahmāstra War 2 aims to blend high-octane action with emotional depth. The film introduces Jr NTR to Bollywood audiences marking his Hindi cinema debut and pits him against Hrithik Roshan’s iconic character Major Kabir Dhaliwal. With a runtime of 170 minutes and a U/A 16+ certificate the film promises a rollercoaster ride of espionage betrayal and spectacle.

A Game of Loyalty and Betrayal

War 2 picks up after the events of Tiger 3 diving deeper into the morally complex world of espionage. Hrithik Roshan reprises his role as Major Kabir Dhaliwal a former R&AW agent who has gone rogue becoming India’s most wanted villain. Tasked with stopping him is Special Units Officer Vikram played by Jr NTR a relentless operative driven by his own demons. The story revolves around Kabir’s alliance with an international criminal syndicate Kali which aims to destabilise India by targeting the Prime Minister. R&AW deploys Vikram alongside Wing Commander Kavya Luthra (Kiara Advani) and Chief Vikrant Kaul (Anil Kapoor) to thwart Kabir’s plans leading to a high-stakes cat-and-mouse chase across global locations.

The narrative explores themes of loyalty betrayal and the blurred lines between hero and villain. A mid-story flashback reveals the shared history between Kabir and Vikram adding emotional weight to their conflict. However the screenplay penned by Aditya Chopra and Shridhar Raghavan struggles to maintain momentum with an uneven second half and predictable twists that dilute the spy-thriller payoff.

Performances: Star Power Shines, but Unevenly

Hrithik Roshan as Kabir Dhaliwal

Hrithik Roshan delivers a commanding performance as Kabir embodying the character’s roguish charm and brooding intensity. His screen presence is undeniable whether he’s executing death-defying stunts or conveying emotional turmoil. Roshan’s ability to balance action-hero bravado with nuanced vulnerability makes Kabir the film’s anchor. However the script doesn’t fully explore his morally ambiguous arc leaving some of his potential untapped.

Jr NTR as Vikram

Jr NTR’s Bollywood debut is a mixed bag. His introduction sequence is a spectacle showcasing his raw energy and action prowess. Fans have praised his charisma with one X user calling him an “absolute BEAST” for his intense performance. However his diction in Hindi dialogue scenes feels off and some critics note that he appears “misfit” in certain moments. Despite these shortcomings, NTR holds his own against Roshan particularly in action and dance sequences.

Kiara Advani as Kavya Luthra

Kiara Advani’s role as Wing Commander Kavya Luthra is limited but impactful. Her action scenes are competent though the use of stunt doubles is noticeable early on. Advani brings emotional depth to her character particularly in scenes involving her connection to Kabir and Vikram. However her screen time feels underwhelming, with some fans on X praising her “sensual and magnetic” presence but lamenting her underutilisation.

Supporting Cast

Anil Kapoor delivers a standout performance as R&AW Chief Vikrant Kaul exuding menace and gravitas in a role that could have easily been one-dimensional. Ashutosh Rana as Colonel Sunil Luthra is impactful despite limited screen time maintaining continuity with the Spy Universe. Cameos by Tiger Shroff, Alia Bhatt, Bobby Deol and Sharvari add excitement with fans on X noting that these appearances “brought instant excitement to the screen”.

Action and Visuals: Spectacle with Flaws

War 2 is a visual extravaganza with action sequences choreographed by Spiro Razatos Se-yeong Oh and Sunil Rodrigues. From sword fights atop bullet trains to high-flying stunts on airplanes and boats the film delivers on its promise of scale. Benjamin Jasper’s cinematography captures exotic locales like the Swiss Alps and Abu Dhabi with stunning clarity making every frame a visual treat. The dance number Jaanabe Aali choreographed by Bosco Martis with over 500 dancers is a highlight showcasing Hrithik and NTR’s electrifying chemistry.

However the visual effects (VFX) are a major point of contention. Critics and audiences have called out the inconsistent VFX quality with some scenes resembling “video game cutscenes” rather than cinematic moments. One X user remarked “When your VFX makes audiences laugh instead of gasp you’ve lost the war”. The pacing also falters in the second half with action sequences losing intensity due to narrative slowdowns.

Music and Soundtrack: Pritam’s Magic

Pritam’s soundtrack is a saving grace with the song Jaanabe Aali earning praise for its high-energy vibe reminiscent of Naatu Naatu from RRR. The background score complements the action though some fans on X noted odd song placements such as a dance number following an intense fight. Overall the music adds emotional and thrilling beats to the film enhancing its blockbuster appeal.

Direction and Screenplay: Ayan Mukerji’s Ambitious Misfire

Ayan Mukerji’s direction is ambitious aiming to balance star power, action and emotional stakes. The first half is engaging with a strong setup and electrifying sequences. However the narrative loses grip post-interval with critics like Shubhra Gupta calling it a “glossy snooze-fest” and Anuj Kumar noting that Mukerji “loses grip on the narrative while balancing the screen time of Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR”. The screenplay’s reliance on recycled spy-thriller tropes and jingoistic undertones feels outdated and the emotional depth promised in the backstory of Kabir and Vikram remains underdeveloped.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Star Power: Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR deliver powerhouse performances making War 2 a must-watch for fans of high-energy action.

• Action Sequences: The film’s globe-trotting stunts and exotic locales create a larger-than-life cinematic experience.

• Dance Number: The Jaanabe Aali sequence is a visual and musical spectacle showcasing the chemistry between the leads.

• Cameos: Surprise appearances by Spy Universe characters add excitement and tie the franchise together.

Weaknesses

• Weak Narrative: The predictable storyline and uneven pacing prevent War 2 from reaching its full potential.

• VFX Issues: Inconsistent visual effects detract from the film’s polish disappointing audiences expecting top-tier production.

• Underutilised Cast: Kiara Advani’s limited role and underdeveloped emotional arcs leave viewers wanting more.

• Recycled Tropes: The reliance on familiar spy-thriller clichés feels repetitive within the YRF Spy Universe.

A Passable Blockbuster with Untapped Potential

War 2 is a visually stunning action spectacle that delivers on star power and scale but stumbles with a predictable storyline and inconsistent VFX. Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR shine and the dance and action sequences are crowd-pleasers teebut the film’s narrative weaknesses and pacing issues prevent it from surpassing its predecessor. For fans of the YRF Spy Universe or those seeking a masala entertainer War 2 offers enough thrills to warrant a watch especially on the big screen. However those expecting a groundbreaking spy thriller may find it a glossy but ultimately underwhelming experience.