**War 2 Movie Review: A Gripping Story Marred by Unrealistic Action and Questionable Choices**

 

*War 2*, the sixth installment in Yash Raj Films’ ambitious Spy Universe, hit theaters on August 14, 2025, with the promise of escalating the high-octane legacy of its predecessor, *War* (2019). Directed by Ayan Mukerji and featuring powerhouse performances from Hrithik Roshan and N. T. Rama Rao Jr. (in his Hindi debut), the film delivers a compelling narrative but stumbles with over-the-top fight sequences and a baffling inclusion of a U.S.-exclusive B-2 Spirit bomber. Here’s a detailed look at what works, what doesn’t, and why *War 2* is a mixed bag despite its grand ambitions.

### A Story That Hooks

At its core, *War 2* offers a surprisingly engaging story that keeps you invested. The plot follows Major Kabir Dhaliwal (Hrithik Roshan), a rogue intelligence agent turned national security threat, pursued by Special Units Officer Vikram Chelapathi (N. T. Rama Rao Jr.). As Vikram digs deeper, he uncovers Kabir’s mission to dismantle “The Consortium,” a shadowy organization tied to their mentor’s death. The narrative takes a dramatic turn with the revelation that Kabir and Vikram are long-lost brothers, setting the stage for an emotional alliance against a manipulative mastermind.

The screenplay, penned by Shridhar Raghavan and Aditya Chopra, shines in its character-driven moments. The brotherly bond between Kabir and Vikram, layered with betrayal and redemption, adds depth to the espionage thriller. Hrithik Roshan delivers a brooding, intense performance as Kabir, while NTR brings raw energy and charisma, making their dynamic a highlight. Kiara Advani, as Wing Commander Kavya Luthra, holds her own, though her role feels underutilized. Cameos from YRF Spy Universe staples like Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan and Tiger Shroff add fan-service thrills, tying the film neatly into the franchise’s larger narrative.

The story’s pacing is brisk in the first half, with twists that keep you guessing. The global conspiracy angle, while not groundbreaking, is executed with enough flair to maintain intrigue. However, the second half drags slightly, weighed down by predictable plot beats and an overlong climax that dilutes the emotional payoff.

### Unrealistic Fight Scenes: Style Over Substance

Where *War 2* falters is in its action sequences, which prioritize spectacle over plausibility. Choreographed by experts like Anal Arasu and Spiro Razatos, the set pieces—ranging from car chases in Spain to a katana duel in Japan—are undeniably ambitious. The film’s ₹400 crore budget is evident in its glossy production values, with sweeping aerial shots and high-tech gadgetry. Yet, the fights often feel like they belong in a video game rather than a spy thriller.

Take the much-hyped hand-to-hand combat scenes: while visually stunning, they defy physics with characters surviving impossible falls and executing acrobatics that stretch credulity. A sequence involving a mid-air confrontation feels particularly cartoonish, undermining the gritty espionage tone the film aims for. The action, while entertaining for fans of masala cinema, lacks the grounded intensity of *War*’s iconic bike chase or *Pathaan*’s train sequence. This overreliance on CGI and exaggerated choreography makes *War 2* feel more like a superhero flick than a spy saga, which may alienate viewers seeking realism.

### The B-2 Bomber Blunder

Perhaps the most perplexing creative choice in *War 2* is the inclusion of a U.S. B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, a military asset exclusively operated by the United States Air Force. In the film, the B-2 appears in a high-stakes sequence tied to the Consortium’s plans, presumably to add a wow factor. However, this decision feels utterly misguided and pulls you out of the story.

For starters, the B-2’s presence in a narrative centered on Indian operatives fighting a global conspiracy raises logistical questions. How does a highly classified, U.S.-controlled aircraft end up in the hands of the film’s characters? The script offers no plausible explanation, making the inclusion feel like a lazy attempt to up the ante with shiny military tech. In a franchise that prides itself on a semi-realistic take on espionage, this choice is jarring and unnecessary. A more grounded asset, like a fictionalized drone or a regional military vehicle, could have served the same purpose without breaking immersion. The B-2’s cameo feels like a Hollywood trope shoehorned into a Bollywood blockbuster, and it’s a rare misstep for a franchise known for its slick integration of global elements.

### Technical Brilliance and Mixed Execution

On the technical front, *War 2* is a visual feast. Shot across stunning locales like Italy, Abu Dhabi, and Russia, the cinematography by Benjamin Jasper captures the grandeur of its international settings. Pritam’s soundtrack, with tracks like “Aavan Jaavan,” adds emotional weight, while the background score by Sanchit and Ankit Balhara amplifies the tension. The film’s Dolby Cinema grading—a first for Indian cinema—enhances its immersive quality, especially in IMAX and 4DX formats.

However, the visual effects are a mixed bag. While the aerial sequences and explosions look polished, some CGI-heavy fight scenes suffer from noticeable green-screen artifacts, particularly in the second half. This inconsistency detracts from the film’s premium production values and reinforces the sense that the action prioritizes flash over finesse.

### Box Office and Reception

*War 2* grossed ₹43.85 crore on its opening day, a solid start but overshadowed by Rajinikanth’s *Coolie* in advance bookings. Critics have echoed the sentiment of this review: the story and performances are strengths, but the unrealistic action and pacing issues hold it back. Audience reactions on X reflect a similar divide, with fans praising the Hrithik-NTR chemistry but calling out the “overdone” fight scenes and the “random B-2 bomber” as head-scratchers.

### Final Verdict

*War 2* is a bold addition to the YRF Spy Universe, delivering a gripping story and stellar performances from Hrithik Roshan and N. T. Rama Rao Jr. Its emotional core and franchise connections make it a worthy sequel, but the unrealistic fight scenes and baffling inclusion of a U.S.-exclusive B-2 bomber undermine its credibility. For fans of high-energy action and star power, it’s a fun ride, but those expecting the taut realism of *War* may leave disappointed. Stream it on Netflix later for the visuals, but don’t expect a perfect mission.

**Rating: 5.5/10 Stars**  

*War 2* is a thrilling yet flawed spectacle—great story, unreal fights, and one dumb bomber too many.