War 2 Review: Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR Deliver Action-Packed Spy Thriller

Ayan Mukerji’s globetrotting spy thriller delivers star power and action, but struggles with pacing and story depth.

Globetrotting Action with Star-Studded Cast

War 2 reunites Hrithik Roshan and introduces Jr NTR in a high-octane sequel to 2019’s War. The duo play frenemies Kabir Dhaliwal and Vikram Chelapathy, childhood friends turned intelligence officers, now caught in a mission to save the nation from the global Kali cartel.

The film spans 10 countries, with key sequences from six locations featured even in the post-credits scenes. Hrithik returns as a fitter, more ferocious Major Kabir, while Jr NTR shines as Vikram/Raghu, delivering charisma, action, and complex shades of grey.

Plot Highlights & Character Arcs

Kabir Dhaliwal (Hrithik Roshan): RAW’s top agent, now a freelancer with loyalties tied to money, fighting for justice.
Vikram/Raghu (Jr NTR): Childhood friend of Kabir, tough, street-smart, and initially at odds with his mentor.
Wing Commander Kavya Luthra (Kiara Advani): Daughter of Colonel Luthra, receives the Vayuveer medal, adds emotional depth to the espionage narrative.
Colonel Luthra (Ashutosh Rana): Strategist behind the mission, pushes Kabir and Vikram to confront the Kali cartel.

Key Action Sequences

Ice cave showdown in Davos during the World Economic Forum.
High-octane pirate attack in Somalia showcasing Vikram’s agility and combat skills.
Dance-off between Hrithik and Jr NTR in Spain—though not as iconic as RRR’s Naatu Naatu.
CGI-heavy interactions, including Hrithik bonding with a CGI wolf, adding a unique visual flair.

Nostalgic & Cultural References

Subtle nods to Sholay, Dhoom 2, Zanjeer, and The Dark Knight.
Themes of friendship, loyalty, and patriotism echo the Jai-Veeru dynamic, adapted to a modern YRF spy universe.

Strengths of War 2

Hrithik and Jr NTR dominate every scene with star power.
Action sequences are visually spectacular and globe-spanning.
Emotional beats between childhood friends Kabir and Vikram resonate with audiences.

Weaknesses & Criticism

Nearly 3-hour runtime leads to pacing issues.
Storyline gets lost in multiple subplots and CGI-heavy sequences.
Supporting characters, including Kiara Advani, get limited development.
Some action set pieces, like Noida parking lot ambush, feel forced.

Verdict:

War 2 is a visual spectacle that thrives on its lead actors’ stardom and globe-trotting espionage but struggles to balance narrative depth with sprawling action. Fans of Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR will enjoy the camaraderie and battles, while the rest may find it a long, indulgent ride.