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WAR 2

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War 2: Shadows of Betrayal – A Cinematic Odyssey Through Espionage and Vengeance

Ayan Mukerji will direct War 2 in 2025. Aditya Chopra will produce the action thriller under the banner of Yash Raj Films. It is the sixth installment in the YRF Spy Universe and the follow-up to War (2019), written by Shridhar Raghavan and Abbas Tyrewala from Chopra’s original story.

 

In the movie, Hrithik Roshan, N. T. Along with Ashutosh Rana and Anil Kapoor, Rama Rao Jr., making his debut in a Hindi film, and Kiara Advani play the lead roles.

It follows Kabir Dhaliwal, a former intelligence agent, who after going rogue, becomes a major threat to national security and a special units officer Vikram Chelapathi is assigned to neutralize him.

In October 2023, principal photography got underway. The majority of the film was shot in Mumbai, with sporadic schedules in Abu Dhabi, Italy, and Spain. Pritam wrote the film’s soundtrack, while Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara wrote the score.

It is one of the most expensive Indian films ever made, with an estimated budget of $300-400 crore. War 2 was released in standard, IMAX, D-Box, ICE, 4DX, Dolby Cinema, and other premium formats on August 14, 2025, during the Indian Independence Day weekend.

The film’s screenplay, dialogue, and visuals were heavily criticized by critics and audiences alike.

Plot

In 2024, five years after going rogue and taking down Saurabh and Rizwan Ilyasi,Kabir Dhaliwal operates as a freelance mercenary for various international contractors.

After eliminating a gangster in Japan, Kabir proceeds to Berlin to meet the contractor and receive the money, but there he is drugged by the contractor and transported to India, where he is introduced to the Kali Cartel — a powerful criminal syndicate with members from India, Russia, China and its neighboring countries, aiming to infiltrate and control the Indian government.

The cartel requests Kabir’s assistance, unaware that two years earlier, Colonel Sunil Luthra had secretly tasked him with infiltrating the organization, creating the public perception that Kabir was a rogue agent and no longer affiliated with RAW.

Kabir’s first assignment from the cartel is to assassinate Luthra, a method of proving his loyalty to the organization. Kabir is coerced into carrying out the act by Luthra himself, which Kabir does with a profound emotional conflict.

This earns Kabir the trust of the cartel, and he is sent to Yemen to meet the Indian leader of the cartel — the businessman Gautam Gulati. In the meantime, RAW receives video of Kabir murdering Luthra, and Vikrant Kaul, a former Colonel, is appointed as the new RAW chief.

Wing Commander Kavya, Luthra’s daughter and Kabir’s former lover, joins the team assigned to track him. Special Unit Officer Vikram Chelapathi, who has an unspoken personal grudge against Kabir, is hired into the task force on the advice of Defence Minister Vilasrao Sarang.

Later, Kabir is located in Spain, where he is spending time with his adopted daughter Ruhi. He is ambushed by RAW officials, but the cartel told him earlier. Vikram pursues him in a high-speed car chase and later on a train, but allows him to escape moments before the train crashes.

Kabir and Ruhi go to Khalid’s Manali home and ask Khalid’s mother Nafisa to protect Ruhi. Vikram agrees to assist Kabir after meeting him privately and learning the truth about his mission as a result of a deliberate clue left by Kabir. In order to exert pressure on the minister, Gulati orders Kabir to murder Sarang’s family aboard a chartered flight.

Together with cartel mercenaries, Kabir affixes the plane to a stealth bomber to make it easier to get inside; however, Kabir turns against the cartel. With Vikram’s help, he kills the attackers on the plane and appears to save the family, but to his shock, Vikram is revealed to be secretly a member of the cartel as he murders them in front of Kabir.

He ejects Kabir from the plane and addresses him cryptically as “Kaboo.” Kabir recalls his troubled childhood after landing on the ground. Kabir, a 15-year-old from Mumbai, is left homeless after his suicide father kills himself. During a robbery, he makes friends with a young boy named Raghu, and the two end up in a juvenile detention facility together.

Luthra, then a major in the army, comes to the prison to encourage the inmates to join the army. Raghu fails the emotional evaluation because he prioritizes himself over the nation, while Kabir and Raghu pass the physical tests.

Raghu is left behind when Kabir joins the army with Luthra’s support. Raghu escapes detention because he feels betrayed, and it turns out that he is Vikram. In the present, Kabir tracks Gulati to Abu Dhabi and attempts to assassinate him. In order to secure his place in the cartel, Vikram steps in and kills Gulati himself.

In addition, Vikram accuses Kabir of the murder in RAW’s eyes. Kabir escapes after being chased by boats. Kavya becomes suspicious of Kabir as a result of Gulati’s assassination.

Kabir later reunites with Kavya and reveals Vikram’s true identity as a double agent and his mission. Kavya and Sarang are attacked by mercenaries when Kavya tries to warn Sarang, and they discover that Sarang is a member of the cartel. He had planned Vikram’s intrusion and the murder of his own family to win over the public’s support and ensure his rise to prime minister.

Kaul later rescues Kabir and Kavya after the attackers trap them. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Sarang and Vikram plan to assassinate the Indian Prime Minister. Vikram’s plan is foiled by Kabir, who kills Sarang and shoots Vikram in the cable car but saves his life.

Because Sarang was a crucial asset for the cartel, the shootout causes widespread panic. Vikram is given a final ultimatum by the cartel members to eliminate Kabir once and for all. In an ice cave, they engage in hand-to-hand combat after Vikram challenges him to a final battle.

Vikram confesses his resentment over Kabir “betraying” him in their youth despite always supporting him after Kabir stabs Vikram, recalling his moments with Khalid and his brutal death.

Kabir persuades Vikram to assist him in dismantling the cartel because he is aware of Vikram’s remaining humanity and feels guilty. Nine months later, Vikram is officially declared a martyr by the Indian government but is revealed to be secretly working with Kabir in the shadows as both execute all the remaining cartel leaders.

The two part ways, agreeing to reunite if a new threat emerges. Kabir rekindles his relationship with Kavya and reassures Kaul that he will always serve India. In a scene after the credits, an unidentified man inscribes the Greek letter on the hand of a young girl in order to enroll her in a secret government program called Alpha.

 

Cast

credited from( wikipedia)

In the dim glow of a theater screen, where the air hums with anticipation and the scent of popcorn mingles with the electric charge of collective excitement, War 2 explodes into existence. Released on August 14, 2025, coinciding with India’s Independence Day weekend, this sequel to the 2019 blockbuster War doesn’t just continue a story—it ignites a inferno of high-octane action, intricate betrayals, and patriotic fervor. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, known for his fantastical flair in films like Brahmastra, War 2 shifts gears into the gritty realm of espionage, blending Bollywood’s masala entertainment with Hollywood-inspired spectacle.

At nearly 2 hours and 50 minutes, it’s a sprawling epic that takes viewers on a globe-trotting adventure, from the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the snowy peaks of Davos, all while probing the depths of loyalty, redemption, and the blurred lines between hero and villain.

As the lights dim and the Yash Raj Films logo fades, the audience is thrust into a world where shadows whisper secrets and every glance could be a dagger.

Hrithik Roshan reprises his role as Kabir Dhaliwal, the enigmatic agent whose chiseled physique and piercing gaze have become synonymous with raw intensity.

Joining him is N.T. Rama Rao Jr. (Jr. NTR), making his explosive Hindi debut as Vikram Chelapathi, a force of nature whose presence commands the screen like a storm brewing on the horizon.

Kiara Advani steps in as the emotional anchor, her portrayal adding layers of vulnerability amid the chaos, while veterans like Ashutosh Rana return to ground the narrative in familiar territory.

But War 2 isn’t merely a film; it’s a cinematic symphony, where each frame is composed like a brushstroke on a vast canvas. The camera dances through choreographed chaos, capturing the poetry of violence in slow-motion ballets of bullets and fists.

It’s a testament to Bollywood’s evolution, weaving threads from the YRF Spy Universe—echoes of Pathaan, Tiger, and the original War—into a tapestry that promises more crossovers and high-stakes drama.

In this 6000-word exploration, we’ll dissect the film’s narrative heart, its visual grandeur, the performances that electrify, the critical discourse it has sparked, and its place in the pantheon of Indian cinema. Buckle up; this is no ordinary review—it’s a journey into the soul of a blockbuster.

The Genesis: From War to War 2 – Building a Spy Empire

To understand War 2, one must rewind to 2019, when Siddharth Anand’s War redefined action in Bollywood.

That film pitted Hrithik Roshan’s Kabir against Tiger Shroff’s Khalid in a mentor-protégé showdown that culminated in betrayal and redemption.

It grossed over ₹475 crore worldwide, praised for its slick choreography and homoerotic undertones, setting a benchmark for style over substance in the best way possible.

Fast-forward to 2025, and Yash Raj Films, under Aditya Chopra’s visionary helm, expands its Spy Universe. War 2 is the sixth installment, following Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, Pathaan, and Tiger 3.

Mukerji, stepping in as director, brings a fresh perspective—infusing mythological undertones from his previous work into a modern spy thriller.

Production began in late 2023, with filming spanning exotic locales: Japan for Kabir’s opening kill, Berlin for shadowy meetings, Spain for adrenaline-pumping chases, Yemen for cartel intrigue, and Abu Dhabi for aquatic showdowns.

The budget, rumored to exceed ₹300 crore, is evident in every explosion and VFX shot. Composers Pritam and Vishal-Shekhar craft a soundtrack that pulses with energy, from thumping anthems to haunting melodies that underscore emotional beats.

Marketing was a masterclass: teasers dropped in May 2025, showcasing Hrithik and Jr. NTR’s face-off, generating buzz across social media.

Released in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil to capitalize on Jr. NTR’s South Indian stardom, it hit theaters wide, including IMAX and 4DX formats, ensuring an immersive experience.

Yet, the road to release wasn’t smooth. Delays due to post-production VFX and reshoots for key action sequences added tension. Mukerji, in interviews, emphasized themes of brotherhood and national duty, drawing parallels to epics like the Mahabharata—brothers turned foes, bound by fate.

Plot Unveiled: A Labyrinth of Loyalty (Spoiler-Free Overview)

War 2 opens with a bang, literally. Kabir Dhaliwal, once RAW’s finest, now roams as a mercenary, his moral compass shattered by past traumas.

Five years after dismantling terrorist networks, he’s drawn into a web spun by the Kali Cartel, a multinational syndicate threatening India’s sovereignty.

Enter Vikram Chelapathi, a Special Units Officer with a vendetta, tasked to hunt Kabir down. What follows is a cat-and-mouse game across continents, where alliances shift like sand, and every revelation peels back layers of deception.

The narrative structure is non-linear, flashing back to Kabir’s youth in 1999 Mumbai, where orphanage hardships forge unbreakable bonds—and unbreakable grudges.

Mukerji masterfully balances spectacle with sentiment, using montages to evoke nostalgia while ramping up tension with cliffhangers. Themes of patriotism shine through, but not without nuance: Kabir’s rogue status questions blind loyalty, and Vikram’s arc explores redemption’s cost.

Kiara Advani’s Kavya, daughter of Colonel Luthra (Ashutosh Rana), injects romance and resolve, her chemistry with Kabir sparking amid gunfire. The film’s pacing is relentless, clocking in at 170 minutes, but it rarely drags, thanks to twists that keep viewers guessing.

For those avoiding spoilers, suffice it to say War 2 delivers on its promise: jaw-dropping action, emotional depth, and a post-credits tease that expands the universe, hinting at “Alpha,” a covert program. It’s a film that rewards fans of the original while inviting newcomers with its standalone thrills.

Diving Deeper: The Full Narrative Tapestry (Spoilers Ahead)

Warning: Major spoilers follow. Proceed at your own risk.

The film commences in Tokyo, 2024. Kabir, clad in sleek black, infiltrates a yakuza den. The camera pans slowly over rain-slicked streets, neon reflections dancing like fireflies.

In a blur of martial arts precision, he dispatches a gangster, his movements fluid as water, each strike echoing with bone-crunching realism. Cut to Berlin: Kabir meets a contractor, only to be drugged and awakens in India, face-to-face with the Kali Cartel—a hydra-headed beast comprising Indian, Russian, and Chinese elements, plotting governmental infiltration.

Revealed: Kabir’s mercenary facade is a two-year covert op orchestrated by Colonel Luthra. To prove loyalty, he’s ordered to assassinate Luthra himself—a heart-wrenching scene where Ashutosh Rana’s eyes convey betrayal’s weight, the gunshot muffled by swelling strings.

This act catapults Kabir deeper, leading to Yemen and Gautam Gulati, the cartel’s Indian puppet.

Meanwhile, RAW evolves. Vikrant Kaul takes charge, enlisting Kavya (Kiara Advani), Luthra’s daughter and Kabir’s ex-lover, whose grief fuels her hunt.

Jr. NTR’s Vikram enters like thunder—recommended by Defence Minister Vilasrao Sarang, his backstory hinted at through brooding stares. A grudge simmers; Vikram’s intensity rivals Kabir’s, setting up a rivalry that’s both physical and psychological.

Spain’s sequence is cinematic gold: Kabir visits his adopted daughter Ruhi (a nod to the original’s emotional core), only to be ambushed. A car chase through winding alleys transitions to a high-speed train pursuit.

Jr. NTR leaps aboard, fists flying in confined spaces, the train’s rumble amplifying each blow. Vikram hesitates at the brink, letting Kabir escape—a foreshadowing twist.

Kabir relocates Ruhi to Manali, then confronts Vikram, unveiling his mission. Alliance forms, but betrayal looms. In a mid-air spectacle, Kabir boards Sarang’s chartered flight, wired to a stealth bomber.

Mercenaries attack; Kabir fights back, but Vikram reveals his cartel ties, slaughtering Sarang’s family and ejecting Kabir. As he plummets, Vikram calls him “Kaboo,” triggering a flashback.

1999 Mumbai: Young Kabir, orphaned after his father’s suicide, bonds with Raghu during a heist gone wrong. Juvenile detention follows; Major Luthra inspires enlistment. Kabir succeeds, Raghu fails the psych eval for selfishness. Raghu escapes, morphing into Vikram, resentment festering like an open wound.

Present day: Kabir pursues Gulati to Abu Dhabi. A boat chase ensues—waves crashing, engines roaring—as Vikram intervenes, killing Gulati and framing Kabir. Kavya’s suspicions grow; she reunites with Kabir in a tender moment amid ruins, their kiss lit by golden hour sunlight.

They uncover Sarang’s cartel involvement: faking his family’s death for sympathy votes, aiming for Prime Ministership.

Ambushed by mercenaries, they’re saved by Kaul. Climax at Davos’ World Economic Forum: Sarang and Vikram plot the PM’s assassination.

Kabir infiltrates, a cable car duel with Vikram unfolding like a deadly waltz—glass shattering, heights dizzying. Kabir spares him, appealing to buried brotherhood.

Final confrontation in an ice cave: Hand-to-hand combat, visceral and raw. Kabir stabs Vikram but convinces him to flip. Nine months later, Vikram’s “martyrdom” is a cover; he aids Kabir in dismantling remnants. They part as allies, Kabir recommitting to India and rekindling with Kavya.

Post-credits: A mysterious man tattoos “α” on a girl’s hand, inducting her into Alpha—teasing future threats.

This plot, while convoluted, weaves emotional threads with action, though some critics argue it prioritizes spectacle over coherence.

Performances: Titans Clash in a Dance of Fire and Ice

Hrithik Roshan is War 2‘s beating heart. As Kabir, he embodies conflicted heroism—his body a weapon, sculpted for acrobatic feats, yet his eyes betray inner turmoil. In quiet moments, like bidding Ruhi farewell, Hrithik’s subtlety shines, contrasting his action prowess. Fans on X rave: “Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR delivered excellent performances,” echoing IMDb sentiments.

Jr. NTR’s Hindi debut is a revelation. Vikram is no mere antagonist; he’s a mirror to Kabir, his Telugu-inflected dialogue adding authenticity. NTR’s physicality—leaping trains, wielding knives—matches Hrithik’s, their chemistry electric despite criticisms of “no chemistry.” His emotional arc, from vengeful to redeemed, is portrayed with nuance, earning praise: “Jr NTR even gave solid competition to Hrithik.”

Kiara Advani’s Kavya is more than eye candy; she’s a warrior in her own right, her scenes with Hrithik crackling with unresolved passion. Ashutosh Rana’s Luthra provides gravitas, his sacrifice a pivotal emotional pivot. Supporting cast, including potential cameos (rumors of John Abraham persist), flesh out the universe.

Mukerji’s direction elevates performances, using close-ups to capture micro-expressions amid macro chaos.

Action and Visual Spectacle: A Feast for the Senses

War 2‘s action is its crown jewel, choreographed by international teams blending parkour, gun-fu, and aerial acrobatics. The Spain train sequence: Imagine Hrithik dangling from a speeding locomotive, wind whipping his hair, as Jr. NTR pursues like a predator. Cameras swoop dynamically, editing crisp, sound design thundering—it’s pure adrenaline.

Abu Dhabi’s boat chase channels Mad Max: Fury Road on water, explosions blooming like fireworks. The ice cave finale: Fists crunch against frozen walls, blood staining snow, a primal roar echoing. VFX, handled by YFX, seamlessly integrate stealth bombers and cable car crashes.

Yet, excess is a double-edged sword. Critics note “bombastic action” with “all smoke but no fire,” arguing set pieces overshadow story. Still, for masala fans, it’s escapist bliss: “knockout action scenes.”

Music amplifies the visuals. Pritam’s score throbs with electronic beats during chases, softening to melodic strains for flashbacks. Songs like a potential item number (though subdued) add Bollywood flair.

Critical Reception: A Battlefield of Opinions

War 2 has polarized critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it scores a dismal 15% from critics but 70% from audiences, highlighting a disconnect. Shubhra Gupta calls it “so limp that you are left looking for zing.

” Variety’s Siddhant Adlakha laments lack of “human stakes beyond nebulous jingoism.” Rahul Desai from The Hollywood Reporter says it “fumbles as both a massively-scaled genre sequel and a liberal-minded political thriller.”

Positive voices exist: Rediff hails it as a “well-made masala film” offering “escapist fun.” NDTV dubs it “Sholay-lite,” appreciating the global tour. On X, fan reviews vary: “Absolute powerhouse!” vs. “All Physics and No Chemistry.”

Box office: Opening strong, but trailing Coolie in North America ($3.09M vs. $6.12M). Worldwide, it’s projected to cross ₹500 crore, buoyed by multilingual appeal. OTT release on Netflix expected in late September 2025.

Legacy and Future: Echoes in the Spy Universe

War 2 cements YRF’s dominance, bridging North-South cinema via Jr. NTR. Its flaws—overplotting, formulaic elements—are offset by star power and spectacle. In a post-RRR era, it pushes boundaries, though some wish for deeper character exploration.

Looking ahead, the Alpha tease suggests sequels, perhaps involving new agents. As Kabir and Vikram part, the screen fades, leaving audiences hungry for more.

In cinematic terms, War 2 is a rollercoaster—thrilling, flawed, unforgettable. Whether masterpiece or guilty pleasure, it reminds us why we flock to theaters: for the magic of stories told in light and shadow.

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