Buckle up, Bollywood fans! The much-awaited War 2, the sixth installment in Yash Raj Films’ (YRF) Spy Universe, is gearing up to be the ultimate cinematic showdown of 2025. Directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Aditya Chopra, this action-packed thriller brings together Bollywood heartthrob Hrithik Roshan, Tollywood superstar Jr NTR, and the ever-charming Kiara Advani for a high-octane adventure that promises to leave audiences spellbound. With its release slated for August 14, 2025, just in time for India’s Independence Day weekend, War 2 is already creating waves with its electrifying teaser and larger-than-life posters. Here’s everything you need to know about this blockbuster in the making!
A Star-Studded Cast Ready to Set the Screen Ablaze
Hrithik Roshan returns as the suave yet deadly RAW agent Major Kabir Dhaliwal, a character that won hearts in the 2019 blockbuster War. This time, Kabir is darker, meaner, and more ruthless, as seen in the teaser where he’s sword-fencing, taking on wolves, and delivering jaw-dropping stunts. Hrithik’s chiseled physique and intense screen presence are already being hailed as a highlight, with fans going gaga over his bulked-up avatar.
Making his Bollywood debut, Jr NTR steps into the YRF Spy Universe as a formidable antagonist. Known for his powerhouse performances in films like RRR, NTR’s role is described as morally complex and layered, setting the stage for an epic clash with Hrithik’s Kabir. The teaser, released on Jr NTR’s 42nd birthday (May 20, 2025), showcased his intense look and sparked a frenzy online, with fans calling it the “best birthday gift” for the star.
Kiara Advani, in her first-ever YRF project, adds glamour and grit to the mix. Her fierce action avatar in the latest posters, where she’s seen wielding a gun in a sleek black ensemble, hints at a role far beyond the typical romantic lead. The teaser also gave us a glimpse of her in a stunning bikini scene, sparking buzz about a romantic subplot with Hrithik’s character. As Kiara’s first film post-motherhood, War 2 marks several firsts for the actress, including her collaboration with Ayan Mukerji and both leading men.
A Globe-Trotting Thriller with High Stakes
War 2 is not just a sequel but a bold expansion of the YRF Spy Universe, which includes hits like Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, Pathaan, and Tiger 3. Shot across six countries—Spain, Italy, Abu Dhabi, Japan, Russia, and India—over 150 days, the film promises a visual spectacle with breathtaking locations and high-octane action sequences. From a car chase in Salamanca to a boat chase at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, and a katana fight in a Shaolin Monastery-inspired set, the action is choreographed by top names like Anal Arasu, Spiro Razatos, and Se-yeong Oh.
The teaser, clocking in at 1 minute 34 seconds, set the tone for an intense face-off between Hrithik and Jr NTR, with dialogues that scream drama and conflict. Hrithik’s post on X, welcoming Jr NTR with, “Be prepared, there is no place for mercy. Welcome to Hell. Love, Kabir,” was met with NTR’s fiery reply: “Mercy doesn’t exist where I come from Kabir. I am ready for the WAR.” This exchange alone has fans counting down the days to the release
But it’s not all about action. War 2 is set to feature a peppy dance number composed by Pritam, showcasing a high-energy face-off between Hrithik and Jr NTR. Initially planned for March 2025, the shoot was delayed due to Hrithik’s leg injury during rehearsals but was finally wrapped in July 2025 with over 500 background dancers under Bosco Martis’ choreography. This sequence is expected to be a visual treat, blending the dance prowess of two of Indian cinema’s biggest stars.
A Massive Budget and High Expectations
With a reported budget of ₹200 crore, War 2 is one of the most ambitious projects in the YRF Spy Universe. Hrithik Roshan reportedly charged ₹48 crore, Jr NTR ₹30 crore, Kiara Advani ₹15 crore, and director Ayan Mukerji ₹32 crore, reflecting the film’s grand scale. The Telugu distribution rights alone are expected to fetch ₹85–120 crore, signaling its massive pre-release buzz, especially in the South Indian market.
The film’s shooting wrapped in December 2024, with the final day marked by a grand dance sequence and a celebratory cake-cutting ceremony. Hrithik took to X to share his emotions, calling the 149-day shoot a “relentless chase” filled with “action, dance, blood, sweat, injuries,” and expressing his honor in working with Jr NTR and excitement for Kiara’s “lethal side.” He also hinted at the bittersweet feeling of parting with Kabir, a role that has become iconic for him.
Controversies and Criticisms
The War 2 teaser wasn’t without its share of controversies. Some fans criticized the visual effects, calling them “cartoonish” and comparing them unfavorably to older Bollywood action films. Others felt Jr NTR seemed “out of place” as the antagonist, with a few suggesting actors like John Abraham or Rana Daggubati would have been better fits. The teaser’s mention of “This Independence Day – 14 August” also drew flak for inadvertently referencing Pakistan’s Independence Day, leading to accusations of tone-deaf marketing. Additionally, a now-deleted post by filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma about Kiara’s bikini scene was slammed for being insensitive, given her pregnancy at the time.
Despite the backlash, the film’s hype remains sky-high, with fans defending its star power and the YRF Spy Universe’s track record of delivering blockbusters. The trailer, set to release on July 25, 2025, with a runtime of 2 minutes 39 seconds, is expected to address some of these concerns and further amplify the excitement.
What’s Next for War 2?
War 2 will hit theaters in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada, with an IMAX release to elevate the experience. Rumors of cameos by Alia Bhatt (from Alpha) and a possible teaser for the next Tiger installment have added to the anticipation. The film is poised to be a pan-India spectacle, blending Bollywood’s masala flair with South Indian star power.
As we count down to August 14, 2025, War 2 is shaping up to be a cinematic juggernaut. With Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR locking horns, Kiara Advani bringing her A-game, and Ayan Mukerji’s vision steering the ship, this spy thriller is ready to take the YRF Spy Universe to new heights. So, are you Team Kabir or Team NTR? Get ready for a war like no other!
