Hrithik Roshan vs. NTR Jr. in a Spy Duel: War 2 Review

This War 2 review starts with the obvious: the film is a big-screen spy sequel built around two Indian superstars facing off. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, it runs a long 173 minutes and rarely stops to catch its breath. The spectacle is the draw, and the story struggles to keep up.

War 2 Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The War 2 plot picks up with Kabir Dhaliwal (Hrithik Roshan), a former agent who went rogue years ago and is now treated as India's greatest villain. As he slips deeper into the shadows, the government calls in its sharpest weapon. That weapon is Vikram (N.T. Rama Rao Jr.), a special units officer driven by personal demons and determined to stop Kabir.

The setup is simple and familiar: a hunter, a fugitive and a shared past. Hints that not everything is as clear-cut as the official version add some intrigue early on. I will leave it there, because the film's surprises are best met fresh.

What Works in War 2

The pairing is the main selling point. Putting Roshan and N.T. Rama Rao Jr. in the same frame gives the film real star voltage, and the movie knows how to stage their face-offs for maximum crowd appeal.

Action fans will find plenty to enjoy in this action movie outing. The set pieces are large, polished and designed for a cinema screen, with globe-trotting energy that fits the adventure tag as well.

• Slick, high-budget production design and location work

• Big, crowd-pleasing action sequences

• A strong sense of rivalry between the two leads

War 2 Cast and Performances

The War 2 cast is led by Hrithik Roshan as Kabir Dhaliwal and N.T. Rama Rao Jr. as Vikram. Roshan brings his usual easy swagger and physical grace, while his co-star plays Vikram with intensity and a coiled, brooding edge. Their scenes together are where the film is at its most watchable.

Kiara Advani appears as Kavya Luthra, and Ashutosh Rana plays Colonel Sunil Luthra. Anil Kapoor features as Vikrant Kaul, and Bobby Deol is also in the cast. The supporting players add weight, though the script gives most of them less room than their talent deserves.

Where War 2 Stumbles

The biggest problem is length and focus. At nearly three hours, the film leans on repetition: another chase, another confrontation, another loud reveal that the audience has seen coming. Scenes that should land emotionally often feel rushed past in favour of the next spectacle.

The writing by Shridhar Raghavan sets up a compelling cat-and-mouse idea but does not always deepen it. Motivations stay thin, and the rivalry is more about posturing than psychology. Audience reaction has been mixed too, with a modest 6/10 average on TMDB from a small pool of votes.

Is War 2 Worth Watching?

Yes, if you go in for the spectacle and the star power. It is an entertaining, if uneven, spy blockbuster that delivers its biggest thrills in the face-offs between its two leads.

If you want a tight, twisty thriller, you may find it overlong and predictable. The War 2 release date was 13 August 2025, and it is best experienced on the largest screen you can find. For more in this vein, browse our thriller reviews. You can also check the film's IMDb page for more details.

Who Will Enjoy War 2

• Fans of Hrithik Roshan and N.T. Rama Rao Jr. who want to see them go head to head

• Viewers who love large-scale Indian action cinema and globe-trotting spy stories

• Anyone who enjoys the earlier spy films in this franchise and wants more of the same