War2 review: Spectacle over substance, Jr NTR lays strong foundation in Hindi cinema
Plot overview
War2 follows a rogue RAW agent who is hired by an international terrorist group called ‘Kali’. To test his loyalty, he undertakes dangerous missions and manages to gain the trust of the organisation. The film explores whether he will successfully complete his mission or face the consequences of being caught between duty and deception. While the story has potential, it sometimes feels stretched and lagging, making it hard to maintain a steady pace throughout. Action dominates the film, with the plot serving more as a framework than the main attraction.
Performances
Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR deliver performances that meet expectations. Hrithik is as captivating as ever, combining emotional depth with impressive physicality in action sequences. His charisma and skill make him a natural candidate for a role like James Bond, and it is surprising he has not yet been considered for such international projects.
Jr NTR shows his versatility and strength, particularly in high-intensity scenes. Having played villainous roles before, including in Jai Lava Kusa, he brings credibility and energy to his character. Kiara Advani’s character, however, is relatively ordinary. She is attractive and fits the role, but nothing about her performance is particularly memorable. Overall, the actors do what is required, but the script does not always give them space to fully shine.
War2 review: Spectacle over substance
War2 is primarily an action film, and it delivers several visually striking sequences. However, despite the large budget and star-studded cast, action choreography often feels uneven and exaggerated. Hrithik Roshan’s entrance, which should have been a show-stopping moment, feels rushed and lacks the finesse of top Hollywood action films which the film is trying to imitate. Many sequences rely heavily on quick cuts and slow-motion effects, making the stunts appear cartoonish and, at times, laughable. The film clearly attempts to emulate the over-the-top style of Arnold Schwarzenegger action movies, but it fails to capture the larger-than-life energy or believable stakes that make such films compelling.
The pacing of the story is another concern. The overwhelming and cringe usage of “patriotism” appears desperate – in order ti just to beg for audience’s interest. It’s high time to look at the bigger picture and write better stories that earn audience’s love naturally. While the action sequences are frequent, they are often disconnected, causing the narrative to drag between set-pieces. Emotional moments, although present, are few and far between, leaving the audience with the sense that the story exists mainly to support the spectacle. Director Ayan Mukerji tries to add depth with mythological references and layered character motivations, but these elements are underdeveloped and fail to leave a lasting impact.
Hrithik and NTR’s on-screen chemistry is engaging, yet the script sometimes undercuts the tension by rushing key plot developments.
Another recurring issue is Indian action cinema’s over-reliance on grand visuals over solid storytelling. While the high-octane sequences are entertaining at first, the improper execution reduces emotional stakes. The story’s conflicts, character arcs, and strategic twists are often overshadowed by explosions, stunts, and chase scenes.
Technically, cinematography, sound design, and special effects are impressive and contribute to the spectacle. Yet, these strengths cannot fully compensate for the story’s uneven pacing, over-the-top action, and underdeveloped narrative threads.
War2 review: Overall, War 2 delivers moments of visual excitement and star power, but even its biggest action sequences fail to meet expectations. The attempt to channel a Schwarzenegger-style blockbuster falls short, leaving the film more spectacle than substance.
Rating: 2.5/5
