If an action film’s main job is to keep audiences’ pulses racing, War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji, succeeds — at least in terms of stunt work. The sequel is packed with Mission: Impossible-style set pieces, adrenaline-fueled chases, and combat sequences that raise the stakes from the 2019 hit. Unfortunately, its momentum is often undermined by surprisingly weak computer-generated effects. At times, the CGI feels dated enough to belong in an early-2000s video game, distracting from the otherwise sleek production.
Hrithik Roshan returns as Kabir, the enigmatic former RAW agent whose allegiances were in question in War. This time, the threat is bigger — a global terrorist organization plotting to destabilize India’s political core. Assigned to bring him in is Vikram Chelapathy, played by Jr NTR in his Bollywood debut. The two are drawn into a tense cat-and-mouse pursuit filled with betrayals, shifting alliances, and moments of mutual respect. While the plot occasionally leans on predictable beats, the narrative is tighter than many recent Bollywood spy thrillers.
Jr NTR replaces Tiger Shroff’s high-energy dance-and-action combination from the first film with sheer screen presence. He shares a strong on-screen dynamic with Hrithik, creating fresh chemistry that gives the sequel a different tone. His introduction scene and major fight sequences cement his position as a formidable addition to the franchise.
The supporting cast, including Anil Kapoor, Vaani Kapoor, and Ashutosh Rana, add familiar weight, but Kiara Advani’s character suffers from minimal development. Introduced as the courageous daughter of Colonel Luthra (Rana), she never gets the narrative space or action moments afforded to female leads like Deepika Padukone in Pathaan.
While War 2 never quite shocks with its twists, it avoids the cartoonish excesses of its predecessor, maintaining a grounded-enough tone for audiences to stay engaged. Still, the underwhelming visual effects raise an unavoidable question — why compromise a solid spy-action foundation with subpar finishing touches?
