The Yash Raj Films Spy Universe, once a thrilling ride, seems to be getting tangled in its own web. Early films like ‘War,’ ‘Pathaan,’ and the ‘Tiger’ franchise struck a great balance of excitement and star power. But now, it feels like YRF is simply relying on big names and lavish locations to keep the series going. Each new movie starts to feel like a copy of the last. It’s almost as if they’re selling old ideas in a shiny new wrapper. ‘War 2’ is the latest example of this trend. Instead of moving the universe forward, it delivers tired plot twists, a weak villain, and a lot of flashy but empty action. This film had a golden opportunity, bringing together two huge superstars, glamorous international settings, and high-tech action sequences. But the story itself just doesn’t have enough punch; it’s really just a hefty package with a lot of show.
A Story Without a Pulse
Let’s talk about the plot, or lack thereof. The story kicks off with RAW agent Kabir, played by Hrithik Roshan. He’s on a mission to shut down the notorious Kali cartel. Things take a dark turn when he ends up killing his own mentor, RAW Chief Luthra, portrayed by Ashutosh Rana. After this, the agency sends in a new agent, Vikram (Jr. NTR), with one goal: to catch Kabir. On paper, this setup sounds like a guaranteed thriller, a true nail-biter. Yet, once it hits the screen, all that excitement just evaporates into thin air. The first half-hour is dedicated to showing off expensive cars, stunning foreign locations, and stylish character entrances. Meanwhile, the actual storyline feels completely stuck.
Hrithik Shines, Others Fade
Hrithik Roshan is truly the movie’s strongest asset. His screen presence, his confidence, and his sheer style manage to make every scene feel important. However, the weak story prevents him from showcasing his full talent. Kiara Advani takes on the role of Wing Commander Kavya Luthra. She delivers an okay performance, but there’s a noticeable lack of chemistry between her and Hrithik. Any romantic or emotional scenes between them feel cold and distant. Ashutosh Rana’s role is very limited, essentially a small cameo. Later, Anil Kapoor steps in as the new RAW Chief. Other actors, like Varun Badola and Soni Razdan, are present but their characters don’t really make any impact on the narrative.
Jr. NTR’s Disappointing Debut
Jr. NTR makes his entry about half an hour into the film. And honestly, it might be one of the weakest star introductions in Indian cinema history. The visual effects supporting his entrance feel dull. He has almost no screen presence. His dialogue delivery falls flat, and even the dance sequences feel uninspired. All these elements combined make his character seem quite lifeless. There’s a big reveal that happens about an hour and twenty minutes into the movie. But even this twist falls flat, almost as if the film itself doesn’t quite believe in its own surprises.
Beautiful Locations, No Impact
A huge amount of money was spent on filming in stunning locations like Germany, Spain, Amsterdam, Japan, and Switzerland. Every single frame looks like it belongs on a postcard, absolutely picturesque. However, these beautiful backdrops do nothing to help the story move forward. Many action scenes feel like they were just shot with a different background, lacking any real sense of danger or excitement.
Overload of Slow Motion and Loud Music
The movie heavily relies on slow-motion effects and loud background music. These are used so frequently that they stop creating excitement and instead start to feel like a form of torture. The constant overdose of these elements in every character entrance and every action scene truly tests the audience’s patience.
Average Music and Score
Pritam’s music for the film is quite forgettable; you’ll likely not remember any of the songs shortly after watching. The songs themselves feel like interruptions, breaking the flow of the story. While the background score by Ballhara Brothers works in a few places, it ultimately fails to elevate the film as a whole. The editing also lacks sharpness, making the movie feel dragged out and longer than it needs to be.
Ayan’s Grand but Empty Direction
Ayan Mukerji clearly spared no expense in making the film visually grand and spectacular. However, the tightness, tension, and fresh ideas crucial for a good spy thriller are noticeably absent. The story doesn’t have many highs and lows. Instead, it features long, flat sections that fail to keep the audience engaged.
To Watch or Not to Watch?
So, should you buy a ticket for ‘War 2’? It’s a shiny and impressive-looking action thriller, but it feels quite hollow inside. It certainly doesn’t lack budget or big stars. However, the story and any real emotional depth are almost entirely missing. If your only goal is to see famous actors, stunning international locations, and highly stylized action, then perhaps give it a one-time watch. But if you’re hoping for genuine thrills, strong emotional connections, and a truly compelling story, you might be better off leaving this cinematic journey halfway through. Ultimately, it earns a rather disappointing 2 out of 5 stars from us.