The much-hyped War 2 has finally hit theatres worldwide, and it’s fair to say—opinions are all over the place. From ecstatic cheers in the first half to muttered sighs in the second, early audiences have delivered a mixed verdict. If you’ve been waiting to check the War 2 rating, here’s the complete lowdown—what worked, what didn’t, and how fans across India (and abroad) are reacting.
A Grand Release Worthy of a Spy Universe Sequel
War 2 is not just another Bollywood release—it’s part of Yash Raj Films’ expanding Spy Universe, following hits like War (2019), Pathaan, and Tiger 3. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, this sequel was touted as one of the biggest cinematic events of 2025. The film brings together Bollywood’s Greek God, Hrithik Roshan, and Tollywood’s powerhouse, Jr NTR, in a never-before-seen action face-off.
On release day, excitement was off the charts. Some fans queued outside theatres as early as 4 AM, while others celebrated with fireworks and even temple rituals. In cities like Hyderabad and Mumbai, large cutouts of the stars were garlanded, creating a festival-like atmosphere. Social media was buzzing before the first show even began.
The Storyline – Espionage, Betrayal & Global Stakes
In War 2, Hrithik returns as Kabir, a seasoned RAW agent with a haunted past. This time, his nemesis is Vikram, a rogue elite operative played by Jr NTR. The cat-and-mouse chase spans multiple countries, loaded with espionage, betrayal, and high-voltage action sequences.
The premise promised fresh twists and a darker tone than the previous Spy Universe entries. While parts of the story deliver intense drama and adrenaline-fueled moments, some viewers feel the execution didn’t live up to its potential.
First Half – Crowd-Pleasing Action and Heroic Moments
If there’s one thing everyone seems to agree on, it’s that the first half is a rollercoaster. Fans raved about whistle-worthy hero entries, slick fight sequences, and electrifying screen presence from both Hrithik and Jr NTR.
One fan tweeted:
“Coolie will get tough competition! #War2 is a clean blockbuster! What a dance, what dominance by NTR!”
Another praised the pacing and buildup:
“Very good first half, larger-than-life moments, perfect blend of action and style.”
The grand scale, exotic locations, and stylish cinematography set the tone for what many thought would be a memorable spy action film.
Second Half – Where the Cracks Begin to Show
Unfortunately, the second half is where War 2 rating takes a hit. Many viewers felt the pace slowed down and the plot became predictable. Some even said the story leaned too heavily on style over substance.
One blunt review read:
“Strictly mediocre. First half rocks, second half drags. Style-heavy, emotion-light.”
Another disappointed fan added:
“Template spy movie. Nothing new. Action is bland, emotional connect missing.”
The criticism was consistent—while the action remained slick, the narrative struggled to maintain momentum.
High Praise for Performances, But Mixed for Chemistry
Hrithik Roshan has been universally praised for his charisma and action sequences. Many felt he carried the film, especially when the plot faltered. Jr NTR, however, received mixed reviews—while some celebrated his powerful presence, others felt he was underused.
One tweet summed it up:
“A rare North–South star combo wasted. NTR is utterly underutilized.”
Despite the criticism, there were moments where both stars lit up the screen together, especially during their confrontations. However, fans expecting an RRR-level intensity from NTR might walk away underwhelmed.
Action & Cinematography – Visual Treat with Some Misfires
From aerial dogfights to hand-to-hand combat, War 2 is loaded with action set pieces. The B2 Bomber scene was intended to be a highlight, but many found it over-the-top and poorly executed. A few even compared certain moments to “mountain dew ads stitched together.”
That said, the film’s visuals are undeniably impressive. Exotic locations, grand set designs, and stylish camera work make War 2 look like a global production. The action choreography shines in parts, especially in Hrithik’s fight sequences.
Music & Songs – Mixed Reception
Music plays a big role in the Spy Universe, but here, opinions vary. The much-anticipated Janaabe Aali song, hyped in promos, ended up being one of the most criticized parts of the film. Some called it “unintentionally funny” and felt it derailed the momentum.
However, background score enthusiasts might appreciate the tension-building tracks that enhance the spy thriller vibe.
Fan Reactions – A Twitter Storm of Love and Frustration
Within hours of its release, Twitter and Instagram were flooded with reactions. Here’s the overall fan sentiment based on hundreds of posts:
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Positive: Stylish visuals, grand scale, Hrithik’s charisma, thrilling first half.
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Mixed: Jr NTR’s screen time, overall plot originality.
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Negative: Second half pacing, predictable twists, over-the-top action in parts.
Some international fans, especially from the US and Middle East, seemed more forgiving, calling the film “paisa vasool” and praising its entertainment value.
War 2 Box Office Collection – Early Numbers Look Strong
Despite the mixed reviews, War 2 opened to impressive numbers at the box office. Trade analysts report strong occupancy in metros and tier-2 cities, with opening day collections expected to cross ₹60 crore in India alone. Overseas markets are also responding well, particularly in the Middle East and North America.
The real test, however, will be in the coming days. With word-of-mouth mixed, sustaining high numbers might be challenging.
War 2 Rating – The Verdict So Far
So, what’s the War 2 rating based on early audience and critic reviews? Here’s the general consensus:
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First Half: 4/5 (Pacy, engaging, star power at its best)
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Second Half: 2.5/5 (Slow, predictable, style over substance)
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Overall Average: 3/5
In short—War 2 isn’t a disaster, but it’s not the masterpiece many expected. It’s a stylish, large-scale entertainer that delivers enough moments for fans to cheer but stumbles when it comes to storytelling depth.
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Conclusion
If you’re a fan of Hrithik Roshan or Jr NTR, War 2 is worth watching on the big screen for its scale, action sequences, and star power. Just go in with moderated expectations, especially for the second half.
Think of it like a high-speed train—spectacular at the start, but slowing down before the destination. You’ll enjoy the ride, but you might wish it ended with a bigger bang.
