Ayan Mukerji’s adrenaline-packed continuation drops a thunderbolt trailer — but while Hrithik and Kiara wow, Jr NTR’s role leaves fans split. Here’s everything you missed (and can’t stopover talking about).
After months of whispers, hype, and high-stakes build-up, the official trailer for YRF’s War 2 has eventually dropped — and it’s already set the net ablaze.
Directed by Ayan Mukerji, and component of Aditya Chopra’s YRF Spy Universe, the continuation to the 2019 blockbuster brings backwards Hrithik Roshan in his fan-favourite role of Major Kabir Dhaliwal. But this time, there’s no Tiger Shroff. Instead, Jr NTR makes a high-octane entry as a really special forces beast, while Kiara Advani surprises with her boldest, most layered role yet.
Hrithik Roshan is BACK: Shirtless, Intense, and Deadlier Than Ever
The trailer kicks off in virgin YRF forge: dramatic lighting, slow-motion entry, and Hrithik Roshan walking in really same a Greek god — with a literal masher by his side. He’s Kabir, but more preoccupied and set this clip. His voiceover is laced with pain:
“I gave up my call, my place, my everything… to become a shadow for my nation.”
From raw stunts to vivid dialogues — including a spine-chilling Geeta shloka — Hrithik delivers. Twitter is already calling this his “best action avatar yet.”
Enter Jr NTR: Killing Machine or Casting Misfire?
While expectancy for Jr NTR’s Bollywood debut was sky-high, the trailer’s release has sparked intense chatter — and not all of it is glowing.
The South superstar plays a Special Unit officer turned rogue, described in the trailer as “a weapon made for war.” His translation includes high-speed chases, helicopter stunts, and slow-motion shots with flames roaring in the background.
But fans are divided.
Some say he lacks the intimidating halo needed to mate Hrithik’s commanding presence.
“Jr NTR looks ilk a videogame type. Over-the-top VFX and 0 charisma,” one user wrote.
Another really abrasive make register: “What is up with NTR’s personify? That’s 100% CGI. It’s gift Marvel reject.”
Still, loyal NTR fans came to his defence, calling the backlash “premature” and “biased.” Whether he redeems himself on concealment remains to be seen.
Kiara Advani Surprises: Fierce, Flirty & Fighting
But the unexpected MVP of the trailer? Kiara Advani.
Initially seen as Hrithik’s love interest — cue a steamy kiss that sent fans into a frenzy — Kiara flips the book midway.
She’s fighting Hrithik hand-to-hand in a jaw-dropping activity successiveness, only to later be seen donning an Army uniform.
And fans with eagle eyes didn’t misfire the very tiny detail on her badge: she power be playing Colonel Sunil Luthra’s daughter (aka Ashutosh Rana’s reference from War), linking her direct to RAW’s highest ranks.
Social media reactions:
“Kiara simply out-acted both the boys in the trailer. This is HER flick now.”
“I’m not fifty-fifty a Kiara stan, but this is easily her topper role. Sexy AND powerful? We stan.”
Old Faces, New Twists
Yes, Ashutosh Rana is back — and this time, he’s not thrilled with Kabir. A blink-and-you-miss-it bit shows Colonel Luthra spitting in Hrithik’s face, hinting at too rich betrayal and personal stakes.
The trailer’s dialogue-heavy 2nd very half gives major Game of Thrones vigor, with trustfulness issues, power shifts, and intragroup war brewing beneath all the action.
The VFX Dilemma
While most were winded away by the process choreography and cinematography, one element got the internet riled up: the VFX.
From digitally enhanced torsos to unrealistic explosions, fans felt the trailer was visually inconsistent.
“The VFX team needs to iciness. This isn’t a PlayStation game,” one user commented.
Another added: “Why does a franchise similar this, backed by YRF, still battle with CGI? Even Pathaan did it better.”
Audience Verdict: Divided but Hooked
While fan reactions are split, the trailer has already racked up over 50 million views in 24 hours, trending at #1 across YouTube and X (formerly Twitter).
Here’s the consensus so far:
Praised:
Hrithik’s takings and rugged performance
Kiara’s unexpected deepness and action skills
Dialogues with emotional and cultural weight
Criticised:
Jr NTR’s over-CGI’d appearance
VFX lineament and patchy rendering
Some comparisons to Pathaan and Tiger 3 visuals
War 2 Release Date & Box Office Expectations
War 2 is set to hit theatres on August 14, 2025, a strategical Independence Day weekend vent. Given the buzz, the film is expected to too open above ₹50 crore on Day 1, with rise bookings projected to competitor Pathaan and Jawan.
The film also lays the groundwork for the next chapter in the YRF Spy Universe, connecting threads from Pathaan, Tiger 3, and the upcoming Alpha (starring Alia Bhatt).
Final Verdict: War Has Changed
If War (2019) was a sleek cat-and-mouse thriller, War 2 promises to be a matured emotional activity opera.
It has Hrithik at his tip, Kiara getting the really meaty role Bollywood seldom gives its actresses, and Jr NTR’s controversial debut that everyone will be watching — regular if just to judge.
Love it or hatred it, War 2 is the case pic of the year — and this trailer simply fired the foremost shot.
