August 15, 2025 – The much-awaited War 2, the sixth chapter in YRF’s Spy Universe, exploded onto screens on August 14, 2025, with Hrithik Roshan reprising his role as Kabir Dhaliwal and Jr. NTR joining as Special Units Officer Vikram. Directed by Ayan Mukerji and featuring Kiara Advani, the action-packed sequel has posted a strong Day 1 global gross estimated at ₹52.5–70 crore, according to early reports from trade sources. However, its performance has been overshadowed by Rajinikanth’s Coolie, which dominated with a ₹130–150 crore opening, sparking heated discussions across X and industry circles about the impact of this high-profile clash.A Solid but Underwhelming StartAccording to trade tracker Sacnilk, War 2 collected approximately ₹24.99 crore net in India by 5 PM on its opening day, with final estimates projecting a domestic net of ₹30–40 crore. The Hindi version led with a 55–60% occupancy rate, particularly strong in urban centers like Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, and Bengaluru, where evening shows hit 70–80%. The Telugu version saw moderate traction at 40–45% occupancy, primarily in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, while the Tamil and Kannada versions lagged with 20–25% turnout. Globally, the film’s Day 1 gross is estimated at ₹52.5–70 crore, including ₹15–20 crore from overseas markets, with North America contributing a robust $1.8 million (₹15 crore) from over 3,200 tickets sold.Pre-release predictions were lofty, with Siasat.com forecasting a potential ₹100 crore net in India and ₹50 crore overseas, totaling ₹150–175 crore globally for Day 1, which would have set a Bollywood record. However, the clash with Coolie has dented its potential, especially in South India. In Australia, War 2 struggled, earning just AUD 108 from four tickets across 16 shows, compared to Coolie’s AUD 11,796 from 1,047 tickets, a gap described on X as a “massacre.” Domestic advance bookings closed at a modest 155,000–160,000 tickets, deemed disappointing for a film of this scale.Audience Buzz and Industry InsightsDespite the box office challenges, War 2 has garnered significant praise for its action sequences and star chemistry. X posts highlight the “smashing first half” with “goosebump-inducing” entries for Hrithik and Jr. NTR, with users like
@SDM_official1
giving it a 4/5 rating for its “power-packed action” and “magical” lead performances. The interval sequence and climax have been singled out as highlights, though some criticized the visual effects and a “routine” plot, with @Karthik
calling the VFX “unbearable” and the second half “flat.”Trade analysts remain optimistic about War 2’s potential to rebound. Koimoi noted that, alongside Coolie, the film could contribute to a historic cumulative Day 1 collection, potentially challenging Pushpa 2’s record of ₹179.25 crore net in India. The Spy Universe’s brand power, combined with the star appeal of Hrithik and Jr. NTR, is expected to drive strong weekend numbers, particularly in Hindi-speaking regions. Cinesparsh.com emphasized the film’s “pan-India appeal and franchise hype,” predicting a thunderous start despite the clash.