August 14, 2025 – The release of War 2, the sixth installment in the YRF Spy Universe, has set social media platforms like X and the internet ablaze with a mix of fervent praise and cautious criticism. Directed by Ayan Mukerji and starring Hrithik Roshan as rogue agent Kabir Dhaliwal, Jr. NTR as Special Units Officer Vikram, and Kiara Advani in a pivotal role, the film has delivered on its promise of high-octane action but faces scrutiny over its box office performance and visual effects. Here’s a look at how audiences are responding to this much-hyped sequel to the 2019 blockbuster War.Thunderous Praise for Action and Star Power
The film’s action sequences and the magnetic screen presence of its leads have been major talking points. On X, fans have lauded the “smashing first half” with “goosebump-inducing” entries for Hrithik and Jr. NTR. One user,
Despite the enthusiasm, not all reactions have been glowing. Some netizens expressed disappointment with the film’s visual effects, with one X user,
Adding fuel to the fire, an X post by
War 2 has undeniably struck a chord with audiences for its action-packed sequences, star chemistry, and thrilling moments, particularly in the first half. However, mixed reviews on VFX quality, a predictable plot, and underwhelming advance bookings in key markets have tempered the enthusiasm. With the film competing against heavyweights like Coolie, its success will hinge on strong word-of-mouth in the coming days. As one X user put it, “Need a WoM to survive,” a sentiment that encapsulates the high stakes for this YRF Spy Universe entry. For now, War 2 remains a polarizing spectacle—loved by many, questioned by some, and riding a wave of intense online chatter.
The film’s action sequences and the magnetic screen presence of its leads have been major talking points. On X, fans have lauded the “smashing first half” with “goosebump-inducing” entries for Hrithik and Jr. NTR. One user,
@SDM_official1
, gave War 2 a 4/5 rating, calling it a “power-packed action” spectacle with “stellar performances” and “magical chemistry” between the leads, particularly highlighting the interval sequence and climactic moments. Another post from @LoneXWarrior
echoed this, rating it 3.5/5 and describing the first half as delivering “blockbuster vibes” with grand action and a tight pace, though noting a slower second half.The trailer, released on July 25, had already set high expectations, with netizens on X hailing the “fierce face-off” between Hrithik and Jr. NTR as “cinema history in the making.” Fans praised the trailer’s intense action, slick visuals, and dialogues, with one user noting, “Hrithik style meets Jr NTR rage,” while others called it “electrifying” despite some VFX critiques. The buzz carried into the film’s release, with audiences appreciating the emotional depth and the dance sequences, particularly the song Salam Anali, which has been described as a standout.Mixed Sentiments: VFX and Plot Draw FlakDespite the enthusiasm, not all reactions have been glowing. Some netizens expressed disappointment with the film’s visual effects, with one X user,
@Karthik
, calling the first half “dead” with “unbearable VFX and color grading,” questioning the budget allocation for such “senseless” fight scenes. Another post from @BagaraRice
labeled the first half a “disaster” with “troll-worthy scenes” and criticized Jr. NTR’s character design as awkward. These sentiments align with earlier trailer reviews, where users slammed the “bacho wala VFX” (childish visual effects) and felt Jr. NTR’s screen presence lacked the punch of Hrithik’s.The plot has also faced scrutiny for feeling “recycled” and following a “routine” spy thriller template. @Poodle
called the first half “déjà vu all over again,” with action that “falls flat,” while @M9NEWS
noted that the film starts strong but slips into a “familiar story” mode. Some fans felt the narrative didn’t match the original War’s impact, with one user predicting a flop due to repetitive storytelling and a lack of fresh highs.Box Office Blues and Regional DivideWhile War 2 smashed audience interest records on BookMyShow just days before its release, advance bookings have painted a worrying picture. In North America, the film sold over 3,200 tickets early on, but in Australia, it earned a mere AUD 108 from four tickets across 16 shows, dwarfed by Rajinikanth’s Coolie, which raked in AUD 11,796. This led to X posts calling War 2’s performance a “massacre” in Australia. Domestically, advance ticket sales are projected at 155,000–160,000, deemed “bad” for a tentpole film, with one user noting that it lacks the “massive rush” expected for a star-driven project. @meJat32
observed that the film’s overseas performance feels more like a “Hrithik film” than a big-tentpole event, with Jr. NTR’s South audience not showing the expected early rush.Controversy and HypeAdding fuel to the fire, an X post by
@mrharichandrar1
claimed War 2 received a 9.5/10 IMDb rating before its release, prompting accusations of rating manipulation by YRF, though this remains unverified. Such claims have sparked debates about the film’s pre-release hype, with some fans defending the excitement and others questioning its authenticity.The Verdict So FarWar 2 has undeniably struck a chord with audiences for its action-packed sequences, star chemistry, and thrilling moments, particularly in the first half. However, mixed reviews on VFX quality, a predictable plot, and underwhelming advance bookings in key markets have tempered the enthusiasm. With the film competing against heavyweights like Coolie, its success will hinge on strong word-of-mouth in the coming days. As one X user put it, “Need a WoM to survive,” a sentiment that encapsulates the high stakes for this YRF Spy Universe entry. For now, War 2 remains a polarizing spectacle—loved by many, questioned by some, and riding a wave of intense online chatter.