The excitement surrounding a film featuring two superstars, especially in an action-packed genre, is always high. ‘War 2’ promised to deliver this, pitting Hrithik Roshan, known for his charismatic presence, against Jr. NTR, whose screen presence ignites theaters. However, did the film live up to the hype, or did it fall short as just another run-of-the-mill action flick? The review delves into the details of ‘War 2’. The plot revolves around Major Kabir Dhaliwal (Hrithik Roshan), India’s top agent, who mysteriously goes rogue. To stop him, the government tasks Officer Vikram (Jr. NTR), who has his own complex past. Assisting Vikram is Kavya Thapar (Kiara Advani), whose motives extend beyond the nation’s safety. The central question is how Kabir, once a patriot, became a threat, and whether Vikram and Kavya can stop him. Hrithik Roshan makes a grand entrance with a high-octane action sequence, showcasing his signature style. However, the pace slows down afterward. ‘War 2’ offers a familiar narrative, similar to many spy films, feeling like a patchwork of old scripts. In an era where audiences are accustomed to realistic portrayals of Indian intelligence agencies through OTT platforms, ‘War 2’ feels underwhelming. The direction by Ayan Mukerji, who was expected to bring a fresh perspective after films like ‘Brahmastra,’ fails to deliver. Mukerji’s direction lacks innovation, and the film seems to rely more on the star power of Hrithik and Jr. NTR than on a strong storyline. The action sequences are a saving grace. In terms of performances, Hrithik Roshan shines, displaying his charisma and fitting perfectly as Kabir. While the character lacks depth, Hrithik leaves his mark. In contrast, Jr. NTR’s portrayal disappoints. His styling and character development feel incomplete, and his role is underwritten, failing to utilize his acting prowess. Kiara Advani is adequate, primarily appearing in songs and romantic scenes that don’t significantly impact the story. Anil Kapoor makes a brief appearance, with his character also feeling underdeveloped. The film is filled with action and fight sequences, credited to multiple action directors. The background score is commendable. The songs composed by Pritam are decent but lack the impact to become memorable. Overall, ‘War 2’ may entertain die-hard fans of Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR, as seeing them together is a treat. However, it falls short compared to the original ‘War’ and may disappoint those seeking a compelling narrative, stellar action, and dynamic chemistry between the stars. The film feels like a dream that veered off course.
