The anticipation for ‘War 2,’ featuring the dynamic duo of Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR, was palpable among cinema enthusiasts. Riding on a massive budget of 400 crores and the legacy of the YRF Spy Universe, the film generated sky-high expectations. However, when it hit theaters on August 14th, the initial excitement seemed to transform into disappointment.
While the film boasts impressive visual spectacles and stunning action sequences, it falters due to a weak narrative, screenplay issues, and a lack of emotional connection. Let’s delve into the five significant errors that marred a mega-film like ‘War 2.’
1. **Weak and Predictable Story:** The most significant criticism leveled against ‘War 2’ revolves around its flimsy and clichéd storyline. Described by some viewers as ‘style over substance,’ the film invested heavily in elaborate action scenes at the expense of narrative depth. The plot starts well but soon becomes slow and predictable, with the climax becoming apparent within the first half-hour. Unlike previous films in the YRF Spy Universe, ‘War 2’ lacks originality, leaving viewers disconnected.
2. **Missing Chemistry Between Hrithik and Jr. NTR:** The biggest selling point of the film was the clash between Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR. Trailers hinted at a powerful showdown between the two. However, their on-screen chemistry didn’t deliver as expected. The actors didn’t share enough screen time together. When they did interact, their dialogues and clashes failed to resonate with the audience.
3. **Poor VFX:** The impact of action sequences is crucial for the success of action films. While some action scenes in ‘War 2’ are commendable, many rely on subpar visual effects (VFX). The action sequences on the boat and the fight scene atop a flight felt especially artificial. These scenes made viewers feel like they were watching a video game rather than a film.
4. **Slow Pace and Lengthy Runtime:** The film’s length also posed a problem. With a runtime of approximately 170 minutes (2 hours and 50 minutes), ‘War 2’ drags, particularly in the second half. The narrative seemed stretched out simply to accommodate action sequences.
5. **Lack of Emotional Connection and Logic:** Previous YRF Spy Universe films, like ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Tiger Zinda Hai,’ had simple stories, but they maintained an emotional connection that kept the audience engaged. ‘War 2’ noticeably lacks this emotional depth, with action often overshadowing emotion. Moreover, some scenes lacked logic, existing solely for visual appeal rather than narrative coherence.
