War 2: YRF Spy Universe’s Most Awaited Film Fails to Impress Viewers

Bollywood’s Spy Universe Hype Meets Disappointment

The much-awaited action thriller War 2, part of the extensive YRF Spy Universe, finally hit the theaters this week. Directed by Ayan Mukerji and boasting one of the biggest duo leads in Indian cinema — Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR — expectations couldn’t have been any higher. Add in a spectacularly hefty budget of ₹400 crores and an aggressive marketing campaign, and you’d expect nothing short of a blockbuster. However, early responses suggest the film might not live up to the hype.

High-Octane Meets Flat Storytelling

Bollywood’s Spy Universe has built a reputation for slick action, star-studded casts, and crowd-pleasing moments. War 2 is no exception in its star power, but dense visual effects, big sets, and adrenaline-fueled sequences can’t hide the film’s visible cracks. Despite the exciting combination of Hrithik Roshan reprising his stylish “Kabir” role, and Telugu superstar Jr NTR’s much-talked-about Hindi debut, the movie seems to be struggling to resonate with its audience.

Social Media Reactions: More Trolls Than Triumphs

As the credits rolled on opening day, social media was flooded — not with praise, but widespread disappointment and memes. While some sequences and action choreography were appreciated, most users found War 2 lacking in story and emotional depth.

A Twitter user posted an image of Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR firing guns mid-air — a scene apparently reminiscent of the film’s over-the-top trailer moment when Jr NTR fights atop an airplane. The user commented, “Ayan Mukerji should stay away from Dhoom-level extravagance.” Others compared it unfavorably to the Salman Khan blockbuster Tiger 3, with one remarking, “War 2’s interval is boring, childish, and a slow sequel. In 2025, Ayan Mukerji turns Tiger’s growl into mere background music. Today, I respect Manish Sharma and Tiger 3 even more.”

The casting of Jr NTR also received criticism from some quarters, with users saying his role did not suit the film’s tone, and that his performance was under-utilized in the script’s weak framework.

Dull Writing and Wasted Performances

The writing came under particular attack. “Hrithik Roshan is every bit stylish and dashing as Kabir,” another user said. “But even he’s let down by weak writing. The script just squanders its potential.”

One particularly biting comment compared War 2 to a “school annual day performance with a grand budget,” pointing out that while the action was thunderous, the story got lost somewhere in the canteen. Another fan suggested that YRF should “close down the Spy Universe altogether,” rating the movie only two and a half stars, criticizing not just the predictable storyline, but also the underwhelming VFX.

Did War 2 Do Anything Right?

For all its criticisms, War 2 does manage to get some aspects right. The action sequences, trademark style, and charismatic leads had moments that kept diehard Bollywood fans pumped. Secondary roles, played by Anil Kapoor, Kiara Advani, and Ashutosh Rana, had their moments of shine, though weren’t enough to elevate the film overall.

Most audiences and critics agree the choreography of action scenes, big set pieces, and the overall “spy” vibe in parts of the film delivered some entertainment value. The film’s post-credit scene has also caught attention, teasing the next edition of the YRF Spy Universe.

The YRF Spy Universe: What’s Next?

While War 2 may be faltering now, the universe it operates in is still expanding. The film’s post-credit scene hints at the next YRF Spy installment, tentatively titled Alpha. Here, a character named Bobby explains the meaning of the word “Alpha” to a young girl — sparking speculation that she could grow up to be the character played by Alia Bhatt in future films, though official details remain tightly under wraps.

The Verdict: All That Glitters Isn’t Gold

Despite a dream cast, an all-star budget, and a director with youth appeal, War 2 serves as a sobering reminder that spectacle alone cannot guarantee audience approval. As the first reviews pour in, it’s clear that while some will enjoy the big-screen action, most fans are left wanting more substance.

Negative reviews overpower the positive ones, with consistent criticism directed toward bland writing, predictable plotlines, and a lack of emotional connection. The attempt to build a Bollywood equivalent of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is ambitious — but War 2 seems more an exercise in style over substance.

Final Thought

If you’re a stalwart fan of the Spy Universe, you might still want to catch War 2 for the action and the cliffhanger about Alpha. But for those seeking innovation or depth in a spy thriller, this installment seems more likely to become Bollywood’s cautionary tale of how not to rely on star power and CGI alone.