At The Movies: War 2

August 25, 2025

Welcome to At The Movies, my ongoing blog series where I share personal takes on the latest films I watch - sometimes popular, sometimes hidden gems, always honest.


Quick Take

  • 🎥 Director: Ayan Mukerji
  • My Rating: 7/10 (A solid one-time watch)
  • 🎭 Genre: Action, Spy Thriller
  • 📝 Vibe: High-octane, fast-paced, and packed with adrenaline-fueled set pieces

Review

I recently watched War 2, and I’ve seen plenty of negative chatter about it - people walking out of theatres, critics giving it below-average ratings, and social media piling on the criticism. But I think the movie was judged far too harshly. While I won’t call it a blockbuster, I do feel it delivered on its promise: an action-packed spectacle that fits perfectly into the growing YRF Spy Universe.

The most common complaint is that it’s all action and no story. But if you’ve watched the original War (released a few years ago), you’ll appreciate the callbacks, references, and new layers to Kabir’s character arc. The movie also lays the groundwork for future Spyverse films. As someone who’s been following this cinematic universe from the Tiger movies to Pathaan and the first War, I liked the continuity and world-building.

Even the first War - starring Hrithik Roshan as Kabir and Tiger Shroff in a double role - wasn’t universally loved at the time. I think many Bollywood fans expect “all-inclusive” films with romance, drama, action, and comedy all rolled into one, and that mindset can set audiences up for disappointment when a movie sticks to a single genre. If you compare War 2 to something like Mission Impossible (known primarily for stunts and spectacle), it’s clear this movie succeeds as a genre-specific action film.

I personally enjoyed the adrenaline-fueled sequences, narrative links to the first War, and the new depth added to Kabir’s journey. The non-linear storytelling with time jumps might have been a bit jarring for some viewers, but that’s also part of what made it interesting for me. There are plenty of edge-of-the-seat moments that make this movie a thrilling watch.

Yes, I might be biased - I’m a longtime fan of the YRF Spyverse, and with Ayan Mukerji at the helm (whose work I’ve always admired for its fresh, new-age style), I had high hopes. For me, War 2 was an exciting experience, and I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone seeking a pure action movie.


Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of the YRF Spyverse or just in the mood for a high-energy action flick, War 2 is worth your time. It’s not flawless, but it’s a solid one-time watch that keeps the Spyverse momentum going. I’m looking forward to what this cinematic universe brings next!

Manav Majithia