The spy thriller War 2, featuring the dynamic duo of Hrithik Roshan and Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr. (NTR Jr.), has taken the box office by storm, crossing ₹300 crore worldwide in just five days since its release on August 14, 2025. Despite facing flak for a lackluster storyline and underwhelming visual effects, the film’s high-energy action, star-studded cast, and loyal fanbase have powered it to this blockbuster milestone, solidifying its place as one of 2025’s biggest hits.

Explosive Opening and Fierce Competition

Directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced under Yash Raj Films’ (YRF) Spy Universe banner, War 2 hit theaters on the eve of Independence Day, locking horns with Rajinikanth’s Coolie, a powerhouse in southern markets. The film roared to a ₹52.5 crore nett opening in India, with the Hindi version raking in ₹29 crore and the Telugu version, fueled by NTR Jr.’s massive following, adding ₹23.25 crore. Tamil collections, however, remained a modest ₹0.25 crore. Globally, War 2 amassed ₹84 crore on its opening day, outpacing Hrithik’s 2019 hit War (₹78 crore) and setting a new personal record for the star.

The Independence Day holiday on August 15 propelled collections to ₹57.35 crore nett in India, pushing the two-day total to ₹108 crore nett (roughly ₹130 crore gross). A 42% dip on day three (August 16) saw earnings drop to ₹33.25 crore, impacted by mixed reviews and Janmashtami festivities affecting theater attendance. Despite this, the film crossed ₹170 crore nett in India by day four and hit ₹300 crore worldwide by August 18, 2025, according to early estimates.

Star Power Shines Bright

War 2, the sixth chapter in the YRF Spy Universe, sees Hrithik Roshan reprise his role as the suave RAW agent Kabir Dhaliwal, pitted against NTR Jr.’s intense special units officer Vikram Chelapathi. The film, marking NTR Jr.’s Bollywood debut, also stars Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana, and Anil Kapoor, with a buzzworthy cameo by Bobby Deol setting up Alpha, the next Spy Universe installment. The electrifying chemistry between Hrithik and NTR Jr., paired with adrenaline-pumping action and the chartbuster “Janaabe Aali,” has kept audiences hooked.

Fans have showered praise on the leads, with Hrithik’s commanding presence and NTR Jr.’s raw intensity stealing the show. Kiara Advani’s fierce action avatar has also won hearts, though some fans on social media jokingly highlighted her “flawless hair” in fight scenes as a standout amidst VFX critiques. X posts reveal a divide, with some hailing War 2 as a “paisa vasool entertainer” while others slammed its “predictable plot” and “cartoonish effects.”

Defying Critics, Breaking Records

Despite its box office dominance, War 2 hasn’t escaped criticism. Reviewers have called out its weak narrative and average VFX, with one critic giving it a mere 1.5 stars for failing to sustain engagement. The Hindi version, grossing ₹73 crore nett in three days, trails behind YRF Spy Universe giants like Pathaan (₹57 crore opening) and the original War (₹53 crore). However, the Telugu markets have been a game-changer, contributing over ₹35 crore nett in three days, thanks to NTR Jr.’s unrivaled pull in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where shows saw 42% occupancy on day three.

Made on a staggering ₹400 crore budget, War 2 includes hefty paychecks—Hrithik reportedly earned ₹50 crore plus a profit share, NTR Jr. ₹70 crore, Kiara ₹15 crore, and Anil Kapoor ₹10 crore. While the film is on track to recover costs, its staying power faces challenges from Coolie, which grossed ₹320–325 crore worldwide in three days.

Record-Breaking Run

War 2 has smashed multiple records, becoming Hrithik Roshan’s biggest global opener and Kiara Advani’s highest opening film, surpassing Kabir Singh. It secured the second-biggest opening of 2025, behind Chhaava (₹33.1 crore), and outperformed Salman Khan’s Sikandar (₹110 crore lifetime) in just three days with ₹142.35 crore nett in India. In the YRF Spy Universe, it ranks third, behind Pathaan and War. The Telugu version’s success underscores NTR Jr.’s star power, marking his third straight film to hit ₹300 crore globally, following RRR and Devara: Part 1.

What’s Next for War 2?

With ₹300 crore in the bag, War 2 is eyeing ₹400 crore worldwide by the end of its first week, provided it holds strong in Hindi and overseas markets. Mixed word-of-mouth and Coolie’s dominance pose hurdles, but fans remain optimistic, with some on X predicting it could outgross Coolie thanks to Hrithik’s Hindi market pull and NTR Jr.’s Telugu stronghold. Hrithik thanked fans for making his “heart fuller” with their cheers, while NTR Jr. called the response “mind-blowing.”

As War 2 continues its theatrical run, its ability to navigate weekday drops and sustain buzz will determine if it can cement its blockbuster status or remain a fan-driven triumph. For now, it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of its stars and the YRF Spy Universe’s grip on audiences.

Disclaimer: Box office figures are sourced from industry trackers like Sacnilk and may vary. Stay tuned to credible sources for the latest updates.