Despite a star-studded cast and the backing of a major franchise, “War 2” has stumbled at the box office, collecting a “disappointing” ₹204 crore in its first week across all languages. The highly anticipated sequel, which brought together two of the biggest names in Indian cinema, Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, has failed to live up to the sky-high expectations set by its predecessor, leaving both fans and trade analysts in shock.
A Disappointing First Week for War 2: The Numbers Speak for Themselves
According to Sacnilk, a leading box office tracker, “War 2” collected a mere ₹204 crore in its first week in all languages, with the Hindi belt contributing only ₹150 crore. This figure pales in comparison to the original “War” (2019), which featured Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff and went on to collect a massive ₹475 crore in its lifetime. The sharp decline in collections indicates that the film, directed by Ayan Mukerji, failed to create the kind of buzz and repeat viewership that is essential for a blockbuster.
The film’s performance has been particularly weak on weekdays, with a massive drop in collections after a decent opening weekend. This has raised concerns among trade analysts about the film’s long-term viability and its ability to recover its substantial budget. While the film was expected to be a major money-spinner, its underwhelming performance has now put it on the path to being a commercial disappointment.
The Verdict Is In: The Reasons Behind the Failure
The credit for the film’s lackluster performance is being placed squarely on its creative and technical aspects. According to audience and critic reviews, the film suffered from a weak story and screenplay. Many felt that the narrative was uninspired and lacked the emotional depth that made the first film so engaging. The plot was criticized for being predictable and filled with clichés, failing to provide a fresh experience for viewers.
Furthermore, the VFX and direction have also come under fire. Audiences have complained about the jarring and unrealistic visual effects, which took away from the overall cinematic experience. Director Ayan Mukerji, known for his fantasy films, was criticized for his shift to the action genre, with many feeling that his direction lacked the finesse and a coherent vision needed for a high-octane spy thriller. The direction was also blamed for the film’s uneven pacing, particularly in the second half, which was said to be overly long and emotionally flat.
A Missed Opportunity: The Lost Potential of a Star-Studded Cast
The biggest disappointment for fans was the lack of a compelling face-off between Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR. The two actors, who have a massive following, were expected to deliver a memorable on-screen rivalry. While their individual performances were praised, many felt that the script failed to capitalize on their combined star power. The film was seen as more of a star vehicle than a cohesive story, with the makers prioritizing the actors’ “aura farming” over a strong and believable narrative.
The failure of “War 2” is a wake-up call for the industry. It proves that a big budget, a star-studded cast, and a popular franchise are no longer enough to guarantee success. Audiences are now demanding a strong story, a compelling narrative, and a flawless execution. The film’s disappointing performance will likely lead to a major re-evaluation of strategies within the YRF Spy Universe and the Indian film industry as a whole.
