KKN Gurugram Desk | The much-anticipated teaser for War 2, the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster War, dropped on May 20, 2025, sending fans into a frenzy — but not entirely in the way the filmmakers had hoped. Featuring Hrithik Roshan reprising his role as the enigmatic Kabir and Telugu superstar Jr NTR in a pivotal role, the teaser for this spy-thriller received a mixed reception on social media.

While some fans praised the scale, visuals, and intensity of the teaser, others criticized it for being overhyped and lacking in substance. In particular, fans of Jr NTR expressed disappointment over his limited screen time in the teaser.

In the midst of this buzz, Hrithik Roshan has finally spoken, sharing his thoughts on the teaser’s feedback, the making of War 2, and his connection with the film and character.

 Hrithik Roshan Reacts: “War is a Special Franchise for Me”

In an exclusive interview with Variety, Hrithik Roshan broke his silence on the online chatter surrounding War 2. Speaking candidly, he expressed both pride and excitement about being part of the YRF Spy Universe and acknowledged the efforts behind such a grand cinematic experience.

“War is truly a special franchise for me. The teaser for War 2 has received a lot of love and appreciation. I feel grateful for the response from fans across languages — for me, NTR, Kiara, Ayan, and the entire team.”

He also emphasized that making an action film of this scale is no easy feat, especially in the Indian cinematic landscape.

“Films of this category demand a unique blend of passion, risk-taking, and technical discipline. We’ve given it our all to bring War 2 to life as an action-drama that audiences can feel proud of.”

 Action and Genre: A Personal Favorite for Hrithik

Known for his charismatic action roles, Hrithik revealed that the action genre holds a special place in his heart, and reprising the role of Kabir in War 2 felt like coming home.

“I’ve been a fan of action films since childhood. Working on War 2 was exhilarating — from the choreography to the stunts, everything challenged me as an actor.”

Hrithik described Kabir as a character that has brought him immense love from audiences over the years. Reprising the role was both emotionally satisfying and creatively stimulating.

“Kabir is a character I’ve cherished. The fact that audiences continue to connect with him means a lot. I’m truly excited to see how they respond when the full film hits the big screen.”

 A Glimpse into War 2’s Plot and Universe

War 2 is the sixth installment in Yash Raj Films’ Spy Universe, following films like Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, Pathaan, and Tiger 3. The universe, known for its interconnected storylines and high-octane espionage drama, has become India’s answer to global franchises like Marvel and Mission: Impossible.

While plot details remain under wraps, War 2 is expected to:

• Continue the storyline of rogue agent Kabir

• Introduce Jr NTR’s character, speculated to be either a nemesis or an ally

• Feature Kiara Advani and Keerthy Suresh in leading roles

• Bridge story arcs between Pathaan, Tiger, and upcoming installments

 Teaser Reception: Mixed Reviews and Fan Expectations

After the teaser dropped, fans quickly took to social media. While many appreciated the production value, stylized action, and background score, others criticized it for:

• Not revealing enough of Jr NTR, despite the hype

• Feeling generic or lacking the emotional pull of the original War

• Being over-edited, making it hard to grasp the storyline

Some tweets described the teaser as “visually appealing but emotionally flat,” while others defended it as a strategic teaser meant to build suspense.

Jr NTR Fans: A Bit Let Down?

A large section of Jr NTR’s fanbase voiced their discontent online, stating that their favorite star was underrepresented in the teaser.

“We waited for months and got barely two glimpses of NTR. Why market the film on his name if you won’t show him?” — read one viral post.

Producers are now expected to release character posters or a second teaser closer to the film’s release to balance expectations.

 Director Ayan Mukerji’s Vision

Helmed by Ayan Mukerji, known for directing Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Brahmastra, War 2 marks his first foray into full-blown action cinema. Insiders suggest that Ayan has brought a fresh narrative approach, aiming to balance introspective character arcs with explosive action sequences.

The film also features Hollywood-style fight choreography, international filming locations, and next-gen VFX, making it one of the most ambitious Indian action films to date.

 Release Date and Language Availability

The film is slated for release on 14 August 2025, strategically positioned to capitalize on the Independence Day weekend. It will release in:

• Hindi

• Tamil

• Telugu

This multi-language release strategy aims to tap into a pan-India audience, especially given Jr NTR’s immense popularity in the South.

Why War 2 Matters for YRF and Indian Cinema

As a continuation of the YRF Spy Universe, War 2 plays a critical role in:

• Expanding India’s first cinematic universe with continuity

• Competing globally with franchises like Marvel, Fast & Furious, and Bond

• Bringing pan-India actors together (Hrithik from Bollywood, Jr NTR from Tollywood)

• Setting new benchmarks for technical execution and action storytelling

YRF’s future plans reportedly include crossovers involving Tiger (Salman Khan), Pathaan (Shah Rukh Khan), and Kabir (Hrithik Roshan) — making War 2 a pivotal film in the universe’s timeline.

In his closing remarks, Hrithik said he is most excited about watching the audience react to the film on the big screen.

“Nothing compares to the collective energy of a cinema hall. I’m waiting to feel that roar, that excitement when War 2 finally releases.”

He thanked fans for their continued support and urged them to wait for the full film before forming final opinions.