The highly anticipated War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, finally roared into cinemas on August 14, 2025.
Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the latest installment in the YRF Spy Universe promised a visual spectacle loaded with explosive action, star power, and high stakes.
War 2 Box Office Collection Day 1: When the first-day numbers started rolling in, it became clear, the Hindi version’s opening wasn’t quite the thunderous start fans and trade analysts had predicted.
War 2 Box Office Collection Day 1: A Slower-than-Expected Kickoff
Early estimates suggest War 2 is looking at ₹26–28 crore net in Hindi on its opening day — a solid number on paper, but below the sky-high expectations for a film of this scale.
For context, War (2019) had exploded with a ₹50 crore+ debut, setting an incredibly high benchmark.
By 5:30 PM, the film had managed around ₹9.75 crore in national multiplex chains (including advance sales for later shows).
Industry trackers expect these chains to close the day between ₹12.75–₹13.25 crore, contributing roughly 45–50% of the Hindi Day 1 total.
In simpler terms — the action-packed sequel didn’t quite pack the punch in the Hindi market that many had hoped for.
What Went Wrong with the Hindi Opening?
Trade insiders believe several factors could be at play:
- Promotional Assets Missed the Mark
The teaser, trailer, and music — key hype-builders before release — may not have fully connected with cinema-going audiences.
Without that emotional hook, even big stars can face a slower start.
Mass Belt Underperformance
While the film had decent urban occupancy, numbers from mass circuits (tier-2 and tier-3 cities) were softer than expected.Clash with Other Releases
War 2 entered the ring alongside other big titles, including Coolie in the South and Chhaava, which may have split audiences.
The Holiday Hope
Here’s the silver lining: the timing.
Releasing just a day before Independence Day means War 2 has a prime opportunity to bounce back.
The three-day extended holiday weekend could significantly boost collections if word-of-mouth improves.
The battle for the #1 opening of the year in Hindi is currently between War 2 and Chhaava.
Evening and night show trends on day 1, along with Independence Day performance, will decide the winner.
Audience Buzz — Mixed Signals
Early audience feedback is mixed.
Some are thrilled with the scale of the action sequences and the stylish face-off between Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR.
Others, however, feel the emotional connect and storytelling could have been stronger.
On social media, hashtags like #War2 and #HrithikVsNTR trended, but the conversation wasn’t unanimously positive.
This could impact walk-in audiences over the weekend if the chatter leans negative.
YRF’s Box Office Approach — No Shortcuts
One noteworthy detail: unlike several big-budget releases that rely on corporate bookings and self-purchased tickets to inflate day-one numbers, Yash Raj Films has reportedly avoided such tactics.
In today’s competitive box office environment, where perception often drives headlines, this transparency is commendable.
It also means the numbers we’re seeing are a more accurate reflection of audience demand — making the road ahead more reliant on genuine public response.
Regional Contrast: South vs Hindi Belt
While the Hindi version faced challenges, War 2’s Telugu version performed strongly thanks to Jr NTR’s immense popularity.
The South Indian market, particularly Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, showed higher occupancy rates compared to some Hindi territories.
This split highlights the film’s pan-India strategy — it may not dominate every region equally, but its multi-language release allows it to find strengths in different markets.
The Weekend Game Plan
For War 2 to make a strong comeback, several things need to happen over the next three days:
Independence Day Surge — The public holiday could deliver a sharp spike in numbers.
Word-of-Mouth Turnaround — If the audience response trends positive, the film can gain momentum quickly.
Evening & Night Show Growth — Strong later shows are a key indicator of sustained interest.
If these factors align, the film could still close the weekend on a high, potentially crossing the ₹100 crore mark in Hindi by Monday.
Final Word
War 2 may not have delivered a record-breaking opening, but it has launched with solid numbers in the face of massive competition.
Its strength lies in the Hindi belt’s steady turnout, Telugu market dominance, and the cross-industry fan appeal of Hrithik and Jr NTR.
If the momentum holds, War 2 could emerge as one of the year’s highest grossers and cement its place as a worthy continuation of the YRF Spy Universe.
For now, the battle lines are drawn, the action is fierce, and the box office war is just heating up.
With the extended holiday weekend ahead, Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Ayan Mukerji’s sleek spy thriller still has a chance to turn the tide.
The next 72 hours will reveal whether War 2 settles for a respectable run or charges forward to box office glory.
For now, the battle is far from over — and in a film titled War 2, you can bet the fight has just begun.
Box Office Numbers Source: Pinkvilla
Lead Image: YRF
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War 2 Review: Big Action, Big Stars, But A Familiar Plot