War 2: An Action-Packed Spectacle with Mixed Results

Exploring the Chaos of War 2

What exactly is the essence of War 2? This question lingers as I attempt to decipher the film's portrayal of rogue soldiers waging their own battles for the nation.

When Anil Kapoor appeared with his signature glasses and Kiara Advani donned a bikini, I began to appreciate the familiar storytelling style of director Ayan Mukerji: rather than overthinking, we are invited to immerse ourselves in the dark realm of these fierce soldiers.

Admittedly, the terms 'dark' and 'fierce' may seem contradictory. The film's urgent narrative repeatedly cautions us against trying to make sense of the storyline. Instead, we find ourselves surrendering to the sensory overload that the film delivers with gusto.

The action sequences are undeniably thrilling, each lasting around fifteen minutes. Hrithik Roshan's introduction is notably longer than that of NTR Jr., who makes a later entrance, with the former taking down a Japanese mafia single-handedly and the latter confronting Somali pirates at sea.

Fans of NTR need not worry; he has ample screen time in this explosive adventure. He exudes confidence and speaks Hindi fluently, while Hrithik Roshan's dialogue delivery is dangerously laid-back, suggesting that missing his words could have dire consequences.

In this installment, Hrithik shares a compelling dynamic with young YouTuber Arista Mehta, who portrays the orphaned daughter of a soldier adopted by his character, Kabir. Their relationship culminates in the film's most exhilarating action scene set against the picturesque backdrop of Spain, beginning in a small red car and culminating on a speeding train, leaving both characters and viewers breathless.

However, the film's pacing presents challenges. The narrative tends to lose momentum during quieter moments, creating a noticeable dip in energy. The drama appears to be constructed around the action sequences, reminiscent of Mahesh Bhatt's Aashiqui, where the music came first.

In this light, War 2 could be viewed as the Aashiqui of the action genre. The chosen filming locations for the stunts are stunning enough to grace a National Geographic feature, and the dialogues penned by Abbas Tyrewala serve as effective plot enhancers.

While the first half is packed with intense action, the second half introduces a lengthy flashback that takes us back to Kabir and Vikram's teenage years. The juvenile facility is depicted as a recruitment ground for potential army candidates, a concept that raises eyebrows.

The climactic showdown between the two protagonists unfolds in a frigid setting, where NTR greets Hrithik with the iconic song Yaari hai imaan mera from Zanjeer, reminiscent of the camaraderie seen in classic films. Throughout War 2, the allegiances of Hrithik and NTR remain ambiguous, transforming what could have been an intriguing plot twist into a test of our patience.

Regarding the casting, the two leads engage with the fervor of competitive racers who have lost their way. Anil Kapoor attempts to stay engaged, but ultimately, like the audience, he seems eager to leave. Kiara Advani has now taken on the role of the less glamorous counterpart to Deepika Padukone.

Yash Raj Films' favorite actress, Vaani Kapoor, makes a brief appearance in a flashback, having previously been present in spirit in their last film.

One final thought: was Ayan Mukerji the ideal choice to helm this project?