War 2, the new entry from the YRF Spy Franchise, has burst onto the international box office. The Ayan Mukerji-directed, high-energy follow-up to 2019’s War features Hrithik Roshan reprising his role and Jr NTR debuting with a strong performance in a Bollywood film. The film, which opened in theaters only two days ago, has already grossed more than ₹150 crore globally, breaking box office records and becoming a new benchmark for Indian Independence Day releases.
A Humble Beginning, Then a Huge Jump
Although the movie had huge anticipation, War 2 opened moderately on Day 1. But then Day 2 was a phenomenal turnaround. Due to the Independence Day holiday and positive word-of-mouth, the movie saw a dramatic surge in footfalls, particularly in the Hindi-speaking belts.
According to trade estimates, War 2 earned approximately ₹108 crore net in India over the first two days. The gross domestic collection stands close to ₹130 crore. Overseas, the film has already collected over $4 million (roughly ₹35 crore), pushing its worldwide total to about ₹165 crore. For a film in its early days, these are exceptional numbers and a strong indicator of sustained success.
Independence Day Record: A New Champion Emerges
War 2 made history on August 15, becoming the highest-grossing Bollywood film on Independence Day. It outpaced several blockbuster releases that had dominated the holiday in previous years.
Here are the top 5 highest-grossing Bollywood films on Independence Day (India net collection):
1. War 2 – ₹56–₹57 crore (estimated)
2. Stree 2 / Gadar 2 – ₹55.40 crore
3. Ek Tha Tiger – ₹32.93 crore
4. Singham Returns – ₹32.10 crore
5. Mission Mangal – ₹29.16 crore
The film registered 49.9% occupancy in theaters on Day 2, a massive leap from Day 1’s 29.2%, showing how well the film resonated with viewers.
A Movie That Bridges North and South
What really makes War 2 special is its pan-India pull. While Hrithik Roshan brings in the Bollywood sheen and huge fan following in the North, Jr NTR wins over the South Indian crowd with his authoritative presence. The Telugu version performed well on Day 1, although it dipped slightly on Day 2, a common trend, but growth in the Hindi version more than made up for it.
The supporting cast includes Ashutosh Rana and Kiara Advani, both giving decent performances. As a bonus, the film’s post-credits scene welcomes Bobby Deol with the next installment of the Spy Universe: Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, releasing in December 2025.
Top 10 in Two Days
Within two days of its release, War 2 has already found its spot in the top 10 highest-grossing films of Bollywood for 2025. It has surpassed lifetime collections of new releases like
• Kesari Chapter 2 – ₹144 crore
• Jaat – ₹119 crore
Currently at 9th position, the movie must go even higher this weekend and might even breach the top 3 along with biggies Chhaava and Saiyaara. Very few films reach such heights so early on, making War 2 a box office behemoth.
The ₹400 Crore Question
With such momentum, it is only to be expected to ask: Can War 2 touch ₹400 crore globally in its opening week? Industry experts feel it is quite likely. As long as the film continues at this pace over the weekend and into weekdays, the mark could be reached ahead of schedule.
The movie’s mix of stylish action, star power, and engaging story is obviously resonating with both mass-market audiences and urban multiplex audiences. Its box office strength internationally also contributes immensely to its worldwide box office pull.
Building the YRF Spy Universe
This is more than a sequel; it is a significant leap in expanding the YRF Spy Universe, which also comprises Pathaan and Tiger 3. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, War 2 offers a new visual aesthetic, condensed narration, and an overseas touch that lifts the franchise to a new level.
The inclusion of Jr NTR brings in new vigor to the franchise, offering crossovers and collaborations in the future of Indian cinema. And with Alpha already on the horizon, YRF is obviously not resting on its laurels to create a durable cinematic universe.
Final Thoughts
War 2 is not only a box office success, it’s a celebration of Indian cinema on its biggest scale. With Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR’s electric chemistry, Ayan Mukerji’s crisp direction, and a growing universe that fans are excited to explore, the film delivers on every front.
In just two days, it has broken records, set new benchmarks, and given Bollywood the kind of big-screen moment it thrives on. If you love action, thrills, and scale, War 2 is the film to watch right now.