The pairing of Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR in ‘War 2’ was highly anticipated, promising a cinematic spectacle. With a budget of 400 crore and the backing of the YRF Spy Universe, the film was poised for success. However, upon its release on August 14th, the initial buzz turned into disappointment for many fans.
While the film offered some impressive visuals and action sequences, it struggled with a weak narrative, issues with its screenplay, and a lack of emotional depth. Here are five critical failures that prevented ‘War 2’ from reaching its full potential.
1. **A Weak and Predictable Story:** The main critique of ‘War 2’ revolves around its weak and predictable plot. Some viewers felt the film prioritized style over substance. While the production invested in grand action scenes, the story lacked substance. The narrative starts well but quickly becomes slow and predictable. The climax is revealed relatively early on. Unlike the earlier films in the YRF Spy Universe, ‘War 2’ offered little in the way of a fresh narrative, making it difficult for viewers to connect.
2. **Lackluster Chemistry Between Hrithik and Jr. NTR:** The anticipated clash between Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR was a major draw. Trailers suggested a compelling rivalry. However, their on-screen chemistry fell short of expectations. The actors did not share sufficient screen time. Their interactions did not generate the desired impact.
3. **Subpar Visual Effects:** For action films, the quality of the action sequences is paramount. While some action scenes in ‘War 2’ were well-executed, many suffered from poor visual effects. In particular, the action sequences on the boat and the fight scene above the plane looked unconvincing. These scenes made the viewing experience feel more like watching a video game than a movie.
4. **Slow Pacing and Long Runtime:** The film’s length was also a contributing factor. ‘War 2’ has a runtime of approximately 170 minutes, which is 2 hours and 50 minutes. The second half suffers from a noticeable slowdown, with the narrative feeling stretched to accommodate more action scenes.
5. **Missing Emotional Connection and Logical Inconsistencies:** Previous films in the YRF Spy Universe, like ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Tiger Zinda Hai,’ succeeded in creating an emotional connection despite their simpler plots. ‘War 2’ noticeably lacks this emotional depth, prioritizing action over emotional resonance. The film also presents inconsistencies in logic, with some scenes appearing to be included solely for their visual appeal rather than their contribution to the story.
