Hrithik Roshan’s ‘War 2’ faces downward trend in first week

Hrithik Roshan’s War 2 is set to wrap its extended first week on a disappointing note, nearing ₹150 crore at the box office.

The newly released action-thriller has taken the internet by storm with its latest box office update.

According to Pinkvilla, War 2 earned ₹3.75 crore on Thursday, August 21, closing its first week with a total of ₹147.75 crore.

Meanwhile, Ayan Mukerji’s directorial kicked off its theatrical run with ₹28 crore and collected around ₹125 crore net over its opening weekend.

War 2, starring Roshan, 51, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani, is expected to conclude its theatrical run with collections comparable to Ek Tha Tiger.

This comes after the film took the lead over Rajinikanth’s Coolie at the box office on its second day of release.

As per Pinkvilla, War 2 collected ₹67 crore on its second day, Friday, August 15, while Coolie earned ₹63.50 crore.

However, both projects witnessed a significant drop in collections on Saturday, August 16.

Meanwhile, the Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara star is set to reprise his role as Major Kabir Dhaliwal in the sequel to the 2019 War.

For the unversed, War 2 was released on Thursday, August 14.

Star Power and High Expectations

War 2 arrived with massive anticipation due to its ensemble cast and the success of its predecessor. The combination of Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR created a buzz across fan bases, while the inclusion of Kiara Advani brought in a fresh dynamic. Despite this powerful trio, the film’s overall performance is being closely examined by industry watchers who expected a higher first-week figure.

The Challenge of Comparisons

Whenever a big-budget action film releases, comparisons are inevitable. War 2 was expected to replicate or surpass the phenomenal performance of War (2019), which had set benchmarks in terms of box office collection and cinematic appeal. However, with mixed word of mouth and a drop in daily numbers, the sequel has been unable to sustain the same level of momentum.

Competition in the Market

Another factor affecting War 2’s box office run has been its competition with other large-scale films. Rajinikanth’s Coolie, released around the same time, divided audience attention and created a box office clash. While War 2 managed to take the lead on its second day, the long-term challenge of sustaining collections became evident once both films started experiencing daily drops.

Critical Reception and Audience Response

Early reviews of the film praised Hrithik Roshan’s return as Kabir Dhaliwal, highlighting his action sequences and screen presence. Jr NTR’s performance also received appreciation for adding intensity to the storyline. However, some critics pointed out issues with pacing and predictability, which may have impacted the repeat viewing factor that usually drives long box office runs for action thrillers.

The Importance of Overseas Collections

Another aspect of War 2’s performance is its overseas numbers. Bollywood action films often generate significant revenue from international markets, particularly in the Middle East, the U.S., and Europe. While initial reports indicate a respectable performance abroad, the global tally may not be enough to offset the domestic slowdown. This could influence the final worldwide gross of the film.

Franchise Building and YRF’s Strategy

War 2 is also part of the larger YRF Spy Universe, which includes blockbusters like Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, and Pathaan. Each new installment carries the responsibility of keeping the cinematic universe exciting while also maintaining box office dominance. The performance of War 2, therefore, is not only about one film but also about the momentum of this expanding franchise.

Looking Ahead

Despite its slower-than-expected trajectory, War 2 is still likely to be remembered for bringing Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR together on the big screen for the first time. The sequel’s action set pieces and high-octane moments will likely find appreciation among loyal fans, even if the film falls short of record-breaking numbers.

Producers will now be looking at how the film performs in its second week. Sustained collections will be key in determining whether War 2 secures a respectable position within the YRF Spy Universe or is considered one of its weaker entries.