In a major setback for Yash Raj Films, War 2—one of the most anticipated films of 2025 featuring superstar Hrithik Roshan and Telugu icon Jr NTR—has failed to sustain its momentum beyond the opening weekend. Directed by Ayan Mukerji and backed by a massive ₹400 crore budget, the film started strong but collapsed on its first Monday, earning only ₹8.50 crore in India. With just ₹183.25 crore grossed domestically in five days and ₹274 crore globally, War 2 is now being termed the first flop in the YRF Spy Universe.

Released during the extended Independence Day weekend, War 2 had every advantage—two national holidays, big star power, and a successful predecessor in War (2019). But poor content and weak word of mouth crippled its run. The film’s Monday crash has sent shockwaves across the industry, raising concerns about high-budget action films relying too heavily on brand value and less on story substance.

Why did War 2 crash despite a strong opening weekend?

The first clear sign of trouble was visible from Day 2 onwards. The Telugu version, expected to draw Jr NTR’s fanbase in large numbers, saw a steep decline. Fans expressed disappointment over Jr NTR’s limited screen time and a secondary role, further impacting regional collections.

Occupancy reports on Monday were alarming. The nationwide average occupancy stood at just 12.13%, with morning shows recording 8.33%, afternoon 12.93%, and evening shows 15.12%. These figures are exceptionally low for a film of such scale.

While War 2 saw a great opening with its Independence Day and Janmashtami push, the content failed to generate repeat viewership or positive buzz. Social media was abuzz with critiques calling the plot weak and character arcs underdeveloped.

Expert Analysis: High risk, low reward for YRF’s Spy Universe?

Film trade analysts believe Yash Raj Films over-relied on franchise strength and fan following rather than focusing on screenplay quality. With War 2, YRF had ambitions to further expand its Spy Universe, which includes films like Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, Pathaan, and War. However, this latest outing might make the studio rethink its strategy.

Industry expert Komal Nahta noted that “no amount of star power can salvage a poorly written film. War 2’s crash was inevitable after the kind of response it received post-weekend.”

War 2 was positioned as a cinematic spectacle, but audiences today expect more than just style—they demand strong storytelling and emotional engagement.

What’s Next: Can War 2 recover its massive ₹400 crore budget?

Realistically, the recovery looks difficult. At ₹274 crore worldwide in 5 days, War 2 would need an extraordinary second week to come close to breaking even. But with negative word of mouth and declining occupancy, chances appear slim. Even digital and satellite rights might not be enough to cover the losses.

The poor performance has not only impacted box office returns but also shaken the credibility of the YRF Spy Universe, which had seen successive hits so far. Going forward, it will be critical for YRF to regroup, refocus on content quality, and perhaps reconsider release strategies and casting decisions.

War 2 serves as a cautionary tale for Bollywood—a reminder that even the biggest names cannot guarantee success without a solid script.

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For your information:

What is the War 2 box office collection till day 5?
War 2 has earned ₹183.25 crore in India and ₹274 crore globally in five days, with a sharp decline in collections post the opening weekend.

Why is War 2 being called the first flop in the YRF Spy Universe?
Despite a big budget and a star-studded cast, War 2 failed due to poor content, low occupancy, and weak audience engagement after its first weekend.

How did Jr NTR fans react to War 2?
Many Telugu fans were disappointed with Jr NTR’s limited role and screen presence, leading to a crash in the Telugu version from day 2 onward.

What was the occupancy rate of War 2 on Monday?
On its fifth day, War 2 recorded only 12.13% average occupancy across India, with morning shows as low as 8.33%.

Can War 2 still recover its ₹400 crore budget?
Given the current trajectory and poor audience response, War 2 is unlikely to recover its budget unless it sees an unexpected boost in later weeks.

Is War 2 a sequel to the 2019 film War?
Yes, War 2 is a sequel to the 2019 hit War, and is part of the YRF Spy Universe which also includes films like Pathaan and Tiger Zinda Hai.