War 2 Box Office Day 2: Jr NTR & Hrithik Roshan’s Action Epic Earns ₹79.95 Crore Worldwide, Still Short of ₹650 Crore Hit Target

The much-anticipated espionage thriller War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, launched with high expectations on August 14, 2025. Backed by Yash Raj Films and part of its expansive Spy Universe, the film managed to gross ₹79.95 crore worldwide by the end of its second day. While the figure may sound impressive, it falls short when measured against the film’s massive ₹325 crore production budget.

Domestically, War 2 earned a ₹52.5 crore net on its opening day. This figure represents just about 16% of the film’s cost, raising industry concerns about whether the movie can recoup its investment. According to trade estimates, the film needs to earn at least ₹650 crore in domestic net collections to be declared a hit.

War 2 Movie Box Office Collection Day 2: How Strong Was the Follow-Up?

On its second day, which coincided with India’s Independence Day, War 2 saw a significant uptick in viewership. Early trade reports indicate a collection of ₹46 crore on Day 2, bringing the total domestic net collection to nearly ₹98 crore. The growth in ticket sales suggests a promising start to its extended holiday run, although the long-term performance is still uncertain.

The film saw a jump of nearly 42.5% in ticket sales compared to Day 1, with over 238,000 tickets sold through online platforms. This increase reflects growing audience interest, likely fueled by the holiday break and the film’s big-screen action appeal.

Why War 2 Faces an Uphill Battle Despite Strong Openings

Big Budget, Bigger Expectations

With a production budget crossing ₹325 crore, War 2 is one of the most expensive Indian films ever made. The makers and distributors are eyeing at least ₹650 crore in domestic net earnings to mark it as a commercial success. That sets a very high bar compared to its predecessor, War (2019), which had a lower budget but more profitable returns.

Star Power with Regional Appeal

The addition of Jr NTR was meant to attract South Indian audiences and extend the movie’s pan-India reach. While the Telugu version did perform reasonably well, the overall regional contribution is being labeled as “underwhelming,” especially when compared to Jr NTR’s usual pull.

Comparisons With Competition

War 2 is currently facing stiff competition from Rajinikanth’s Coolie, which is raking in massive numbers across India. On Day 2, War 2 managed to slightly edge out Coolie in box office earnings, but the margin was slim. Industry insiders are closely watching whether War 2 can maintain momentum over the weekend or lose steam to its competitors.

What Could Influence War 2’s Box Office Trajectory?

• Holiday Advantage: The Independence Day release window gives the film a multi-day head start, which could lead to stronger weekend totals.

• Word of Mouth: Audience feedback has been mixed, particularly about the storyline and pacing. This could impact future collections, especially beyond the first week.

• Spy Universe Legacy: Being part of YRF’s Spy Universe, expectations for War 2 were sky-high. Comparisons with Pathaan and War are inevitable, and the film must live up to both box office and brand benchmarks.

• South Indian Reception: The relatively tepid response from Telugu-speaking regions could be a roadblock, considering Jr NTR’s casting was aimed at boosting those figures.

• International Markets: Overseas collections stood at around $3 million (₹25 crore) on Day 1. While that’s decent, stronger international traction will be necessary for the film to reach global blockbuster status.

For Your Information (FAQs)

Q1: What is War 2’s total box office collection by Day 2?
As of the second day, War 2 has grossed ₹79.95 crore worldwide, with ₹52.5 crore net coming from domestic markets.

Q2: How much does War 2 need to earn to be a hit?
Given its ₹325 crore budget, the film must earn at least ₹650 crore in domestic net collections to be considered a commercial hit.

Q3: Did War 2 perform well in South Indian states?
Despite Jr NTR’s popularity, the film’s regional performance has been considered underwhelming, with contributions in the ₹60 crore range.

Q4: How did War 2’s Day 2 compare with Day 1?
Ticket sales increased by over 42% on Day 2, with more than 238,000 tickets sold, indicating rising public interest.

Q5: Is War 2 performing better than Rajinikanth’s Coolie?
On Day 2, War 2 slightly outperformed Coolie in terms of box office earnings, but the overall battle for the weekend is still ongoing.

Q6: What are experts saying about War 2’s future box office prospects?
Experts believe the film has potential due to the holiday period and its place in the Spy Universe but warn that mixed audience reviews may impact its longevity at the box office.