As anticipation builds for War 2, one of the most awaited action thrillers in the YRF Spy Universe, the spotlight has returned to its charismatic lead—Hrithik Roshan. With a career spanning over two decades, Hrithik has seen monumental highs, challenging lows, and a remarkable resurgence. Known for his impeccable screen presence, versatility, and unmatched dancing skills, Hrithik’s journey to War 2 has been nothing short of a cinematic odyssey.
Let’s take a detailed look at Hrithik Roshan’s recent box office performances, tracing his evolution from the emotional depth of Super 30 to the action-packed spectacle of Fighter, all leading up to his next big-screen showdown in War 2.
1. Super 30 (2019): A Gritty Performance With Emotional Depth
In Super 30, Hrithik took on the role of real-life mathematician Anand Kumar, who trained underprivileged students for the IIT entrance exam. The film marked a departure from his usual glamourous roles and showcased his dedication to performance over persona.
- Box Office Verdict: Hit
- Worldwide Gross: Over ₹200 crore
- Highlight: Hrithik’s transformation and accent work were widely appreciated.
Despite initial skepticism about his suitability for the role, Hrithik silenced critics with a grounded performance, proving his mettle as a serious actor.
2. War (2019): A Record-Breaking Blockbuster
Released just months after Super 30, War saw Hrithik in his element—stylish, brooding, and physically formidable. Teaming up with Tiger Shroff, the film was a high-octane action thriller with breathtaking sequences and slick storytelling.
- Box Office Verdict: All-Time Blockbuster
- Worldwide Gross: Over ₹475 crore
- Highlight: The mentor-vs-protégé dynamic between Hrithik and Tiger was a crowd-puller.
War became Hrithik’s highest-grossing film and set a benchmark for action cinema in India. It firmly re-established him as a mass entertainer and a bankable star.
3. Vikram Vedha (2022): Critically Acclaimed, Commercially Divided
A remake of the Tamil hit by the same name, Vikram Vedha paired Hrithik with Saif Ali Khan in a cat-and-mouse thriller. Hrithik played Vedha, a gangster with philosophical undertones, bringing raw energy and unpredictability to the screen.
- Box Office Verdict: Underwhelming
- Worldwide Gross: Around ₹135 crore
- Highlight: Hrithik’s performance was lauded, though the film underperformed commercially.
Despite positive reviews for his layered portrayal, Vikram Vedha couldn’t recreate the box office magic of War, possibly due to genre fatigue and stiff competition.
4. Fighter (2024): India’s First Aerial Action Film
In Fighter, Hrithik reunited with director Siddharth Anand and starred opposite Deepika Padukone in a patriotic action-drama set against the backdrop of the Indian Air Force. Billed as India’s first aerial action film, it was visually grand but received mixed reactions post-release.
- Box Office Verdict: Average to Above Average
- Worldwide Gross: Estimated around ₹215 crore
- Highlight: Stunning air combat scenes and Hrithik’s commanding screen presence.
While the film didn’t match War‘s box office thunder, Fighter added another ambitious project to Hrithik’s filmography and kept his action-star image intact.
Hrithik Roshan’s Upcoming Film: War 2 (2025)
With War 2, Hrithik is set to reprise his role as Kabir, this time directed by Ayan Mukerji (Brahmāstra). The film will reportedly feature NTR Jr. as the antagonist, upping the scale and stakes.
- Expectations: Sky-high
- Buzz: War 2 is expected to be a pan-India film, integrating deeper into the YRF Spy Universe with crossover appearances by characters like Pathaan and Tiger.
Given the enormous success of War, audiences are eagerly waiting to see how War 2 builds on the franchise with a new vision, bigger stunts, and a star-studded ensemble.
A Star Who Continues to Evolve
Hrithik Roshan’s recent box office journey reflects a mix of critical acclaim and commercial experimentation. From socially conscious roles in Super 30, sleek spy thrillers like War, to genre-breaking films like Fighter, Hrithik has balanced stardom with substance.
As War 2 approaches, the actor finds himself at a crucial juncture—where legacy meets reinvention. Whether it smashes records or not, one thing is certain: Hrithik Roshan continues to push boundaries, refusing to be boxed into one kind of cinema.
Box office numbers aside, Hrithik’s enduring charm and relentless pursuit of excellence are what truly make him one of Bollywood’s finest.
