After a thunderous start at the box office, Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR’s highly anticipated action-thriller War 2 is now witnessing a noticeable slowdown in collections. The film, which opened to record-breaking numbers and massive hype, is struggling to maintain its momentum as it enters the second week of release.
A Strong Start, But Not Sustainable
On its opening day, War 2 stormed into cinemas with double-digit collections, fueled by immense star power, the success of its predecessor (War starring Hrithik and Tiger Shroff), and the excitement of watching Jr NTR in his Bollywood debut. The film collected more than Rs 50 crore on Day 1, making it one of the highest openers of 2025.
However, after a spectacular weekend, the film’s performance began to taper off. Despite being packed with high-octane action sequences, stylish visuals, and mass appeal, the weekday collections failed to match the early hype.
Day 9 Collection Report
According to industry estimates, War 2 has earned around Rs 6–7 crore on Day 9, pushing its total to approximately Rs 244 crore in India. While this is an impressive figure by any standard, expectations were far higher, especially considering the film’s massive budget and pre-release buzz.
The second Friday drop has raised concerns among trade experts. With competition from regional releases and upcoming Bollywood biggies, the film is finding it increasingly difficult to cross the Rs 250 crore milestone, a mark it was expected to surpass with ease within its first week.
Why the Dip in Collections?
Several factors appear to be contributing to the film’s struggle:
- High Expectations vs Reality: Audiences walked in with sky-high hopes, but many found the storyline predictable despite the dazzling action.
- Mixed Reviews: While fans praised Hrithik Roshan’s charisma and Jr NTR’s powerhouse screen presence, critics pointed out loopholes in the screenplay and pacing.
- Strong Competition: Regional films and mid-budget releases have eaten into its collections, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
- Budget Pressure: With a reported production cost exceeding Rs 350 crore, the film needs much stronger hold at the box office to break even comfortably.
Star Power Still Shines
Despite the dip, one cannot deny the pull of Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR. Hrithik continues to dominate with his effortless charm and action-hero aura, while Jr NTR has made a memorable Bollywood debut, winning applause for his intensity and screen presence. Their combination remains the film’s biggest highlight and a major crowd-puller.
The Road Ahead
Industry trackers believe the coming weekend will be crucial. If War 2 manages to pick up pace on Saturday and Sunday, it may still cross the Rs 250 crore mark by early next week. However, sustaining beyond that will be an uphill battle.
The film’s overseas performance has provided some relief, with strong collections from North America, the Middle East, and Australia. Still, the domestic slowdown raises questions about whether the film can achieve blockbuster status or settle as a mere hit.
War 2 was expected to redefine box office records, but after nine days, it finds itself battling to stay afloat beyond the Rs 250 crore benchmark. The film’s fate will depend on how well it holds during its second weekend. For now, Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR’s on-screen magic remains a delight for fans, but the film’s box office journey highlights once again that star power alone is not enough—content is king.
