The much-anticipated action thriller War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani, is creating buzz ahead of its release—but this time, not just for its high-octane stunts and star power. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has reportedly made significant edits to the film, including trimming a bikini sequence featuring Kiara Advani that had gone viral during its shooting schedule.
The Edits in Spotlight
According to industry insiders, the CBFC review panel recommended cuts and modifications to certain scenes to align the film with certification guidelines. Among the most talked-about changes is the shortening of Kiara Advani’s bikini scene, which was initially shot as part of a beach sequence in a high-energy song. The visuals, which had earlier leaked online during the shoot, had generated massive curiosity among fans.
Sources reveal that while the sequence will still be present in the final cut, it has been reduced in duration and altered in camera angles to make it less revealing. Apart from this, the board has also directed minor changes in dialogue and action scenes to tone down explicit language and graphic violence.
Why the Censor Board Intervened
The CBFC’s intervention appears to stem from its consistent stance on maintaining cultural sensitivities in mainstream cinema. Beachwear sequences, in particular, often draw attention during certification reviews, especially when they are perceived as overtly suggestive. In War 2, the board reportedly felt that certain frames could be modified without compromising the narrative or glamour quotient of the song.
A source close to the production shared, “The creative team was cooperative during the process. They understood that the goal was to ensure the film reaches the widest audience without facing screening hurdles.”
Impact on the Film’s Buzz
If anything, the news of the trims has only amplified public curiosity. Fans of Kiara Advani have taken to social media to express disappointment over the edit, while others believe it will have little impact on the movie’s overall appeal. The leaked visuals from the shoot—captured in an exotic overseas location—had already set social media abuzz months before the film’s trailer launch.
For the makers, however, War 2’s selling points go far beyond a single sequence. The film, directed by Ayan Mukerji, promises an adrenaline-pumping narrative packed with breathtaking action choreography, international espionage elements, and a face-off between Hrithik Roshan’s established superspy character and Jr NTR’s much-anticipated entry into the YRF Spy Universe.
Maintaining the Film’s Vision
Industry experts believe that the trims are unlikely to affect the movie’s commercial prospects. “In high-budget action blockbusters, it’s the larger-than-life action, the star performances, and the music that drive audiences to theatres,” says a trade analyst. “If anything, the conversation around the edits is just free publicity.”
The makers have also clarified that the essence of Kiara’s sequence remains intact and that the scene continues to contribute to the song’s glamour and mood.
The Road to Release
With the CBFC certification process now complete, War 2 is gearing up for a massive global release. The film’s trailers and songs are expected to drop in the coming weeks, further fueling anticipation for what is being billed as one of the biggest cinematic events of the year.
Despite the censor board’s cuts, the hype surrounding War 2 remains sky-high. Between Hrithik’s return as Kabir, Jr NTR’s powerful Bollywood debut, Kiara’s glamour quotient, and Ayan Mukerji’s ambitious direction, the film is poised to deliver a spectacle that could set new benchmarks for the spy-action genre in India.
In the end, the trims may have taken away a few seconds of footage, but they have added several layers of intrigue—ensuring that when War 2 hits theatres, audiences will be eager to see what made the cut and what didn’t.
