Ayan Mukerji on War 2: “Building the Clash Between Hrithik Roshan and NTR Took the Longest Time”

The excitement surrounding War 2 is sky-high, and with good reason. As the sixth film in Yash Raj Films’ blockbuster YRF Spy Universe, this massive 2025 action spectacle brings together two powerhouses of Indian cinema — Hrithik Roshan and NTR Jr. Directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Aditya Chopra, the film is shaping up to be a monumental cinematic event.

Director Ayan Mukerji opened up about the challenges and thrill of stepping into the world of War, a franchise already beloved by audiences. “Carrying forward a legacy like War is a huge creative challenge,” Ayan shares. “I saw it as both a responsibility and a chance to honor the original while creating something fresh and electrifying. It wasn’t just about crafting big visuals — it was about giving fans a reason to be excited again.”

Ayan revealed that a significant portion of the development process was devoted to building the emotional and narrative framework that could support the much-anticipated face-off between Hrithik Roshan and NTR. “The longest stretch of time was spent fine-tuning the conflict between these two iconic characters. We had to ensure the stakes were massive and the confrontation was worth the wait.”

Every action sequence, every beat of the storyline has been designed with cinematic scale in mind. Ayan emphasized that War 2 is built to be a grand theatrical spectacle — one that celebrates the sheer scale and drama of Indian cinema. “Bringing Hrithik and NTR together is not just about star power — it’s about what they represent. Their coming together had to feel epic, explosive, and emotionally gripping,” he said.

According to Ayan, War 2 is more than just another action film — it’s a celebration of Indian storytelling at its grandest. “We know fans have sky-high expectations from this pairing, and every moment of our planning and execution has been about exceeding those expectations.”

War 2 promises to be a high-octane thrill ride and is slated for a global theatrical release on August 14, 2025, just in time to light up the Independence Day weekend.