War 2 Box Office – Full Report on the Opening Day Collection
Yash Raj Films’ spy universe has welcomed its latest addition, War 2, which hit the theatres on 14 August 2025. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the film stars Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani in lead roles. Releasing right before the Independence Day holiday in India, expectations were sky-high for the War 2 box office performance.
On its opening day, the film managed to score big numbers — but not without facing strong competition from a South Indian mega-release. Let’s break down how War 2 performed at the box office, what critics are saying, and what to expect in the coming days.
Opening Day Collection – Half Century Crossed
According to industry trackers and trade reports, War 2 collected around ₹52.50 crore net in India on Day 1. This figure includes earnings from Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil versions combined.
Here’s the language-wise breakdown:
- Hindi version: ₹29 crore
- Telugu version: ₹23.25 crore
- Tamil version: ₹0.25 crore
Overall, the War 2 box office crossed the half-century mark, making it one of the biggest Hindi openings of 2025. However, compared to the first War (2019), which earned ₹53 crore from Hindi alone, this sequel’s start was slightly lower than expected.
Fierce Competition – Rajinikanth’s “Coolie”
One of the biggest challenges for War 2 was clashing with Rajinikanth’s Coolie, which released on the same day. The superstar’s action drama pulled in ₹65 crore net on Day 1, taking the lead over War 2.
While War 2 box office figures were impressive, Coolie dominated especially in the South Indian markets, where Rajinikanth enjoys an unmatched fan following. This impacted War 2’s regional collections, particularly in Tamil Nadu.
Critical and Audience Response
Day 1 reviews for War 2 have been mixed.
Positives:
- The on-screen chemistry between Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR received praise.
- High-quality action sequences and scenic international locations impressed viewers.
- Music and background score added intensity to the action scenes.
Negatives:
- Several critics found the storyline predictable.
- The second half was considered a bit stretched.
- Certain VFX scenes didn’t meet expectations for a film of this budget.
These mixed reactions could influence War 2 box office performance in the coming days, especially through word-of-mouth.
Comparison with Previous Spy Universe Films
Here’s how War 2 stacks up against other YRF Spy Universe films:
- War (2019) – ₹53 crore opening (Hindi only)
- Pathaan (2023) – ₹57 crore opening (all versions)
- Tiger 3 (2023) – ₹44.5 crore opening
In this lineup, War 2 box office sits below Pathaan and War but above Tiger 3. While not breaking records, it still marks one of the highest Hindi openings in recent times.
Telugu Market Boost – Jr NTR’s Star Power
One of the strongest factors in War 2’s opening day was its performance in the Telugu states. Thanks to Jr NTR’s massive fan base, the Telugu version earned ₹23.25 crore, which is huge for a Bollywood production in this market. Cities like Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam saw high occupancy rates, contributing significantly to the overall War 2 box office total.
Weekend Expectations
With the film releasing just before the Independence Day holiday and followed by a weekend, trade analysts expect the numbers to rise. If the word-of-mouth turns positive, War 2 box office could cross the ₹200 crore net mark in India within its first four days.
Why Was the Opening Slightly Lower Than Expected?
Several factors may have impacted the opening day numbers:
- Direct Clash – Competing with Coolie, a major Rajinikanth release, split audiences.
- Mixed Reviews – Some negative feedback from critics and audiences may have kept a section of moviegoers away.
- High Ticket Prices – Premium pricing in multiplexes may have delayed some viewers until the weekend.
Overseas Performance
Internationally, War 2 box office opened on a decent note, earning around ₹20–22 crore gross from markets like the Gulf countries, North America, and Australia. However, here too, Coolie’s strong pull among the South Indian diaspora slightly overshadowed War 2.
Trade Analysts’ View
Trade experts believe War 2 still has a strong chance to recover and deliver big numbers in the long run. The combination of star power, holiday weekend, and action spectacle can help it sustain beyond the first week. Projections suggest the film could end up in the ₹300–350 crore net India range, provided it holds well after the weekend.
Final Thoughts
On Day 1, War 2 box office earned ₹52.50 crore in India — a solid figure, but slightly behind the high benchmarks set by its predecessor and other Spy Universe films. The Independence Day holiday weekend offers a great opportunity for the film to gain momentum.
For action lovers, War 2 delivers high-octane stunts, star charisma, and stylish visuals. The real test will be whether the film can maintain its pace against strong competition and mixed reviews. All eyes are now on its weekend performance to see if it can turn a good opening into a blockbuster run.
Also Read: AI-Powered Climate Change Solutions That Might Actually Work (2025 Edition).
