Netflix to Stream 'War 2' on Oct 9, 2025 – Hrithik Roshan & Jr NTR Action Returns
When Hrithik Roshan, the Bollywood action heavyweight, teamed up with Telugu star N. T. Rama Rao Jr. for War 2, fans expected fireworks – and now those fireworks are set to light up living rooms across the globe.
The blockbuster, directed by Ayan Mukerji, will debut on Netflix on October 9, 2025, offering Hindi, Telugu and Tamil audio tracks. The streaming window opens exactly eight weeks after the film’s theatrical launch on August 14, 2025, which coincided with India’s Independence Day weekend.
Netflix’s promotional tweet—“Double the rage. Double the rampage. Ready for the War? Watch War 2, out 9 October on Netflix”—sparked a mixture of laughter emojis and countdown posts, showing just how eager the audience is to see whether the movie’s high‑octane action can translate to the small screen.
Background and Production
Produced by Aditya Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj Films, War 2 is the sixth chapter of the YRF Spy Universe. The story follows Kabir Dhaliwal, a rogue ex‑RAW operative, and pits him against Vikram Chelapathi, a fresh face in Hindi cinema played by Jr NTR.
Principal photography kicked off in October 2023 in Mumbai, before the crew hopped to Spain’s Salamanca (specifically Plaza de Anaya), Italy and Abu Dhabi for high‑budget set pieces. The film’s budget ballooned to somewhere between ₹300 crore and ₹400 crore, making it one of the costliest Indian productions to date.
Music veteran Pritam handled the songs, while brothers Sanchit and Ankit Balhara crafted the orchestral score. The visual spectacle was rolled out in IMAX, D‑Box, 4DX and Dolby Cinema, promising an immersive theater experience.
Box Office Performance and Critical Reception
Despite the spectacle, the film underperformed financially. Reported worldwide grosses vary: Wikipedia lists ₹303‑₹351 crore, while the Times of India cites a slightly higher ₹364.25 crore. Both numbers fall short of the original War’s lifetime collection of Rs 471 crore.
Critics were split. Praise landed on the performances of Roshan, Jr NTR and the late‑stage action choreography. However, reviewers hammered the screenplay, describing the plot as thin and the visual effects as inconsistent. The mix of glowing fan reactions on social media and the lukewarm critical consensus sparked a lively debate about whether the film’s ambition outpaced its execution.
Nevertheless, the movie still emerged as the third highest‑grossing Hindi film of 2025 and the sixth highest‑grossing Indian film of the year – a testament to the sheer size of the Indian market.
Netflix Release and Audience Expectations
Moving to OTT, the film’s eight‑week window aligns with the industry’s standard for big‑budget releases, giving theaters a respectable run before the digital shift. Netflix’s decision to carry the title in three major Indian languages reflects a strategy to capture regional viewership, especially after Jr NTR’s Hindi debut generated buzz in South‑Indian markets.
Early reactions to the Netflix trailer suggest viewers are curious whether the film’s massive action set‑pieces will hold up on a 1080p or 4K home screen. Analysts note that films that struggled at the box office but have star power often find a second life on streaming platforms, citing examples like “Baaghi 3” and “Rustom.”
Netflix will also roll out a “behind‑the‑scenes” mini‑series, featuring interviews with Roshan, Jr NTR, and director Mukerji, aiming to deepen engagement and perhaps offset the film’s theatrical shortcomings.
Future of the YRF Spy Universe
Fans won’t have to wait long for the next chapter. The post‑credits scene of War 2 teased a forthcoming installment titled Alpha, set to star Alia Bhatt, Sharvari and Bobby Deol. Production rumors suggest a 2027 release, with the storyline expected to expand the Spy Universe beyond the RAW‑centric narrative.
The inclusion of Bollywood’s rising female leads signals a shift toward a more ensemble‑driven franchise, echoing Hollywood’s Marvel model. Industry watchers predict that Netflix may secure exclusive streaming rights for the next instalment as well, underscoring the platform’s growing foothold in Indian premium content.
What This Means for OTT Viewership in India
India’s OTT market is projected to hit ₹1.5 trillion by 2027. A high‑budget film like War 2 moving to Netflix could encourage other studios to accelerate their digital windows, especially if the streaming numbers outperform theatrical earnings.
Moreover, the multilingual release strategy may set a new standard for cross‑regional distribution, prompting producers to invest in dubbing and subtitle quality rather than relying solely on Hindi‑centric releases.
In short, the Netflix debut of War 2 isn’t just about another action film on a streaming service; it’s a litmus test for how Indian mega‑productions can thrive in the hybrid cinema‑OTT ecosystem.
- Release date on Netflix: 9 October 2025
- Languages available: Hindi, Telugu, Tamil
- Budget range: ₹300‑₹400 crore
- Worldwide gross: ₹303‑₹364 crore
- Next YRF Spy Universe film: “Alpha” (expected 2027)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Netflix acquire the streaming rights for War 2?
Netflix saw an opportunity to tap into the star‑power of Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, both of whom draw massive pan‑Indian audiences. The platform also wanted a marquee action title to boost its Indian subscriber base ahead of the 2026 fiscal year.
Will the film’s underperformance affect future YRF Spy Universe releases?
While the box‑office numbers were lower than expected, the franchise remains a priority for Yash Raj Films. The teaser for “Alpha” suggests the studio is confident the universe can still deliver profitable sequels, especially with a strong OTT partnership.
How does the multilingual release benefit regional viewers?
Offering Hindi, Telugu and Tamil audio tracks means fans in South India can watch the film in their native tongue, increasing engagement and reducing reliance on subtitles. This approach is likely to become a norm for big‑budget Indian movies on OTT platforms.
What extra content will Netflix provide alongside the movie?
Netflix plans to release a short behind‑the‑scenes series featuring interviews with the lead actors and director, as well as a deep‑dive into the film’s stunts and visual effects, aimed at keeping subscribers hooked beyond the main feature.
How might War 2’s streaming performance influence other Indian studios?
If the film garners strong viewership numbers, studios could renegotiate shorter theatrical windows, leaning more on OTT deals for revenue. It could also encourage bigger budgets for films intended primarily for a hybrid release model.
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