In the recent past, the Bollywood action cinema has improved significantly and one of the movies to establish this change is War (2019) which starred Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff. It was indeed a success and for good reason, with its high energy fight scenes, well thought out camera work, and an international appeal shaking up the standard of Bollywood action genres. Now, fans have turned their attention to the next film in the franchise, War 2. This sequel is believed to be even more exciting and action packed than the original, with even more drama and a cast put together to attract the masses.
In this write up, we will examine everything that has been released regarding War 2, comprising of its cast, expected story development, what to look forward to, and the reasons behind its massive hype as being the next biggest Indian action film.
The Legacy of War (2019)
In order to learn how the anticipation about War 2 can be assessed, it is first important to realize what the scope of the initial film was. The 2019 film which was directed by Siddharth Anand and marketed Yash Raj Films had an action drama plot and became one of the highest grossing movies in the film industry. The movie starred two of India’s biggest action heroes Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff and it involved the dynamics between an estranged agent(Hrithik) and his trainee(Tiger Shroff) in a cat and a mouse set up.
The film received great reviews because of the stunning stunts, gorgeous visuals, and other factors, especially the on-screen chemistry of the two leads. War brought something fresh to Indian cinema with its car chasing as well as one-on-one action sequences. War wasn’t restricted to success within Indian Territory as it gained international acclaim and made Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff to be successfully established as international action stars.
It was expected that after its enormous success, the producers were bound to announce a sequel. Cutting to the present, there are high expectations from War 2, which is the sequel that has been recently announced.
Cast: Hrithik Roshan Returns, but Who Else?
The news about War 2 came with Hrithik’s announcement that he would return as Kabir, the mysterious and lethal secret agent. Letting kabir for the first time in the first film surely was one of the highlights for Roshan and now with him back to the franchise only makes one more exciting. Considering the actor has been consistent with his action roles hie is expected to give a another incendiary display in War 2 as well.
However, one of the most critical issues in regard to War 2 remains the remaining cast members. Since Khalid played by Tiger Shroff died in the first part, the chances of him appearing in this part seem slim but not unreasonable as this is a genre where characters usually resurrect. Several fans are suggesting that Tiger could come back through flashbacks but quite a few others expect the casting of new action star to replace Shroff who will create a cavity and thus needs to be filled.
Various speculations have been floated over the internet about Hrithik’s potential co-stars in War 2. Some reports have also claimed that other leading action stars of Bollywood would be roped in for significant parts. John Abraham and Ranveer Singh are some of the other names who have been mentioned among the prospective new members to the cast. Considering the focus of the series on action and the presence of celebrities, it makes sense that the directors will cast another action star with Hrithik.
In addition, it has been speculated that a female action star will be introduced in War 2. The trend of strong female characters in action films in the Bollywood industry is picking up in recent years, and War 2 may also be able to extend the story by including a character who has the potential to match the intensity of Hrithik’s Kabir. If that were the case, it would definitely bring a new perspective in War 2.
The Director: Siddharth Anand’s Return
Siddharth Anand, the man behind the cameras for War, is tipped to be returning for War 2. There is a strong belief that Anand was prudent enough to have made the film successful, as he was able to combine designer action with the gripping story of a film. History assures fans that he will only make the sequel better than the original.
Anand has always been particular about the minute details within fight scenes, and has already collaborated with Hrithik in the rather aesthetic action-oriented film, Bang Bang!. With War 2, Anand is sure to take Bollywood action films to the next level which relatively speaks of the current trend in international cinema but will incorporate the nuances of the Indian film industry.
And, Siddharth Anand’s very next film is Pathaan (2023) starring Shahrukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham which is one of the many films belonging to the expanding ‘YRF Spy Universe’. It is believed that War 2 will be thematically connected to this expanding spy universe making it more interesting for Bollywood as it introduces the concept of a shared universe. If War 2 does indeed fit within the grander scheme of spy action, then it would be great to see what other crossovers and storylines that build upon the foundation have to offer.
Plot Speculation: What Can We Expect from War 2?
Details surrounding the plot of War 2 are scarce, however, that has not stopped the fans from guessing the potential narrative. The first movie concluded with Kabir, the character played by Hrithik Roshan, winning the war, but there are a lot of questions still regarding his past and his future missions.
One of the possibilities is that War 2 may focus on Kabir’s story, how he slowly turned away from being a trusted agent into a dissident. This could touch on his several character traits and the circumstances that influenced him to become the man he is now
.Another interesting perspective is that War 2 will definitely feature a new antagonist; an even more brutal one than the ones presented in the first one. This villain can not only be a greater danger to Kabir, but to the whole nation which adds tension and pressure on Kabir to make new alliances. If the film fits into the plot of the YRF Spy Universe, there is also a possibility of crossover with the characters of Pathaan or Tiger Zinda Hai and thus making a big blockbuster movie full of action.
Expectations: Bigger Action, Better Visuals
With the immense popularity earned by War, the anticipation level for War 2 is off the charts. It is rather inevitable that the sequel will be produced with even more resources that automatically translates into better action, f/x and looks. As bolstered by its international scope, War featured intense action as well – wheel chase, aerial battle and physical duels – that included a range of stunts.
War 2 is reportedly upping the stakes with stunning action set pieces, all of which are expected to be shot at picturesque landscapes across the globe. Further, it can be presumed that War 2 will follow the same pattern and will go further in terms of advanced techniques used for creating stunts and visuals. This can range from superior CGI and motion capture along with other elements that will give a contemporary feel to the film.
Conclusion: A Sequel to Watch Out For
War 2 is proving to be one of the most awaited releases in Bollywood in the coming years. It could only get better with Hrithik Roshan returning to the franchise and new exciting cast members. As such, the film is expected to deliver an engaging action experience. Under Siddharth Anand’s direction, War 2 is likely to take the Bollywood action film genre to new levels, integrating captivating action sequences with the storyline.
However as fans look forward to more information regarding the cast, the storyline, and the date of the release, there is one reassurance – War 2 is going to change the narrative for the action genre in the Indian film industry and make its mark as a formidable global entertainment industry.
