Ayan Mukerji’s War 2, the latest addition to YRF’s Spy Universe, registered an impressive but below-expectation opening at the global box office. Released on August 14 ahead of the Independence Day weekend, the film stars Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR in a spy-versus-spy face-off. Despite the hype, the film lost ground to Rajinikanth’s Coolie, which continues to dominate worldwide.
Day 1 Collection Breakdown
- India (net): ₹52.50 crore
- India (gross): mid-₹60 crore range
- Overseas: over $3 million (approx. ₹25 crore)
- Worldwide total: ₹90–95 crore (tentative)
While the numbers are healthy, they fall short of the ₹100 crore benchmark set by recent mega-budget releases. For comparison:
- Pathaan (2023) opened at ₹104 crore worldwide
- War (2019) launched with ₹78 crore
- Tiger 3 (2023) collected ₹94 crore
Trade analysts note that War 2’s numbers are especially surprising given Jr NTR’s strong fan base in the Telugu-speaking states, which was expected to boost the film higher.
Clash with Coolie
The bigger hurdle for War 2 has been Rajinikanth’s Coolie, which stormed into theatres at the same time. Early estimates suggest Coolie could cross ₹120 crore on day 1 and may even approach the ₹150 crore mark worldwide. The film’s mass appeal and Rajinikanth’s star power have given it a clear edge in the box office battle.
About the Film
War 2 continues YRF’s expanding spy universe, featuring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR as rival Indian spies. The film also stars Kiara Advani and Ashutosh Rana in key roles. Despite mixed reviews, the Independence Day holiday weekend may help it recover momentum, provided word of mouth strengthens.
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