War 2: India’s Most Expensive Spy Thriller with a ₹400 Crore Budget

War 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Hrithik Roshan’s 2019 blockbuster War, is rewriting the record books in terms of scale, budget, and star salaries. With an eye-popping budget of ₹400 crore, it has become the most expensive film ever produced in the YRF Spy Universe.

From top-tier actor fees to an ambitious production vision, here’s a full breakdown of why War 2 is one of the boldest bets Bollywood has placed in recent years.

A Spy Thriller Designed on a Global Scale

War 2 is not just a film; it’s a pan-India cinematic event. The makers have spared no expense to make it a world-class action thriller. High-octane stunts, international locations, slick espionage sequences, and a massive VFX budget form the core of this big-ticket spectacle.

The film also marks the convergence of South and North Indian superstars — a move that reflects the changing face of Indian cinema.

Star Salaries: Jr NTR Tops the Chart

When it comes to casting, War 2 boasts some of the biggest names in Indian cinema, and the fees reflect that:

• Jr NTR is being paid a whopping ₹70 crore for his role, making him the highest-paid actor in the film. This is also his grand entry into the Hindi film space, adding massive value from Telugu audiences.

• Hrithik Roshan, who reprises his role as Agent Kabir, has inked a deal for ₹50 crore plus profit-sharing, reflecting his long-standing association with the YRF Spy Universe.

• Kiara Advani, cast as the female lead, is reportedly earning ₹15 crore, a significant hike showcasing her rising star power.

• Anil Kapoor joins the ensemble in a pivotal role and is said to be paid ₹10 crore.

• Director Ayan Mukerji has also struck a lucrative deal, taking home ₹30 crore for helming this massive project.

Budget Breakdown

The total production budget of ₹400 crore is split between:

• ₹180 crore+ spent on cast and crew salaries

• ₹220 crore dedicated to production: including action choreography, international schedules, post-production, and visual effects

• Additional budget for marketing and promotion is expected but not included in the ₹400 crore figure

This puts War 2 ahead of other major releases like Pathaan and Tiger 3, both in cost and ambition.

Release Plan and Box Office Strategy

War 2 is slated for release on 14th August 2025, perfectly timed to capitalize on the Independence Day weekend, a traditionally high-grossing period for patriotic and action films.

The movie is expected to have a pan-India release in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil, with a strong push into global markets as well. An OTT release is likely 10–11 weeks post its theatrical run, potentially premiering on Amazon Prime Video.

High Stakes for YRF Spy Universe

After the success of Pathaan and Tiger 3, War 2 is being positioned as the next big chapter in YRF’s interconnected spy universe. The inclusion of Jr NTR not only elevates the action but also expands the film’s cultural and commercial reach beyond Hindi-speaking regions.

Final Take

War 2 isn’t just about action and espionage—it’s about scale, star power, and cinematic ambition. With a ₹400 crore investment and a cast that commands some of the highest fees in Bollywood today, the film is setting a new benchmark for what big-budget Indian cinema looks like. Whether it lives up to the hype will only be known on August 14, 2025—but for now, all eyes are on this mega production.