War 2's Day 1: Strong Factors, But Missed Potential

With just hours to go before the release of Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR’s War 2, anticipation is high - but not as intense as initially expected.

Once tipped to potentially become Bollywood’s first ₹100 crore net opener, the film is now unlikely to hit that milestone, though it is still poised to score the highest day-one total in the YRF Spy Universe.

Solid Start, Below Potential

The collaboration between Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR seemed like a sure-shot blockbuster. NTR’s post-RRR stardom, especially in the Telugu market, is undeniable- his recent Devara scored over ₹70 crore gross on day one in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana alone. Readmore!

Add to that the sequel appeal, Spy Universe branding, and Hrithik’s return as Kabir, and a ₹100 crore net opening looked achievable.

However, War 2’s promotional material - teaser, songs, and trailer - failed to match expectations. The much-talked-about dance face-off between Hrithik and NTR was kept off promotional content, saving it exclusively for the big screen.

Impact of the Clash with Coolie

Initially, the clash with Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie didn’t seem like a major threat. But as pre-sales progressed, Coolie’s dominance in advance bookings created negative buzz for War 2.

In North America, Coolie has already shattered premiere records, leaving the Hindi spy thriller lagging far behind in pre-release numbers.

Release Scale & Market Split

Despite the hurdles, War 2 has secured a massive Hindi release across 5,000+ screens, ensuring it remains a top draw for exhibitors.

In Telugu states, Jr NTR’s pull will be a major factor in attracting audiences.

Projections for day one stand at ₹60–64 crore net across India, with the Telugu market expected to bring in ₹28–30 crore, the Hindi belt contributing ₹30–32 crore, and the rest of the regions adding around ₹2 crore.

If achieved, this would surpass Pathaan’s ₹57 crore net opening, setting a new Spy Universe record. While below its true potential, the opening is still strong and leaves room for growth depending on word-of-mouth in the coming days.