Hey there, if you’re as excited about big Bollywood action films as I am, you’ve probably been keeping an eye on War 2. This sequel brings together Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR in what promises to be a high-stakes spy thriller. But the early pre-sales numbers on BookMyShow (BMS) have raised a few eyebrows. Let’s break it down like we’re chatting over coffee – no hype, just the facts and some thoughts on what it might mean.
Introduction to War 2
War 2 is the follow-up to the 2019 hit War, which starred Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff. This time, it’s directed by Ayan Mukerji, known for films like Brahmastra. It’s part of the YRF Spy Universe, so expect plenty of twists, chases, and that signature Yash Raj polish. The plot revolves around Hrithik’s character Kabir facing off against Jr NTR’s antagonist in a globe-trotting adventure full of espionage and action. Kiara Advani joins as the female lead, adding some glamour to the mix.
The film is set to release on August 14, 2025, right in time for the Independence Day weekend. That’s a prime slot, but it’s clashing with Rajinikanth’s Coolie in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu versions, which could split the audience.
Current Pre-Sales Status on BMS
Advance bookings kicked off in India on August 10, and the numbers so far are… well, not exactly setting the box office on fire. From 8 AM to 4 PM that day, War 2 sold about 21,500 tickets on BMS. That works out to an average of 26 tickets per minute over those 8 hours, or roughly 1,500 per hour. Things did pick up in the last hour, with nearly 3,000 tickets sold between 3 PM and 4 PM, but overall, it’s a slower start than many expected for a film with such star power.
By the end of the first full day, some updates show it crossing 58,800 tickets in Hindi on BMS, which puts it ahead of films like Tiger 3, Stree 2, and Gadar 2, but behind heavyweights like Animal, Pathaan, and Jawan. In terms of gross, early reports suggest it’s already minted over ₹2 crore in India, despite limited Telugu shows. Overseas, especially in the USA, it’s lagging – only a 6.6% growth in the last 24 hours, and far behind Jr NTR’s previous film Devara at a similar point.
Specifications of War 2
Here’s a quick rundown on the film’s details:
- Release Date: August 14, 2025 (Independence Day weekend)
- Director: Ayan Mukerji
- Cast: Hrithik Roshan (as Kabir), Jr NTR (antagonist), Kiara Advani
- Genre: Action, Spy Thriller
- Runtime: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes (estimated)
- Production: Yash Raj Films (YRF Spy Universe)
- Formats: Standard, IMAX, D-Box, ICE, 4DX, Dolby Cinema
- Languages: Hindi, Tamil, Telugu
- Screen Count: Targeting 5,000 screens in Hindi alone – the biggest ever for a Hindi release
Comparisons with Other Films
To put this in perspective, let’s look at how War 2 stacks up against other big releases in terms of BMS pre-sales. Here’s a table of the top 5 Bollywood films for 2025 pre-sales so far:
| Rank | Film | Tickets Sold on BMS |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chhaava | 777,000 |
| 2 | Sikandar | 281,000 |
| 3 | Housefull 5 | 185,000 |
| 4 | Saiyaara | 394,530 |
| 5 | Sky Force | 148,000 |
War 2 has four days left to climb into this list – it needs at least 148,000 tickets to crack the top 5. Fan interest on BMS is high, though, with over 780,000 interests, making it the second-highest after Adipurush (1.1 million). That’s ahead of Jawan (735,000) and Pathaan (722,000).
Compared to Coolie, War 2 shows more interest on BMS, but actual Hindi bookings are trailing slightly.
Highlights from Fan Reactions on X
Fans are buzzing, but opinions are mixed. Here’s a list of some key tweets:
- “War 2 now 2nd highest BMS interest for a bollywood movie 🥁💥! Full flag advance Booking start TOMORROW!” – @Cinepollss
- “If we go by the trend of BMS then War 2 is gonna take a opening of above 50cr+.” – @iPattyHR
- “Are Moolie fans completely out of their minds? War 2 is trending on BMS even before full-fledged advance booking has opened.” – @Hiritiksuperme
There’s optimism that sales will surge once more shows open.
Pros and Cons of War 2’s Pre-Sales Situation
Pros:
- Strong star combo: Hrithik’s dance and action prowess plus Jr NTR’s mass appeal could draw crowds.
- High BMS interest indicates potential for a late surge.
- Massive screen count gives it wide reach.
- Part of a successful universe, building on War‘s ₹475 crore worldwide gross.
Cons:
- Slow initial pace might signal muted hype.
- Clash with Coolie could dilute openings.
- Overseas pre-sales are underwhelming, especially in the US.
- Needs a big push in the next few days to hit top pre-sales ranks.
Key Reviews and Anticipation
Since the film hasn’t released yet, reviews aren’t out, but early buzz from promos is positive. A new action promo dropped with bookings opening, showing Hrithik and Jr NTR in a fierce face-off. Fans are calling it “epic” and “intense.” Trade analysts predict a Day 1 opening of over ₹4 crore if trends improve.
Quote from a fan on X: “The interest shown on BMS is more fr War 2 than Coolie – toh kya advance booking karne waala interest dikhaana bhul gaye?” – @NishantTweets30
Did You Know?
Did you know that the original War (2019) was the highest-grossing Hindi film that year, earning ₹318 crore in India alone? War 2 aims to top that with its pan-India appeal.
Key Takeaways
- Pre-sales started slow at 26 tickets/minute but are picking up.
- High fan interest suggests potential for a strong opening.
- Clash with Coolie adds uncertainty.
- Overseas needs a boost for global success.
Poll: What Do You Think?
If I were running a poll, it’d be: Will War 2’s opening day cross ₹50 crore in India?
- Yes, the stars will deliver!
- No, the clash hurts it.
- Maybe, if bookings surge.
Vote in the comments!
FAQ
Q: When does War 2 release?
A: August 14, 2025.
Q: How can I book tickets for War 2?
A: Through BookMyShow or other platforms like Paytm. Advance booking is live now.
Q: Is War 2 a sequel to War?
A: Yes, it continues the Spy Universe story.
Q: What’s the plot of War 2?
A: It follows Kabir (Hrithik) battling a new threat played by Jr NTR in an action-packed spy saga.
Q: Why are pre-sales slow?
A: Possible reasons include the clash, limited initial shows, or waiting for more promos.
Conclusion
War 2 has all the ingredients for a blockbuster – killer cast, director, and universe. The pre-sales might be off to a sluggish start at just 26 tickets per minute, but with fan interest high and four days left, it could still explode. If you’re a fan, grab your tickets now before the rush. Let’s see if this war at the box office ends in victory. What are your thoughts? Drop them below!