‘War 2’ salaries revealed: The highest-paid star isn’t Hrithik Roshan!

After what felt like a long wait, the trailer of War 2 — directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Yash Raj Films — is finally out, and it’s already stirring intense buzz across social media.

Packed with high-octane action, drama, and visual spectacle, the film sees Hrithik Roshan reprising his role as Major Kabir Dhaliwal, this time without his former partner Tiger Shroff. In his place, we get Telugu superstar Jr NTR, playing a ruthless Special Units officer. Also joining the franchise is Kiara Advani in a high-impact role that fans believe links her to Ashutosh Rana’s character, Colonel Sunil Luthra.

What the trailer reveals

The trailer opens with Hrithik’s character walking in with a wolf, declaring that he has sacrificed everything — identity, family, and peace — for the nation. Soon after, Jr NTR storms in, introduced as a war machine with a deadly mission. The action escalates quickly: gunfights, aerial stunts, dramatic face-offs, and — in a surprising twist — a fiery kiss between Hrithik and Kiara, followed by a brutal fight scene between the two.

Also read: War 2 trailer OUT: Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, Kiara Advani shine in this ultimate spy showdown

Adding to the drama, netizens zoomed in on Kiara’s army uniform badge and speculate that she plays Colonel Luthra’s daughter. For those who remember, Luthra was Kabir’s commanding officer in the 2019 War film. And yes — the colonel is back in this one too, delivering a shocking moment when he spits on Kabir during a tense exchange.

Mixed reactions from fans

While many fans praised Hrithik’s commanding presence and Kiara’s upgraded action avatar, Jr NTR’s Bollywood debut has triggered mixed responses. One user noted, “Hrithik is phenomenal... action scenes next level... the Geeta shlok gave me goosebumps.” Another fan wrote, “Kiara and Hrithik’s fight was a total surprise — she nailed it.”

But not everyone is convinced. Critics pointed out that Jr NTR felt like a “misfit” and criticised the film’s VFX and his body double effects. Some even compared the visual style to a video game. A fan said, “My expectations were so low from the teaser that the trailer felt better. Everything looks solid except the VFX and Jr NTR’s overacting.”

Who’s getting paid what?

The War 2 budget reportedly stands at ₹200 crore — and the cast paychecks reflect that. According to media reports:

• Jr NTR: ₹60 crore (highest in the cast)
• Hrithik Roshan: ₹48 crore
• Kiara Advani: ₹15 crore
• Director Ayan Mukerji: ₹32 crore

This makes Jr NTR the highest-paid actor in the project — a notable feat for his Bollywood debut.

Bigger universe, bigger stakes

War 2 is not a standalone thriller. It’s a major piece of the growing YRF Spy Universe, which includes Pathaan, Tiger 3, and the upcoming Alpha starring Alia Bhatt. With its Independence Day weekend release slated for August 14, the film is aiming for a big box office splash — and possibly a ₹1,000 crore global run.

Whether Jr NTR wins over the Hindi belt or not, War 2 promises a cinematic showdown like no other.