War 2 Day 1 Box Office Forecast: Trade Experts Weigh In on Hrithik–Jr NTR Clash with Rajinikanth’s Coolie, and Its Effect on YRF Spy Universe | Exclusive
ENTERTAINMENT
War 2, featuring Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani, is set to clash with Rajinikanth’s Coolie at the box office. In a conversation with Zoom, trade experts shared their predictions for how the YRF Spy Universe film might perform over the long weekend.
With a massive budget, two powerhouse stars — Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR — and the full weight of the YRF Spy Universe behind it, War 2 is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Directed by Ayan Mukerji and also starring Kiara Advani, the sixth instalment in YRF’s interconnected spy franchise is set for an August 14 release, aiming to capitalise on the extended Independence Day weekend. The big question: can it meet sky-high audience expectations while facing a major box office clash?
Promotions in Full Swing
The makers have left no stone unturned in marketing the film — from high-energy social media campaigns and reel drops to playful online exchanges between Hrithik and Jr NTR, even teasing their much-awaited dance number Aavan Jaavan. Trade experts agree the buzz is strong, although some feel it could have been bigger.
Trade Experts Weigh In
Speaking to Zoom, trade analyst Taran Adarsh said, “Industry is very excited for War 2. It’s a big film, big franchise, big production — and the first part did exceptionally well. We’re all looking forward.”
Distributor Akkshay Rathi echoed the sentiment: “Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR are two glorified stars. Just like the tagline ‘Hrithik vs Jr NTR,’ that’s exactly what’s happening at the box office. Hindi advance bookings are doing incredibly well — we’re looking at fireworks.”
Producer and trade expert Girish Johar added, “The box office is returning to habitual watching rather than just event watching. That’s good news for all releases this weekend.”
Position in the YRF Spyverse
Following Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, Pathaan, Tiger 3, and the 2019 War, this sequel arrives in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. As of 7:00 AM Wednesday, Sacnilk reported War 2 had sold 3,19,300 tickets across all formats and languages.
North vs South Dynamics
Casting RRR star Jr NTR as Vikram, opposite Hrithik’s Major Kabir, is widely seen as a “masterstroke.” While the trailers and songs have kept fans intrigued, the plot — especially whether Jr NTR plays a straight villain or a morally grey anti-hero — remains under wraps.
Rathi noted Jr NTR’s pull in the South: “In Telugu-speaking belts, it’s unprecedented. Irrespective of the film’s merit, his stardom ensures huge pre-sales in southern states.”
Day 1 Predictions
Most experts expect War 2 to open between ₹40–50 crore on Day 1. However, Rajinikanth’s Tamil mega-release Coolie could impact numbers. Johar pointed out, “The Hindi market will lean towards War 2, while the South’s first choice will be Coolie. But if people want a second film, options are there.”
Adarsh agreed that the clash will split screens and footfalls: “Without Coolie, it could have crossed ₹50 crore.”
Buzz Factor & Star Power
Some in the industry feel the pre-release excitement could have been stronger, but Adarsh says this is typical of YRF’s strategy. Johar emphasised that strong word-of-mouth could quickly change the game after opening shows.
Rathi highlighted the enduring appeal of the leads: “Hrithik’s stardom has been intact for 20–25 years — that doesn’t fade overnight.”
Final Outlook
Johar remains optimistic: “With multiple releases, I hope we see ₹100 crore-plus this weekend.” Whether War 2 delivers that figure will depend on content, audience reception, and how it weathers the heavyweight competition from Coolie.