Filmmaker Ayan Mukerji is gearing up for what might be the most ambitious project of his career yet — the highly anticipated War 2, the next chapter in Yash Raj Films’ growing spy universe. With two powerhouses, Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, headlining the film, expectations are sky-high. And Ayan isn’t taking the task lightly. In a recent conversation, the director opened up about the magnitude of responsibility he feels stepping into the shoes of a franchise that already enjoys massive popularity.
“Directing War 2 is not just another film assignment for me — it’s a huge emotional and creative responsibility,” Ayan said. “The original War, directed by Siddharth Anand, is loved by audiences across the country and beyond. The scale, action, and storytelling set a benchmark. I’m deeply aware of what it means to continue something so successful and cherished.”
Ayan Mukerji, known for his distinct directorial style in films like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and the visually grand Brahmāstra, acknowledged that War 2 is a different beast altogether — a slick, action-packed narrative embedded in a cinematic universe that fans are deeply invested in. “There’s an entire audience that’s emotionally attached to these characters, and now with Jr NTR joining in, the excitement is tenfold. It’s a responsibility not just to live up to the original but to expand it in a way that feels both fresh and respectful of what came before.”
Hrithik Roshan will be reprising his role as Kabir, the enigmatic RAW agent whose layered personality and breathtaking stunts made War (2019) a massive hit. The film also marks the entry of Jr NTR into the YRF spy universe — a move that has created buzz both in Bollywood and South Indian cinema circles. “Working with actors like Hrithik and NTR is incredibly energizing,” Ayan shared. “They bring so much intensity and authenticity to their performances, which pushes me to bring out my best as a filmmaker.”
While the details about the plot are tightly under wraps, sources have hinted that War 2 will be a crucial installment in the YRF Spy Universe — which also includes hits like Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, Pathaan, and Tiger 3. Ayan’s entry as a director marks a shift in tone and treatment, as the franchise evolves into something bigger and more interconnected.
“The action will be on a global scale, but what excites me even more is the emotional arc of the characters,” Ayan added. “I want the film to have heart as well as spectacle.”
Given his previous work, fans are expecting Mukerji to bring a fresh storytelling style to the spy-action genre — balancing high-octane stunts with strong emotional undercurrents. While the film is still in production stages, insiders have described it as “visually massive, emotionally gripping, and story-driven.”
In closing, Ayan reflected, “For me, War 2 is not just about guns and car chases. It’s about legacy — honoring what audiences loved in the first film and daring to take it somewhere even more exciting. And yes, the pressure is real. But I’m embracing it — because that’s the only way to do justice to something this big.”
With two of Indian cinema’s most celebrated stars coming together under Ayan Mukerji’s vision, War 2 is poised to be one of the most anticipated cinematic spectacles in the coming year. Fans can hardly wait to see how this new chapter unfolds.
