While some fans appreciated the “fierce” energy of the characters, many others took to social media to express disappointment, criticizing the quality of the design, calling it “cheap”, “amateurish”, and “a mood-killer”.
What the Posters Reveal: Action, Attitude, and Iconic Weapons
The trio is seen in full-on action mode:
Hrithik Roshan returns as Agent Kabir, dramatically wielding a katana against a blazing backdrop.
Jr NTR, making his Bollywood debut, channels raw aggression with a knuckle punch pose, his eyes locked with intensity.
Kiara Advani, dressed in sleek black tactical gear, strikes a confident stance while aiming a gun, teasing her role as both a fighter and love interest.
YRF captioned the posters with: “The biggest showdown of the year loading… #30DaysToWar2 #War2 only in theatres from 14th August. Releasing in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil.”
The biggest showdown of the year loading... 💥 #30DaysToWar2#War2 only in theatres from 14th August. Releasing in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil.@iHrithik | @tarak9999 | @advani_kiara | #AyanMukerji #YRFSpyUniverse pic.twitter.com/m6BsxjaehG
— Yash Raj Films (@yrf) July 16, 2025
Despite the star power and action-centric vibe, the visuals have led to an unexpected fan backlash.
Fans Criticize ‘Low-Effort’ Poster Designs
Almost immediately after the posters dropped, social media exploded with memes, sarcasm, and heated takes. Here’s what netizens had to say:
“This looks like a loud, over-the-top PicsArt mess,” wrote one user.
“Poster poor of the year,” declared another.
“How much money did they save making these?” asked a third, alluding to what many called a “fan-edit aesthetic.”
Others lamented that the initial excitement built around the film’s teaser was fizzling out due to weak marketing material.
“Such bad posters. The hype from the announcement is dead now,” one fan commented. “Who is designing these posters? They’re killing the vibe,” said another.
The War 2 Teaser Still Holds Ground
Despite the poster controversy, the teaser, unveiled earlier in May 2025, continues to keep fans optimistic. With high-octane action, gritty sword fights, car chases, and intense stunts, the teaser hinted at a story packed with drama and explosive confrontations.
Hrithik Roshan’s Agent Kabir returns darker and more determined.
Jr NTR’s Vikram, an Indian agent-turned-antagonist, is set to deliver a powerful face-off against Kabir.
Kiara Advani not only brings glam but also dives into action, sharing romantic screen time with Hrithik, which the teaser subtly hints at.
A Key Film in the YRF Spy Universe
War 2 is not just another action movie—it’s a crucial chapter in the YRF Spy Universe, which already includes blockbusters like:
Ek Tha Tiger
Tiger Zinda Hai
War (2019)
Pathaan
Tiger 3
With Hrithik, Jr NTR, and Kiara at the center, War 2 aims to expand the interconnected universe further, eventually building up to a multi-film crossover event rumored to include Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and more.
Release Date & Expectations
War 2 is slated for a 14 August 2025 release, strategically timed for Independence Day weekend. The film will hit screens in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil, tapping into pan-India appeal, especially with Jr NTR’s South Indian fanbase expected to boost the film’s reach.
Conclusion: Poster Misfire or Smart Marketing Tactic?
While War 2 posters may have failed to live up to fans’ visual expectations, the core excitement around the film remains strong—thanks to a stellar cast, gripping teaser, and its place in YRF’s high-stakes spy universe.
As the release nears, YRF may yet turn things around with strong trailers, better artwork, and thrilling music drops. Until then, fans remain cautiously optimistic, hoping that what War 2 delivers on screen will far outweigh what it missed in its marketing visuals.
