Is War 2 Proof Bollywood Needs Change?

Bollywood has been busy building its own “universes,” taking inspiration from Marvel and DC. The plan was simple, connect films, build franchises, and keep audiences hooked for years. But the reality is far from the dream. Rohit Shetty’s Cop Universe, once expected to dominate, has started showing cracks, with Singham Again failing to create the expected storm at the box office.

Yash Raj Films’ Spyverse is facing the same struggle. This banner has given Hindi cinema some of its most iconic hits, from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Ek Tha Tiger, War, Pathaan, to Tiger 3. Yet, Tiger 3 left audiences cold, and now War 2 starring Hrithik Roshan isn’t getting the hype one would expect from the sequel to a blockbuster.

Advance bookings tell the story. By Monday, War 2 had managed to sell only 48,000 tickets across PVR, Inox, and Cinepolis combined. This is unusually low for a high-profile action film. To open strong in the Northern market, the film needs to cross at least 2.5 lakh ticket sales before Wednesday midnight. While there’s still a slim window for improvement, the numbers show a worrying trend.

The bigger problem lies in storytelling. Bollywood action films are stuck in a loop, same stunts, same plot patterns, and little innovation. Audiences can spot recycled ideas instantly, and they’re no longer impressed by just big stars and glossy sets. If War 2 fails to win hearts after release, it won’t just be a dent in YRF’s record, it could force Bollywood to finally rethink how it makes action blockbusters. Fresh ideas are no longer optional; they’re survival.