Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
Indian film star Hrithik Roshan has issued a direct appeal to audiences in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE to watch his new film, “War 2,” as it opens in cinemas nationwide on Friday.
The message comes via a short promotional video shared by Miral, the developers of Yas Island, where some parts of the film were shot, thus underscoring the UAE’s role as a prominent filming hub for the production.
The sequel to the 2019 hit “War” is directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Aditya Chopra for Yash Raj Films as part of the YRF Spy Universe. Roshan reprises his role as Kabir Dhaliwal, set here on a rogue path, while NT Rama Rao Jr. (better known as Jr NTR) makes his Hindi-language debut as Vikram, the agent tasked with bringing Kabir to justice.
Kiara Advani joins the principal cast, with Anil Kapoor and Ashutosh Rana also featuring. The film’s release coincides with the eve of India’s Independence Day and is rolling out in premium formats, including IMAX and Dolby Cinema.
Abu Dhabi is a key on-screen setting for “War 2,” with sequences shot across the city over 11 days, including extensive work on Yas Island and along the Corniche.
These locations appear prominently in the trailer, where aerial and coastal views frame several action set pieces. Coverage from regional outlets ahead of release highlighted that the production team based itself in the emirate for an extended schedule to capture those sequences.
Local authorities have also positioned War 2 as a marquee project for the capital’s screen sector. The Creative Media Authority and Abu Dhabi Film Commission described Abu Dhabi as a “key filming location” for the title, noting that the project also has added significance because both Roshan and Jr NTR mark 25 years of cinema in their respective careers as actors.
Their statements in the trailer outline a narrative framework – a continuation of the spy saga with Kabir pursued by Vikram – and reflect Abu Dhabi’s continued strategy of supporting large international productions. The first part had proved to be a success when it was released in 2019.
Beyond Abu Dhabi, trade and industry reports indicate an international shoot spanning multiple countries, with principal photography running across real locations during production from early 2024 through to mid-year of 2025.
The production scale and global itinerary are consistent with the franchise’s approach of situating espionage narratives across varied geographies.
In the UAE, the release lands at the height of the summer cinema calendar. For local audiences – and especially fans on Yas Island – the message from Roshan is both a nod to the work done in the emirate and an invitation to experience those set pieces on the big screen this weekend.
