Yash Raj Films’ decision to cast Telugu superstar NTR in “War 2” may have initially sparked debate, but it’s now being hailed as a masterstroke—both creatively and commercially. Despite sharing screen space with Bollywood heavyweight Hrithik Roshan, NTR has not only made a high-profile entry into Hindi cinema but also brought substantial profit to the film’s producers even before its release.
When “War 2” was announced with NTR joining Hrithik Roshan, many within the industry were surprised. Why would a top Telugu actor, fresh off the global success of RRR, choose to play a non-solo lead in a Bollywood franchise? And conversely, why would YRF, already armed with Hrithik’s star power, feel the need to bring in another A-lister?
But both camps had their eyes set on a much larger picture—and the bet has paid off.
In a surprising turn of events, reports revealed that NTR was paid Rs 60 crore for War 2, while Hrithik Roshan took home Rs 50 crore. This Rs 10 crore difference sparked discussions across film circles, especially given Hrithik’s established stardom, pan-India appeal, and legacy as the face of the War franchise.
However, this difference in remuneration begins to make sense when viewed through a business lens. NTR is not just a star anymore—he’s a pan-India phenomenon. Thanks to RRR, his popularity has surged globally, particularly in the USA, and his recent film Devara has only reinforced his box office appeal, even amidst mixed reviews.
YRF likely understood the value NTR would bring to the table, especially in markets traditionally out of reach for mainstream Bollywood fare. His casting was not just about creative collaboration—it was a strategic business decision aimed at expanding the film’s reach into the Telugu-speaking states and beyond.
And the results speak for themselves.
According to industry sources, Yash Raj Films sold the Telugu theatrical rights of War 2 to producer Naga Vamsi for a whopping Rs 90 crore. Considering NTR’s remuneration of Rs 60 crore, this alone resulted in a Rs 30 crore profit for the production house from the Telugu region—even before the film hit the screens.
Such profits from a single regional market are rare for Bollywood films. Had YRF opted to cast another Hindi film actor in the second lead role, this scale of business in the Telugu market would have been unlikely. NTR’s presence not only guarantees footfalls in theaters across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana but also boosts the film’s visibility in overseas territories with a strong Telugu diaspora, particularly in the USA.
War 2 is shaping up to be a prime example of the evolving dynamics of Indian cinema. With the rise of pan-India projects and crossover collaborations, the lines between industries—Bollywood, Tollywood, Kollywood—are blurring fast. Filmmakers are no longer confined by linguistic or regional boundaries. They are looking at audience base, market potential, and global reach.
In that context, casting NTR wasn’t just a creative choice—it was a calculated move to make War 2 a truly pan-Indian (and international) blockbuster.
For NTR, too, this film marks an important milestone. While he already commands massive stardom in the South, War 2 will be his first mainstream Bollywood outing. And what better launchpad than a YRF-backed, high-octane action franchise alongside a megastar like Hrithik Roshan?
Slated for release on August 14, 2025, War 2 is one of the most anticipated Indian films of the coming year. Directed by Ayan Mukerji and part of YRF’s ambitious Spy Universe, the film brings together star power, action, and market-savvy casting like never before.
Whether War 2 lives up to the sky-high expectations remains to be seen. But one thing is already clear—NTR’s casting has helped YRF in a big way, both strategically and financially. And as the Indian film industry becomes increasingly global, such smart cross-industry moves may soon become the norm rather than the exception.