The pre-release event for the upcoming spy thriller War 2 in Hyderabad has become a major talking point after producer Naga Vamsi, known for his outspoken nature, challenged fans to ensure the Telugu version's box office collections surpass those of the Hindi version. The film, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, is slated for release on August 14, 2025, during the Independence Day weekend.
Vamsi, who is distributing the Telugu version under his banner Sithara Entertainments, ignited the fervor with a bold statement that many interpreted as welcoming Hrithik Roshan to Tollywood rather than sending Jr NTR to Bollywood. According to reports, Vamsi opened his speech by saying that looking at the electrifying ambience, it feels like they are not sending NTR to Bollywood, but welcoming Hrithik to Tollywood in a grand manner. This remark has stirred considerable debate, considering Hrithik Roshan's established position in Bollywood.
Vamsi didn't stop there. He declared that War 2 is a proper Telugu film and expressed confidence that director Ayan Mukerji has portrayed Jr NTR in a manner superior to that of Tollywood directors to date. Addressing the Telugu audience directly, he urged them to show ten times the love they showed for Devara, another of Jr NTR's films. He went further to add it is their responsibility to make sure the Telugu version collects at least one rupee more than the Hindi version's net collection.
The producer emphasized that War 2 presents a valuable opportunity to showcase Jr NTR's star power on a national scale. He reminded fans that the film would be released on August 14 and assured them of its quality, stating that he would never ask them to watch any movie in the future if they felt otherwise.
Naga Vamsi's confidence stems from Jr NTR's strong influence in the Telugu-speaking states. As one of the biggest stars in Telugu cinema, Jr NTR's presence, combined with Naga Vamsi's reputation as a respected distributor, creates a formidable force. Reportedly, exhibitors across the region are favoring War 2 to avoid any conflict with the powerful duo. This influence is expected to result in a dominant screen share for War 2 in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
The film is expected to have a huge opening in the Telugu states, possibly crossing ₹50 crore gross on day one. If achieved, this would mark a significant milestone for Jr NTR, potentially making it his third film to achieve such a feat in the region, following RRR and Devara.
Industry analysts predict that War 2 will surpass Ranbir Kapoor's Animal to become the highest-grossing Bollywood film dubbed in Telugu on its opening day. Animal, released in 2023, earned ₹8.55 crore net on its opening day in Telugu.
While the Hindi version of War 2 naturally targets Bollywood audiences, Vamsi's challenge to the Telugu fans has intensified the competitive atmosphere. With the film's release drawing closer, all eyes are on whether Jr NTR's fan base will rally to meet Vamsi's challenge and help the Telugu version dominate at the box office.
Naga Vamsi has become one of the most active and talked-about producers in Tollywood. Despite a challenging period for the Telugu film industry, he has delivered successful films such as Dakuu Maharaj, Mad Square, and Kingdom. As War 2's release approaches, Vamsi is strategically managing promotions to ensure the film achieves significant box office success.
Advance bookings for War 2 have already shown a strong start, with ₹1.2 crore in ticket sales on the first day. Maharashtra, Delhi, and West Bengal are the top-performing states in early bookings.
