War 2 Pre-Release Event Creates Cinematic History in Hyderabad

A Night to Remember: When Bollywood Meets Tollywood

The city of Hyderabad transformed into a fortress of excitement on the evening of August 10, 2025, as the much-anticipated pre-release event of War 2 unfolded at the Yousufguda Police Grounds. What made this event extraordinary was not just the convergence of two superstars, Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR, but also the strategic decision by Yash Raj Films to host their only promotional event in Hyderabad, recognizing the unmatched influence of NTR’s fanbase in the South.

Unprecedented Security and Crowd Management

The event witnessed security arrangements on a scale rarely seen for film promotions. Over 1,200 police personnel were deployed, including mounted units and aerial drone surveillance, to manage the massive crowd that had gathered from across multiple states. The unprecedented security measures were implemented after learning from past incidents, particularly the chaotic Devara pre-release event in September 2024 and the tragic stampede during Pushpa 2 screenings.

Star Power and Emotional Moments

The evening reached its crescendo when both Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR took the stage together for the first time in their promotional campaign. Hrithik, addressing the crowd in Telugu, expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality he had experienced during his earlier Krrish 3 shoot in Hyderabad. The Bollywood superstar was visibly moved by the energy of NTR’s fans, describing it as perhaps the most passionate fanbase he had ever encountered.

In an emotional moment that resonated with the audience, Hrithik told the crowd, “Tarak and I started as co-stars and we ended up like brothers in real life. I want everyone to give me a promise today. I want you to promise me that you will love my brother the same way forever! Because he deserves it”. This heartfelt declaration drew thunderous applause from the assembled thousands.

Jr. NTR’s Power-Packed Speech

Jr. NTR, known as the “Man of Masses,” delivered a speech that reflected his confidence in the film. Raising both his collars in his signature style, he assured his fans that they would be proud of War 2. Speaking about his collaboration with Hrithik, NTR recalled the beautiful hug he received on the first day of shooting and expressed his pride in dancing alongside one of India’s finest performers.

“When I saw Hrithik in Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, I went mad. One of the finest and impeccable actors, that is Mr. Hrithik Roshan,” NTR shared, highlighting the mutual respect between the two actors. He emphasized that the film represents not just NTR entering Hindi cinema, but equally Hrithik coming to Telugu cinema.

Technical Appreciation Between Stars

The event showcased the deep professional respect between the two leading men. Hrithik praised NTR’s dedication, calling him a “one-take final-take star” and sharing how he had learned the importance of giving 100 percent to each shot from his co-star. “I have learned from him how to go into a shot not 99.9%, not 99.999% but 100%. Which is why when he comes out of a shot, there’s no judgment. He will not even check the shot as he knows that he has given everything to it,” Hrithik remarked.

The mutual admiration extended beyond professional boundaries, with Hrithik playfully mentioning NTR’s culinary skills and extracting a promise to continue enjoying his famous biryani regardless of future collaborations.

Industry Presence and Team Unity

The event featured key members of the War 2 team, including director Ayan Mukerji and YRF’s Akshaye Widhani. NTR specifically praised Mukerji, declaring him the only director in the country capable of helming War 2 and predicting that 2025 would establish him as another blockbuster director. The unity among the team was evident as they appeared together on the grand stage, setting the tone for the film’s pan-Indian appeal.

Strategic Marketing Success

The decision to make Hyderabad the sole venue for War 2’s promotional activities proved to be a masterstroke. Industry insiders recognized that NTR’s inclusion had redefined the film’s positioning both creatively and commercially, ensuring unprecedented pan-Indian appeal. The event successfully demonstrated the power of regional star power in driving national conversations about cinema.

Box Office Momentum

The enthusiasm generated at the event translated into immediate commercial success. War 2’s advance bookings, which opened on the day of the event, crossed ₹2.24 crore within hours despite limited Telugu shows initially available. The strong response in premium formats like IMAX and 4DX across major cities reflected the heightened anticipation created by the Hyderabad spectacle.

A Testament to Fan Culture

The War 2 pre-release event in Hyderabad will be remembered as more than just a film promotion—it was a celebration of Indian cinema’s evolving landscape where regional and national boundaries blur in the face of compelling storytelling and star power. The sight of tens of thousands of fans creating an ocean of support for both Telugu and Hindi cinema heroes demonstrated the unifying power of entertainment in contemporary India.

As War 2 prepares for its August 14 release, the Hyderabad event has successfully established the film as a cultural phenomenon that transcends linguistic barriers, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the biggest box office clashes of the year.