On May 20, 2025, the eagerly awaited teaser for War 2, the next installment in Yash Raj Films' popular spy universe, was released, sparking a furor online.
Actress Kiara Advani's first appearance in the movie, which marked a major turning point in her career, was one of the highlights that immediately enthralled fans. Social media went into overdrive when she made an appearance in a gorgeous bikini during a wild poolside scene.
Although most viewers were ecstatic, a controversial response from one filmmaker caused widespread indignation.
When renowned filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma posted a still of Kiara in a bikini from the War 2 teaser on X with an offensive caption that many deemed to be misogynistic, it caused a stir.
He wrote, "Instead of our countries and societies, if the war between Hrithik and Jr NTR is on who gets her b**k, then 2 will be a b***buster" The remark, perceived as vulgar and objectifying, led to instant backlash online, particularly on Reddit, where users condemned the post.
Ram Gopal Varma has now deleted the post.
One viral comment read, “Ram Gopal Varma has lost it,” while another added, “And this is what he is uttering publicly… Can you imagine what he is like in private?” A user also sarcastically advised, “Always Maths debate once before posting anything Ram Gopal Varma Bhai. You won’t be posting anything like this.” Referring to the director’s history of inappropriate remarks, a comment noted, “He lost it many many years ago. Have you not watched his interview with Ashu Reddy and God, Sex and Truth documentary?”
In the wake of the teaser release and rising buzz, Kiara herself took to X to celebrate her many ‘firsts’ with the project.
She tweeted, “Lots of firsts. First @yrf film. First action film. First with Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR. First collaboration with Ayan. And of course, first bikini shot. Here’s the War 2 teaser. Hope we’ve got you excited for the 14th of August. War 2 releasing in theatres in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil (sic).”
Hrithik Roshan returns to his role as RAW agent Major Kabir Dhaliwal in War 2, which was directed by Ayan Mukerji.
In contrast to him, Kiara portrays the female lead, and Jr. NTR makes his Bollywood debut as a shadowy antagonist.
The movie will be released worldwide on August 14, 2025, and will be followed by Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan 2 and YRF's next spy-universe releases, Alpha (starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh).
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