War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji, is the highly anticipated sixth installment of Yash Raj Films’ Spy Universe, starring Hrithik Roshan, Kiara Advani and N. T. Rama Rao Jr (Jr. NTR). The film’s production spans over 150 days, executed across six countries – India, Spain, Italy, the UAE (Abu Dhabi), Japan, and Russia – making it one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious action epics to date. With the film hitting theaters today, August 14th, let’s dive into the stunning locations where this epic action movie was filmed.
Spain (Salamanca and Madrid) – Kinetic Car Chases
- Filming began in October 2023, in Salamanca, where a high-octane car chase was shot using stunt doubles, as the lead actors were committed elsewhere.
- Earlier or parallel schedules reportedly included Madrid, believed to have accommodated preliminary or technical shoots.
Impact on the film: These segments anchor the film’s gritty, fast-paced openings – setting the tone with European urban flair and adrenaline.
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Marine Thrills & Motorsport Vibes
- In December 2023, Abu Dhabi hosted a dramatic boat chase, choreographed by Franz Spilhaus, alongside high-speed sequences at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Significance: The choice of Abu Dhabi provided a visually sleek, modern backdrop for chase scenes and visually rich action, elevating the film’s global production value.
India – Mumbai (Andheri), Vile Parle, Malad & YRF Studios
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Starting March 2024, the team shot Hrithik Roshan’s introductory sequence at YRF Studios, Mumbai, building a meticulous Japanese monastery (Shaolin-style) for a sword-fight with katanas.
- In April 2024, the duo (Roshan & Jr. NTR) filmed an intense aerial action sequence in Vile Parle, complete with aircraft exterior and interior set constructions.
- August 2024 saw Kiara Advani shoot her introductory scene at Infiniti Mall, Malad.
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In December 2024, the team filmed the climax at sprawling studio setups in Film City and YRF Studios, with multiple international action directors leading the sequences.
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In early July 2025, Hrithik and Jr. NTR finally shot a grand dance-off—delayed earlier by Hrithik’s injury—featuring over 500 background dancers.
- Jr. NTR wrapped the full shooting schedule in early July 2025 as well, marking the end of filming.
Why it matters: Mumbai’s robust studio infrastructure enabled ambitious set pieces – from martial arts duels to aerial stunts – grounding the film’s narrative in crafted spectacle.
Italy – Romance Meets Glamour In The Heart Of Europe
- In September 2024, production shifted to Italy for a 15-day schedule covering Venice, Lake Como, Naples, Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, and the Sorrento Peninsula, capturing a romantic track between Hrithik and Kiara alongside some action beats.
Visual allure: Italy’s blend of idyllic landscapes and historic beauty offered a perfect canvas for a song sequence, infusing the film with a classic Bollywood romance aesthetic.
Japan & Russia – International Web Expands
- While less formally documented, multiple reports place segments of the shoot in both Japan and Russia as part of the film’s six-country footprint.
Purpose: These locations – though not broken down scene-by-scene publicly – underscore the film’s expansive espionage scope, suggesting distinct narrative or action beats tied to varied geographies.
Filming Timeline: Overview
| Timeline | Location & Key Activities |
| Oct 2023 | Spain: Car chase in Salamanca (stunts/doubles) |
| Dec 2023 | Abu Dhabi: Boat chase & Yas Marina Circuit sequences |
| Mar – Apr 2024 | Mumbai: Japanese monastery, aerial sequence, intro scenes |
| Aug 2024 | Mumbai (Malad): Kiara’s intro at Infiniti Mall |
| Sep 2024 (15 days) | Italy: Venice, Lake Como, Amalfi Coast – song + action |
| Dec 2024 | Mumbai (Film City/YRF): Climax action sequences |
| Mar – Jul 2025 | Mumbai: Dance-off between leads, wrap-up |
| Jul 2025 | Jr. NTR spotted wrapping; filming concludes |
Is War 1 Different from War 2?
While War (2019) was largely set across a mix of Indian and foreign backdrops, its story revolved around an internal spy conflict between Kabir (Hrithik Roshan) and his protégé Khalid (Tiger Shroff). War 2, in contrast, is part of the expanded YRF Spy Universe, introduces Jr. NTR and Kiara Advani, and spans a more ambitious six-country canvas. The sequel also raises the action scale – integrating international stunt teams, IMAX filming formats, and a storyline that reportedly ties into other YRF spy films like Pathaan and Tiger 3.
Summing Up
War 2 soars across continents – leveraging Spain for adrenaline, Abu Dhabi for sleek thrillers, Italy for romance and grandeur, and Mumbai’s studios for high-scale action architecture. Touchpoints in Japan and Russia hint at a wider espionage tapestry. With filming wrapping up in July 2025, fans can now look forward to its August 14, 2025 release – a perfect cinematic showdown that mirrors the film’s global heartbeat.
