What Is War About?
The premise of War in 312 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the bustling capital of New Delhi, covert agencies move beneath the surface of everyday life, where diplomatic corridors converge with the hidden lattice of intelligence work. The city’s restless energy mirrors a world where loyalties are as fluid as the monsoon winds, and the stakes of every decision echo far beyond its borders. This backdrop of sleek urbanity and shadowed alleys sets a tone that is both gritty and polished, inviting viewers into a high‑stakes game of strategy and sacrifice.
Khalid is a former soldier whose skill set was forged in the heat of battle and later refined within the clandestine halls of RAW. Haunted by memories that refuse to stay buried, he carries a quiet intensity that drives him to excel even as old injuries whisper doubts. Across the same battlefield of ideals stands Kabir, a decorated warrior whose reputation once commanded respect and now flirts with the edge of infamy. Their histories are intertwined—mentor and protégé, comrades‑in‑arms—yet the present forces them onto opposite sides of a delicate balance.
When the agency entrusts Khalid with the daunting task of confronting Kabir, the mission becomes more than a simple pursuit. It is a test of physical prowess, tactical ingenuity, and inner resolve, compelling both men to confront the ghosts of their pasts while navigating an ever‑shifting moral landscape. The narrative dances between pulse‑pounding action and the quieter moments of introspection, hinting at larger forces that pull the strings behind the scenes without ever laying them bare.
The film’s mood is a blend of relentless tension and restrained melancholy, where every encounter feels like a chess move and every silence carries the weight of unresolved history. As the two protagonists circle each other, the audience is left to wonder whether the line between hero and adversary will blur beyond recognition, promising a compelling exploration of duty, identity, and the cost of loyalty.
What Happens in War?
The complete story of War, from the first scene to the last, in 485 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 7 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In New Delhi, Major Kabir Dhaliwal (Hrithik Roshan) is tasked with the elimination of a notorious Iraqi terrorist known as Farid Haqqani. However, in an unexpected turn of events, Kabir accidentally kills veteran RAW agent V. K. Naidu instead. This incident draws the attention of Defense Minister Sherna Patel and Colonel Sunil Luthra (Ashutosh Rana), who decide to assign Captain Khalid Rahmani (Tiger Shroff) the mission to track down and neutralize Kabir.
Khalid, an operative within the Indian Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), is drawn into a complex web of betrayal and loyalty as he confronts his former mentor, Major Kabir, who now appears to have gone rogue. This unexpected conflict has its roots in a previous operation where Kabir and Khalid, along with their team, sought out dangerous criminal Rizwan Illiyasi (Sanjeev Vasta). Initially hesitant to have Khalid on the mission due to his father’s infamous betrayal, Kabir relents when Colonel Luthra assures him of Khalid’s integrity.
The plot thickens as the team, which includes agents Saurabh (Yash Raaj Singh), Prateek, Muthu (Jessey Lever), and Aditi Nahta (Anupriya Goenka), successfully carries out a deadly mission in Tikrit, Iraq, targeting Haqqani’s associates. However, tensions rise when Kabir realizes that there are serious gaps in Khalid’s performance, stemming from an old injury that affects his vision. Despite this, the bond between the two agents and their shared love for their country is tested time and again as they navigate dangerous scenarios.
As the story unfolds, unsettling betrayals and violent encounters occur, including the tragic loss of team members due to an insider’s treachery. The deception runs deep, with Kabir realizing that Rizwan has significant influence within the Indian government, making him nearly untouchable. Kabir, initially perceived as a rogue agent, is secretly on a mission to cut off Rizwan’s network by targeting those within the government aiding him.
Amid the chaos, Khalid finds himself entangled in situations where he must choose between loyalty to his country and the complexities of his past. The narrative escalates as they discover a dark conspiracy involving Rizwan’s associates, leading to explosive confrontations that spiral out of control.
In a twist that upends everything they knew, it is revealed that Saurabh is not who he claims to be, and he has motives leading back to Kabir’s past mission. The culmination of their journey takes them to the Arctic Circle, where Kabir confronts Saurabh, reaffirming his determination and skill as a soldier. The story is an emotional rollercoaster that examines sacrifice, betrayal, and the price of loyalty.
Ultimately, Khalid’s bravery and sacrifice during these fraught events earn him posthumous recognition, while Kabir takes on the responsibility of caring for the loved ones of those they lost, ensuring that the legacy of their shared mission continues. As Kabir prepares for yet another mission to eliminate Haqqani, we see him finding solace in small familial joys, fulfilling the dreams of those they fought alongside.
War Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Kabir's Assignment” to “Moving Forward”. 8 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Kabir's Assignment
In New Delhi, Major Kabir Dhaliwal is assigned to eliminate a notorious Iraqi terrorist named Farid Haqqani. However, during the mission, he mistakenly kills a revered RAW agent, V. K. Naidu, which sets off a chain of events leading to his own downfall.
Where:New Delhi
- 2
New Target Assigned
Following Kabir's mistake, Defense Minister Sherna Patel and Colonel Sunil Luthra assign Captain Khalid Rahmani to eliminate Kabir himself. Khalid is determined, as Kabir was once his mentor and he is also aware of the potential threats Kabir poses.
- 3
Flashback to the Mission
Two years prior, Kabir, Khalid, and a team of agents are on a mission to hunt down criminal-turned-businessman Rizwan Illiyasi. Initially, Kabir is hesitant to trust Khalid due to his father's betrayal, but Colonel Luthra insists on Khalid's inclusion.
Where:Unknown Location
- 4
Successful Operation in Iraq
The team conducts a successful operation in Tikrit, Iraq to capture associates of Haqqani. This success forces Rizwan Illiyasi out of hiding, but also raises doubts about Khalid's capabilities due to his injuries sustained in childhood.
Where:Tikrit, Iraq
- 5
Internal Betrayal
As they capture a terrorist named Basheer Hassib, Saurabh, a fellow agent, betrays the team by working with Rizwan. This leads to a violent shootout where several agents are killed, prompting Kabir to seek vengeance.
- 6
The Aftermath of the Shootout
In the days following the shootout, Kabir is hospitalized but learns from Khalid that Saurabh has been eliminated. Despite his injuries, Kabir remains dedicated to uncovering Rizwan's network within the government.
Where:Hospital
- 7
Kabir Goes Rogue
Kabir intercepts a phone call revealing that Rizwan has informants high up in the Indian government. This discovery leads him to suspect Colonel Luthra might be one of the moles, prompting Kabir to operate independently and be labeled a rogue agent.
When:6 months later
- 8
Chasing Kabir
As Khalid attempts to understand Kabir's actions, he learns that Kabir is systematically eliminating informants within India. After witnessing Kabir's actions, he is torn between his duties and his loyalty to his former mentor.
- 9
Khalid Discovers the Truth
During their confrontation, Kabir reveals to Khalid the true reasons behind his killings. Despite the grave circumstances, they agree to team up to eliminate Rizwan's last associate and uncover the mole within RAW.
- 10
The Shocking Revelation
In a crucial twist, Khalid poisons Kabir, revealing himself as Saurabh, who faked his death. This betrayal is rooted in a past incident where he conspiringly shot Khalid, changing his appearance to escape detection.
Where:Houseboat
Show the other 4 events of War Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Final Showdown
Kabir confronts Saurabh at an icebreaker in the Arctic Circle, where a tense fight ensues. Kabir outsmarts Saurabh, who is ultimately crushed by a falling church dome, ending his treachery.
Where:Arctic Circle
- 12
Khalid's Posthumous Honor
After the dust settles, Khalid is posthumously honored for his bravery and sacrifice. His mother receives a commendation from the Prime Minister, highlighting the loss and valor shouldered by his family.
- 13
Kabir's Ongoing Mission
Despite being deemed a traitor, Kabir adopts Naina's daughter, Roohi, and takes on a new covert mission to eliminate Farid Haqqani. This reflects Kabir's commitment to justice and his new role as a guardian.
Where:Bondi Beach, Sydney
- 14
Moving Forward
In the end, Kabir arranges a recreational outing at Bondi Beach with Roohi, fulfilling Naina's wish. This moment serves to symbolize Kabir's struggle for redemption and the legacy of those who fought alongside him.
Where:Bondi Beach, Sydney
Who Are the Main Characters in War?
4 characters, among them Major Kabir Dhaliwal (Hrithik Roshan), Captain Khalid Rahmani (Tiger Shroff) and Aditi Nahta (Anupriya Goenka): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Major Kabir Dhaliwal (Hrithik Roshan)
Played by Hrithik Roshan
Major Kabir Dhaliwal is a complex character who starts as a rogue agent but is motivated by a desire to protect his country. His intelligence and resourcefulness shine through as he navigates betrayal and moral dilemmas. Kabir's actions, although brutal at times, are ultimately driven by a commitment to uncovering hidden threats.
- 👮♂️ Agent
- 🔪 Rogue
- 🛡️ Protector
- CK
Captain Khalid Rahmani (Tiger Shroff)
Played by Tiger Shroff
Captain Khalid Rahmani is portrayed as a determined and skilled agent who initially struggles with validation due to his father's legacy. His character arc showcases resilience as he overcomes personal limitations and emerges as a key player in the mission against terror. His sense of duty and loyalty to his team drives him to confront his fears and eventual betrayal.
- 🕵️♂️ Agent
- 💪 Resilient
- 🔥 Determined
- AN
Aditi Nahta (Anupriya Goenka)
Played by Anupriya Goenka
Aditi Nahta is depicted as a highly skilled hacker and essential member of the squad. Her intelligence and technical expertise play a crucial role in advancing the mission and supporting her comrades. Aditi’s character embodies the strength and capabilities of female agents in a predominantly male field.
- 👩💻 Hacker
- 🚀 Tech-Savvy
- 🦸♀️ Empowered
- NV
Naina Verma (Vaani Kapoor)
Played by Vaani Kapoor
Naina Verma is portrayed as a dancer who becomes entwined in the espionage narrative through her tragic fate. Her character adds emotional depth to the story, representing sacrifice and loss. Through her relationship with Kabir, she highlights the human side of agents often overshadowed by their missions.
- 💃 Dancer
- ❤️ Love Interest
- 😢 Tragic Figure
Where and When Is War Set?
War is set in New Delhi, Iraq, Marrakesh, Lisbon, Kerala, Arctic Circle, Sydney. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The narrative spans a contemporary timeframe marked by ongoing global terrorism and espionage challenges. Each location reflects modern-day geopolitical tensions, particularly involving India and its threats from terrorist organizations. The transition from urban settings to remote locales such as the Arctic illustrates the broad reach of these conflicts and the lengths to which agents must go to confront their foes.
Where
New Delhi, Iraq, Marrakesh, Lisbon, Kerala, Arctic Circle, Sydney
The movie unfolds primarily in New Delhi, a bustling metropolis known for its rich history and as the political heart of India. Key missions take place in Iraq, specifically Tikrit, known for its historical significance and recent conflicts. Marrakesh, with its vibrant markets, serves as a backdrop for critical encounters, while Lisbon and Kerala present contrasting settings for covert operations. The Arctic Circle represents the ultimate showdown, culminating in high-stakes drama, and the serene Bondi Beach in Sydney symbolizes the hope and healing that follows.
- 🇮🇳 India
- 🇮🇶 Iraq
- 🇲🇦 Morocco
- 🇵🇹 Portugal
- 🌊 Australia
What Are the Themes of War?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Betrayal, Sacrifice and Loss.
-
01
Betrayal
Betrayal is a central theme, particularly highlighted through the character of Saurabh, who initially poses as a loyal ally but ultimately reveals his treacherous intentions. This theme underscores the complexities of trust among operatives and the impact of personal history on loyalty. The characters navigate a landscape where friends become foes, adding layers of suspense and emotional conflict.
-
02
Sacrifice
Sacrifice resonates throughout the film, especially through Khalid's character, who faces grave dangers for the greater good. His dedication to his mission and the safety of his country illustrates the personal toll of serving on the front lines against terrorism. The theme is poignantly concluded with Khalid receiving posthumous honors, solidifying his legacy of bravery.
-
03
Loss
The theme of loss permeates the narrative, as key characters grapple with the deaths of comrades and loved ones. Kabir's journey evolves from betrayal to personal loss, especially concerning Naina's fate. This theme highlights the emotional weight carried by those in the line of duty and the impact their sacrifices have on their families and friends.
What Kind of Film Is War?
Tense in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A fast-paced and intensely suspenseful spy thriller that creates a gripping, anxious atmosphere through constant betrayals, high-stakes action, and the emotional weight of a fractured mentor-protege bond.
- tense
- gripping
- anxious
- suspenseful
- grim
- loyal
- mentor protege relationship
- betrayal
- spy thriller
- political conspiracy
Content notes: war violence, gun violence, torture, betrayal trauma, character death.
Quiz
How well do you remember War? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch War
Stream it on History Vault and Mometu, or rent or buy it from Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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