Yash Raj Films’ Spy Universe has been a massive hit with audiences, delivering blockbusters like Tiger Zinda Hai, War, Pathaan, and Tiger 3.
However, the franchise has also faced its fair share of controversies, especially regarding how it portrays Pakistan.
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Some sections of the audience have criticized the films for allegedly “whitewashing” a hostile neighboring nation. Films like Tiger Zinda Hai, Pathaan, and Tiger 3 have been accused of showing Pakistan—and specifically its intelligence agency, ISI—in a positive light.
Many anti-Bollywood critics point out that YRF frequently includes a female ISI officer in key roles. The films attempt to portray Pakistan as a cooperative or sympathetic nation. The ISI is often shown working alongside India’s RAW.
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Now, with War 2—the next installment in the Spy Universe—set to release on August 14, 2025, another controversy is brewing on social media.
In the teaser, the text reads: “This Independence Day… Get Ready for the Biggest War!” followed by the release date: August 14.
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This has sparked a backlash from some social media users who argue that the film is “celebrating” Pakistan’s Independence Day rather than India’s, since August 14 is the date Pakistan observes its independence.
However, this backlash is totally unwarranted. India’s Independence Day is on August 15, and the film is clearly targeting the holiday weekend to maximize box office potential.
Releasing a major film on August 14 is a common industry practice to capitalize on the next day’s national holiday. The phrase “This Independence Day” in the teaser clearly refers to India’s.
Assuming that YRF is promoting another country’s independence based solely on the release date overlooks standard industry logic and marketing strategy. The backlash seems unnecessary and misinformed.
In the end, War 2 is a huge budget pan-India Spy action thriller, and its release timing is more about strategic box office planning than political messaging.
