War

War

Year: 2019

Runtime: 154 min

Language: English

Director: Siddharth Anand

Echo Score: 72

Budget: $21M

ActionThrillerMusical

A former soldier, Khalid, is drawn back into a dangerous world when he’s tasked with stopping Kabir, a renegade warrior who has become a formidable enemy. Their confrontation becomes a thrilling battle of skill and strategy, forcing Khalid to face his own past traumas. As they clash, old allegiances are questioned and the distinction between hero and villain becomes increasingly unclear.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen War yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – War (2019)

Explore the full timeline and setting of War (2019). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

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.

Location

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

Last Updated: June 23, 2025 at 06:03

Main Characters – War (2019)

Meet the key characters of War (2019), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Major Kabir Dhaliwal (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

Captain Khalid Rahmani (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

Aditi Nahta (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

Naina Verma (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

Last Updated: June 23, 2025 at 06:03

Major Themes – War (2019)

Explore the central themes of War (2019), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️‍♂️ 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.

⚔️ 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.

💔 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.

Last Updated: June 23, 2025 at 06:03

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Mentor vs Protégé thrillers like War

Stories where a trusted teacher becomes the ultimate antagonist.If you liked the intense dynamic between Khalid and Kabir in War, you'll enjoy these movies about mentor-protege relationships shattered by betrayal. These stories feature high-stakes confrontations, complex loyalty, and the heavy emotional weight of facing a former idol.

tensebetrayalloyaltyrivalrydeterminedsacrificialgrippinganxious

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread typically follow a protege who is forced to confront their mentor after a shocking betrayal. The journey is one of disillusionment, testing old loyalties, and a final confrontation that carries immense personal cost, often leaving the protagonist to question everything they were taught.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share the specific, powerful character dynamic of a shattered mentor-protege bond. They blend intense action with deep emotional conflict, creating a gripping experience defined by personal betrayal and the blurring of lines between hero and villain.

Gritty spy thrillers with high stakes like War

Espionage stories where the mission exacts a heavy emotional toll.For viewers who enjoyed the high-stakes action and political conspiracy of War, this list features similar gritty espionage stories. These films are fast-paced, tense, and explore the heavy personal cost of loyalty and duty in a world of shadows.

grippingsuspensefulgrimanxiousdeterminedsacrificialtenseloyal

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread follow operatives navigating webs of conspiracy where trust is a liability. The plot is driven by high-stakes missions, double-crosses, and violent confrontations, but the emotional core is the protagonist's struggle with trauma, loss, and the moral compromises required to succeed.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by a shared vibe of gritty, anxious suspense and a focus on the human cost of espionage. They combine a fast pace and high intensity with a heavy emotional weight, resulting in a gripping, often bittersweet experience that feels grounded and consequential.

Unlock the Full Story of War

Don't stop at just watching — explore War in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what War is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

War Summary

Read a complete plot summary of War, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

War Summary

War Timeline

Track the full timeline of War with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

War Timeline

War Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of War that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

War Spoiler-Free Summary

More About War

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about War: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About War

Similar Movies to War

Discover movies like War that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.