War 2 Flop Puts Dhoom 4 at Risk | Ranbir Kapoor in Trouble?

War 2’s flop raises doubts on Dhoom 4. Can Ranbir Kapoor save YRF’s iconic franchise as South stars like Prabhas & Jr NTR step back?

8/20/20253 min read

war 2 failure?
war 2 failure?

The shocking failure of War 2 has not only hurt Yash Raj Films (YRF) at the box office but also cast serious doubts on the future of their most-awaited project — Dhoom 4.

Despite massive hype, a star-studded cast, and the backing of the YRF Spy Universe, War 2 ended up as an underwhelming affair. Viewers and critics alike pointed at its weak storytelling and poor direction, questioning YRF’s decision to hand such a massive film to Ayan Mukerji.

Why Dhoom 4 Is in Danger

Ayan MukerjiAyan Mukerji

The Dhoom franchise is one of Bollywood’s most iconic action series, with each part setting new benchmarks. From John Abraham in Dhoom (2004), Hrithik Roshan in Dhoom 2, to Aamir Khan in Dhoom 3, the films have always combined high-octane action with stylish villains.

But after War 2’s flop, fans are worried:

  • Can Ayan Mukerji handle a mega action franchise?

  • Should YRF bring back proven directors like Siddharth Anand (Pathaan, War), Kabir Khan (Ek Tha Tiger), or Ali Abbas Zafar (Tiger Zinda Hai)?

  • Will Ranbir Kapoor’s Dhoom debut be affected if the film misfires?

Ranbir Kapoor’s Pressure Test

Ranbir kapoor as main lead in dhoom 4
Ranbir kapoor as main lead in dhoom 4

Reports suggest Ranbir Kapoor is locked as the lead in Dhoom 4. While his fans are excited to see him in a grey-shaded, stylish avatar, the stakes are high. A failure could hurt not only Ranbir’s career momentum but also the brand value of Dhoom, one of YRF’s most profitable franchises.

South Stars Approached for Dhoom 4

South super star suriya approch for Dhoom 4South super star suriya approch for Dhoom 4

To make Dhoom 4 a pan-India blockbuster, YRF reportedly approached multiple South Indian superstars. But after War 2’s poor reception, enthusiasm has cooled down.

  • Prabhas → Was offered a key role opposite Ranbir Kapoor, but declined citing date issues and creative concerns, especially with Ayan Mukerji as director.

  • Jr NTR → Initially approached, but post War 2 (in which he starred), there’s hesitation to continue under Ayan’s vision.

  • Ram Charan → Name floated for a stylish villain role, but no progress reported.

  • Suriya → Also considered for a negative role, but nothing concrete emerged after War 2’s underwhelming response.

This growing reluctance highlights the loss of confidence among South stars toward YRF’s creative direction under Ayan Mukerji.

What’s Next for YRF?

YRF now faces a big decision: stick with Ayan Mukerji and risk repeating War 2’s mistakes, or hand over Dhoom 4 to a seasoned blockbuster director. The studio has yet to make any official announcement, but industry insiders suggest changes may be on the table.

Final Word

The failure of War 2 has turned into a roadblock for Dhoom 4, raising doubts about casting, direction, and execution. Fans are hopeful that YRF will make the right call and protect the legacy of one of Bollywood’s most beloved action franchises.

Dhoom 4 Delay
Dhoom 4 Delay

Q1. Why did War 2 flop?
War 2 disappointed due to weak writing, average direction, and failure to deliver the thrill factor of a spy-action blockbuster.

Q2. Who is the hero of Dhoom 4?
Industry buzz strongly indicates that Ranbir Kapoor will headline Dhoom 4.

Q3. Who are the South Indian actors linked to Dhoom 4?
Reports suggest Prabhas, Jr NTR, Ram Charan, and Suriya were approached. However, enthusiasm has cooled after War 2’s performance.

Q4. Did Prabhas reject Dhoom 4?
Yes, Prabhas reportedly declined citing lack of dates and creative concerns, particularly if Ayan Mukerji remains as director.

Q5. When will Dhoom 4 start filming?
As per reports, Dhoom 4 is expected to go on floors in the first half of next year, though YRF has made no official announcement.

FAQs