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Force 2

Force 2 is a 2016 Hindi-language thriller film directed by and produced by and under the banners of Sunshine Pictures and Viacom 18 Motion Pictures. It serves as a to the 2011 film Force, starring in the lead role as ACP Yashvardhan, alongside as agent Kamaljit Kaur (KK) and as the antagonist Shiv, with supporting performances by and . The film follows ACP Yashvardhan who partners with agent KK to investigate the assassinations of spies in foreign countries, uncovering a traitor within 's intelligence network that leads to high-stakes pursuits across , , and . With a runtime of 127 minutes, it emphasizes intense sequences, , and themes of loyalty and betrayal, filmed on locations including . The production of Force 2 began in 2015, with taking place in , , , and , incorporating practical stunts and minimal use of to heighten . The screenplay, written by Parveez Shaikh and Jasmeet K. Reen, builds on the original film's narrative by shifting focus from drug enforcement to international counter-terrorism, while retaining Abraham's character as a rugged, no-nonsense operative. by Mohana Krishna and Imre Juhász captures dynamic chase scenes and fight choreography, earning praise for its visual style despite a budget of approximately ₹41 . The soundtrack, composed by Gourov Roshin and , features action-oriented tracks like "Rang Laal," which complement the film's tense atmosphere. Released on November 18, 2016, Force 2 opened to mixed reviews, with critics appreciating its fast-paced and Abraham's committed but critiquing the predictable plot and underdeveloped female lead. It holds a 6.2/10 rating on from over 6,300 user votes and a 58% Tomatometer score on based on 12 reviews. Commercially, the film collected ₹35.74 nett in (₹49.64 gross) and ₹8.61 overseas, totaling ₹58.25 worldwide, marking it as a flop amid competition and the 2016 Indian demonetization policy's impact on theater attendance. In September 2025, John Abraham announced plans to reprise his role in a of Force 3, directed by Bhav Dhulia.

Production

Development

Following the commercial success of (2011), producer announced plans for a in early 2012, initially attaching director —who had helmed the original film—to the project. The development gained momentum in 2015 when Shah officially revealed Force 2 with a new director, , known for Delhi Belly (2011), to bring a fresh stylistic approach to the action thriller. was set to reprise his role as ACP Yashvardhan from the first film. The , penned by Parveez Shaikh and Jasmeet K. Reen, shifted the narrative toward international espionage, focusing on themes of betrayal and pursuit across global locations like and , diverging from the domestic crime focus of the predecessor. Produced under Shah's Sunshine Pictures banner in association with Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Films, the project had a budget of ₹41 , reflecting ambitions for high-stakes action sequences and international scope. (Note: budget figure corroborated across multiple production reports; primary source via listings.) Pre-production faced logistical hurdles, particularly in securing international shooting permissions; Chinese authorities denied the team's request to film key scenes there, citing the sensitive depiction of agents operating in the country amid plot elements involving and . This led to alternative locations and set recreations to maintain the story's authenticity without compromising the thriller's tension.

Filming

Principal photography for Force 2 began in September 2015 in , , where the encountered logistical delays before wrapping the schedule on October 22. Key action sequences were filmed at the Ethnographic Museum, a site previously used for scenes in ' Inferno. The thriller's narrative necessitated authentic international settings to depict high-stakes chases and confrontations abroad. Plans for a subsequent shoot in were thwarted when the denied permissions in February 2016, citing the film's sensitive storyline involving and intelligence operations within the country. Producer opted to recreate select Chinese locales for the remaining sequences, ensuring continuity without on-location filming there. Domestic shooting resumed in in April 2016, capturing urban and interior scenes essential to the plot. Production faced a brief halt on April 22 when members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's (MNS) film wing interrupted filming in suburban Kandivali, alleging that foreign crew members lacked proper permits; the issue was resolved following police verification and intervention. Additional Mumbai-based work included exteriors at a school in Mazgaon. Filming concluded in September 2016, with lead actor performing demanding physical stunts, such as lifting vehicles and high-speed pursuits, to emphasize raw over extensive . This approach highlighted the film's focus on grounded, adrenaline-fueled sequences.

Synopsis

Plot

The film opens with the targeted assassinations of three Indian () agents in , orchestrated by the terrorist Shiv Sharma, who operates under the alias . One of the victims is ACP Yashvardhan's close friend and fellow agent Harish, who manages to send a cryptic clue to Yash before succumbing to his injuries. Determined to avenge Harish and prevent further leaks, Yashvardhan—a no-nonsense returning from his previous mission in the 2011 film —partners with RAW agent Kamaljit , known as KK, to unravel the . Their investigation traces the betrayals to , , where they identify Shiv Sharma, a seemingly innocuous low-level employee at the Indian embassy, as the mole systematically feeding RAW agent identities to international terrorists. As the pursuit intensifies, Yash and KK uncover Shiv's true identity as , driven by a deep-seated motive of against the intelligence apparatus for branding his father, former agent Karan Pratap Singh, a traitor—leading to Karan's and the subsequent death of Rudra's mother. This personal fuels Rudra's plan to dismantle by exposing its operatives worldwide, escalating the stakes as he plots to assassinate a key minister during an international assembly in . The narrative builds to a series of high-octane confrontations across Budapest's landmarks, marked by betrayals from within the embassy and intense cat-and-mouse chases that test the protagonists' loyalty and resolve. In the climactic showdown, Yash corners , compelling the implicated minister to publicly exonerate Rudra's father and restore his honor, allowing Rudra a moment of closure before Yash fatally shoots him, thwarting the larger terrorist threat. Through these events, the plot weaves themes of unwavering among agents, the destructive cycle of , and the shadowy perils of international terrorism, highlighting the personal toll on those combating hidden enemies.

Cast

portrays Yashvardhan Malhotra, the determined ex-cop turned investigator seeking vengeance after personal tragedy. Sonakshi Sinha stars as Kamaljit Kaur (KK), the skilled agent partnering with Yash in a high-stakes mission. Tahir Raj Bhasin plays Shiv Sharma/Rudra, the vengeful terrorist antagonist orchestrating attacks on Indian diplomats. The film features supporting roles by as Anjan Das, the RAW chief overseeing the operation, as Brijesh Yadav, the HRD Minister implicated in the conspiracy, and Mohnish Behl in a photographic as Atul Kalsekar, a character from the previous film. John and were chosen for their action-hero dynamics, with Sinha emphasizing her commitment to performing stunts without doubles to match Abraham's intensity. Tahir Raj Bhasin was selected after auditions for the dual-role complexity of his character, building on his negative lead debut in Mardaani.

Release

Promotion

The promotional campaign for Force 2 began with the release of its official trailer on September 29, 2016, which highlighted high-octane action sequences and John Abraham's intense stunt performances alongside Sonakshi Sinha's portrayal of a RAW agent. The trailer, launched at a star-studded event in Mumbai attended by the lead cast including Tahir Raj Bhasin, generated buzz by teasing the film's espionage thriller elements and Abraham's physical transformation for the role. To build anticipation ahead of the film's November 18, 2016 release, the cast undertook promotional tours across major Indian cities such as and , where they appeared at public events, interacted with fans, and participated in media interactions. In , promotions included a high-profile wrestling-themed event with WWE star to underscore the film's action theme, while events featured live demonstrations and Q&A sessions. These tours were complemented by tie-in appearances on popular television shows like and , where Abraham and Sinha performed comedic skits and dances to engage broader audiences. The campaign also incorporated innovative partnerships and initiatives, such as a viral video featuring the cast in character to mimic the film's tense action moments, shared across platforms to amplify reach. Additionally, the makers collaborated with the biopic team to attach the Force 2 trailer to screenings of M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, leveraging cricket's popularity for . A key highlight was the launch of an online petition honoring "unsung heroes" of the armed forces, tying into the film's theme of tribute to martyrs and encouraging fan participation. Press conferences and interviews during the campaign addressed production hurdles, including the Chinese government's denial of shooting permissions due to the film's sensitive subject matter involving in , which the team used to emphasize the authenticity of the recreated sequences shot in . These discussions, held in and covered extensively in media, heightened intrigue around the film's global-scale action while portraying the cast's dedication.

Distribution

Force 2 had its worldwide theatrical release on 18 November 2016, with distribution in India handled by K Sera Sera Digital Cinema Ltd. and in select overseas markets by companies such as Mind Blowing Films in Australia and Trrupti Entertainment in Ukraine. The film's launch was adversely affected by the Indian government's demonetization policy announced on 8 November 2016, which invalidated high-denomination currency notes and created a widespread cash shortage, resulting in reduced theater footfalls during the opening week. Home media versions, including DVD and Blu-ray, were released in early 2017 by Ultra Group in . The digital premiere occurred on , with the film later becoming available on around mid-2017 and remaining accessible as of 2025. In January 2017, a piracy controversy erupted when producers filed an against distributor K Sera Sera Ltd., accusing them of leaking high-quality prints of the film online shortly after its theatrical run, which negatively impacted official digital sales.

Reception

Critical reception

Force 2 received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its action sequences and lead actor 's physical performance while criticizing the predictable plot and underdeveloped characters. On , the film holds a 58% approval rating based on 12 reviews. Critics highlighted the film's high-octane action as a major strength, noting the well-choreographed stunts and 's intense portrayal of ACP Yashvardhan. Nihit Bhave of awarded it 3 out of 5 stars, commending Abraham for being "intense and impressive when he's breaking jaws and lifting s." Similarly, of gave 2 out of 5 stars but acknowledged Abraham's believable physicality, stating, "I totally believe that John Abraham can lift a or crush dozens of men with his bare hands." However, the screenplay and narrative were frequent points of criticism, with reviewers pointing to a formulaic story and weak development of the female lead. Rohit Vats of rated it 2 out of 5, describing the logic as "inversely proportional to John Abraham's muscles" and faulting the underdeveloped role for . Jyoti Sharma Bawa of was harsher, giving 0.5 out of 5 stars and calling Sinha's character "clueless" amid a predictable plot. Notable commentary emphasized the film's taut pacing compensating for its narrative flaws. A review in Scroll.in noted that Force 2 "punches its way past its flimsy plot," with "breathless and a taut pace" helping to overlook the story's gaps. Bollywood Hungama's 3-out-of-5-star assessment described it as a "power packed adrenaline pumping thriller" that maintains momentum despite a familiar storyline. Comparisons to the original Force often deemed the sequel less impactful, with critics agreeing it lacked the predecessor's freshness. Audience reception was more positive, with an average rating of 6.2 out of 10 on from over 6,300 users, many highlighting the engaging stunt choreography and suspenseful thrills. The film's underperformance at the was partly attributed to competition from other releases.

Box office

Force 2 was produced on a budget of ₹41 . The film earned a worldwide gross of ₹58.7 , comprising ₹35.7 net in and ₹10.5 from overseas markets. In India, it opened with ₹20.15 crore over the first weekend, accumulating ₹30.1 crore in the first week. These figures were notably affected by India's demonetization policy implemented shortly before release, which curtailed cash transactions and thereby reduced ticket sales in theaters reliant on physical currency. Box Office India classified the film as a flop, as it failed to fully recover its production costs despite a decent initial run, compounded by competition from other releases. The performance varied regionally, with strong earnings in the circuit at ₹9.83 nett, while collections in , including / at around ₹0.76 nett, remained relatively weak.

Accolades

Force 2 received limited recognition in the form of nominations at audience-focused awards ceremonies, primarily highlighting the performances of its lead actors in the action genre. At the 2016 BIG Star Entertainment Awards, was nominated for Most Entertaining Actor in an Action Film for his role as ACP Yashvardhan. Similarly, earned a nomination in the corresponding female category for her portrayal of KK. These nods reflected the film's emphasis on high-octane sequences, though neither actor secured a win. The movie did not receive nominations or wins at major industry awards such as the , International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards, or , where recognition typically favors critically acclaimed dramas over action thrillers. No specific accolades were reported for the film's action design or technical aspects in prominent ceremonies like the . Overall, Force 2's honors remained modest, aligning with its niche appeal in commercial Bollywood action cinema.

Music

Soundtrack

The soundtrack album for Force 2 features four songs, including three originals and one remake, composed by Gourov-Roshin and . Released by T-Series on 27 October 2016, just days before the film's theatrical debut, the album was produced to complement the action-thriller narrative with a mix of high-energy and melodic tracks. The songs were recorded at professional studios in , a hub for Bollywood music production. The tracks include: The songs are woven into the film's plot to accentuate emotional beats and action set pieces, enhancing key narrative transitions without dominating elements. The received a moderate response upon release, with tracks gaining some radio airplay in , though none achieved top-charting status. "Rang Laal" was the first single unveiled on 21 October and prominently featured in the film's promotional trailers.

Score

The background score for Force 2 was composed by Prasad Sashte, who previously provided the score for the action thriller Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty (2014). This instrumental composition underscores the film's espionage and high-stakes action sequences, delivering a "superlative" auditory layer that effectively holds the narrative together amid intense pursuits and confrontations. Sashte's score features prominent thumping rhythms and paced intensity tailored to the onscreen action, creating a "crackling" atmosphere that amplifies the thriller's tension without overpowering the visuals. Described as "very loud but effective," it employs blaring cues to heighten edge-of-the-seat moments, including those involving the antagonist's mouth organ motifs during key chases. The score suits the film's brisk pace, integrating seamlessly to support the spy thriller's momentum from Mumbai to international locales. Post-production audio work, including the score's finalization, occurred in 2016 ahead of the film's release, with no dedicated issued for the tracks. The complements the vocal songs by enhancing transitions and emotional beats throughout the .

Adaptations

Video game

Force2: The Game is the official mobile tie-in to the 2016 action thriller Force 2, developed and published by Hungama Digital Media under its Hungama Games studio. Released on 22, 2016, for devices via the Store, the game was and planned for an launch shortly thereafter, aligning with the film's theatrical debut. As a promotional , it featured elements like posters integrated into the to tie directly into the movie's campaign. The gameplay is structured as an action-adventure title combining three interconnected mini-games, each centered on one of the film's lead characters—Yash (), KK (), and Shiv ()—and drawing inspiration from key plot points, such as the high-stakes pursuit in and international elements. Players engage in mechanics as Yash, running and fighting goons in platformer-style shootouts; escape sequences as KK, utilizing maps to evade enemies and showcase skills in car chases; and puzzle-based file acquisition as Shiv, outsmarting agents in bomber maze scenarios while avoiding traps. These segments emphasize , , and strategic problem-solving, with power-packed animations enhancing the immersive experience. The game supports in-app purchases for upgrades to weapons, vehicles, and abilities, standard for its model. Reception to the game was generally positive from the film's cast, who highlighted its faithful recreation of the movie's thrilling narrative and engaging user experience. John Abraham described it as an "intriguing and engaging" adaptation that captured the film's excitement, while Tahir Raj Bhasin expressed enthusiasm for seeing his character brought to interactive life. However, the title achieved modest visibility, evidenced by limited online engagement such as low view counts on promotional gameplay videos (around 3,600 views as of late 2016) and no widespread critical reviews, suggesting it did not garner significant downloads or sustained player interest beyond promotional tie-in appeal.

Home media

The home video release of Force 2 included DVD, VCD, and Blu-ray formats distributed by Ultra Media & Entertainment in . The DVD and VCD pack was launched on April 1, 2017, targeting post-theatrical consumers. The Blu-ray edition followed closely on March 30, 2017, presented in resolution with a 2.39:1 , Dolby 5.1 audio, and English subtitles, though no bonus features such as behind-the-scenes footage or deleted scenes were included. Video on demand (VOD) availability commenced in 2017 on platforms including Apple TV (iTunes) and Google Play, allowing digital rentals and purchases for home viewing. No special editions bundling the soundtrack CD were released alongside these formats. In the long term, Force 2 has not seen a remastered 4K edition or major re-releases as of 2025. Physical media sales underperformed, impacted by widespread piracy in the Indian market, including reported leaks and unauthorized screenings during the film's initial run that affected overall revenue. The film is primarily accessed today via streaming on Netflix.