
Megastars Hrithik Roshan and NTR battle it out in Abu Dhabi in War 2 trailer
A sequel to the 2019 hit, War, which starred Roshan alongside Tiger Shroff, the big-budget follow-up is scheduled to be released on August 15, India's Independence Day. Actress Kiara Advani joins the starry cast and actor Ashutosh Rana, who was also in the first film, returns.
Ayan Mukerji, whose last film was the 2022 blockbuster, Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva, is the director.
War 2 will follow Roshan's character Kabir, an Indian special agent who goes rogue, while NTR plays Vikram, a special agent who's tasked to capture Kabir.
Both Roshan and NTR are major names in India. Roshan is one of the highest-paid actors in Bollywood, while South Indian star NTR, or NT Rama Rao Jr, is known across the country for the record-breaking 2022 magnum opus RRR, which won Best Original Song at the Oscars.
War 2 is the 14th Indian film to be shot in Abu Dhabi and the latest major production to take advantage of the city's rebate initiative, said Sameer Al Jaberi, the head of Abu Dhabi Film Commission.
The film's high-octane trailer features several Abu Dhabi locations including Yas Island, which played a central role in the recent Hollywood blockbuster F1: The Movie.
"The recent trailer release has certainly engaged film fans and heightened the anticipation for War 2, and for the local crew, including three talented interns," Al Jaberi said. "We look forward to seeing Abu Dhabi on the big screens in cinemas across the world and also feel immense pride at our collective and wide-ranging efforts which have established Abu Dhabi as a home for Indian cinema."
War 2 is also the third film by producers Yash Raj Films to be shot in Abu Dhabi, besides Tiger Zinda Hai and Bunty Aur Babli 2.
"India's film industry remains at the forefront of partnerships we are establishing and growing with production teams like Yash Raj Films, whose legacy spans over five decades," said Mohamed Dobay, the acting director general of Abu Dhabi's Creative Media Authority.
"Yash Raj Films brings incredible talent into our nation to see all that Abu Dhabi has to offer in terms of variety of location, established industry talent, experienced and supportive film commission and of course financial assistance so that Abu Dhabi continues to attract global production from India and beyond.'

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Khaleej Times
10 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Look: Sheikh Hamdan shares new heartwarming photos with baby girl Hind
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan took to Instagram on Saturday to share new photos of more heartwarming moments between him and his fourth child, Hind bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. On March 22, Sheikh Hamdan announced the birth of baby Hind, sharing his joy with the world in a brief message. Weeks later, he posted the first photograph of his newborn child. Besides Hind, the Dubai royal has three children— Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, who was born in February 2023, two years after twins Sheikha and Rashid. Two heartwarming new photos were shared by Sheikh Hamdan, who also serves as UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, on Saturday. In the first photo, little Hind, wearing a charming blue dress, is seen gently clasping her father's fingers with her tiny hand, a tender gesture that captures the warmth and closeness between them. In another photo, the royal cradles baby Hind securely in his arms, reflecting a sense of protection and pride. Her face remains hidden from view in the Instagram story, preserving a touch of privacy. Take a look: Sheikh Hamdan is an active Instagram user and he often shares pictures of his children on the social platform. He regualrly shares snippets of his life with a large following of nearly 17 million accounts.


Khaleej Times
12 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Why Shah Rukh Khan's National Award for Jawan is 33 years too late
The 71st National Awards announcement on Saturday came as a shock and surprise to many, and not for choosing someone undeserving. One of the most prestigious film honours by the Indian government had finally recognised Shah Rukh Khan, after a 33-year-long career filled with commercial successes, critical acclaim and international accolades. Khan has 15 Filmfare Awards, was honoured with a Padma Shri by the Indian government in 2005, the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2007, and the Legion of Honour in 2014 (both by the Government of France). He is one of the most recognised faces from Indian cinema in the world, despite never having worked in an international project. His fandom spans countries and generations. It is hard to sum up his impact in one article, and I'm not going to try. But why did a man with such exceptional achievements have to wait 33 years for a National Film Award? That's a recurring question across social media platforms today. Indian cinema lovers are pointing out that many films — not necessarily the mainstream romantic ones that gave Khan his popularity — deserved recognition much sooner. The jury announced the National Film award for Best Actor for his 2023 release 'Jawan', which starred him as a messiah for the oppressed, fighting against corruption. This was hardly the first impactful, socially conscious, patriotic role he played. Fans have been citing his past works — including 'Swades', 'Veer-Zara', 'Chak De! India' and 'My Name Is Khan' — as more deserving of the National Award. Here are some posts from X: #ShahRukhKhan deserved it long back! #NationalAwards2023 — Aavishkar (@aavishhkar) August 1, 2025 The greatest scene in Indian cinema where acting at its peak. SRK truly deserved a National Award for this; it should have been given years ago. #NationalFilmAwards #ShahRukhKhan — Binod (@wittybinod) August 1, 2025 Shah Rukh Khan winning the National Award for Jawan is like awarding a masterchef for his chutney, when heâ��s already served five-course classics like Swades and Chak De India. Deserving? Maybe. Surprising? Absolutely. #Jawan — Secular Chad (@SachabhartiyaRW) August 1, 2025 Past films that should have won him the award The most repeated name is of course 'Swades' (2004) diercted by Ashutosh Gowariker (coincidentally head of the central committee of the 71st National Film Awards). 'Swades' starred Khan as an NRI working for NASA, who visits his hometown in rural India and is grief-struck by the plight of his people there. It won two National Film Awards in 2005 — for Best Male Playback Singer and Cinematography — but none for Khan or the director. In fact, Khan had himself admitted that he deserved the National Award for best actor that year, over Saif Ali Khan, who was awarded for his role in 'Hum Tum'. Another 2004 release that could have been a contender was 'Veer-Zara', where Khan played an Indian Air Force pilot who falls in love with a Pakistani woman and ends up in jail in that country for 22 years after being framed out of spite. Khan delivered another memorable performance two years later in ' Chak De! India ', as a former captain of the Indian men's hockey team who, after being ostracised following a controversial defeat, returns years later to coach the Indian women's hockey team. The narrative follows Khan's efforts to unite a team of sixteen disparate players from across India and lead them to international success. His monologues like "States ke naam mujhe sunai nahi dete hain (I can't hear the names of states, for me there is one India)" and "70 minute hain tumhare paas (You have 70 minutes)" have become iconic over the years. 'Chak De! India' was awarded Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment at the 55th National Film Awards, while Khan won Best Actor at the Filmfare Awards that year. Other films that fans have been bringing include ' My Name Is Khan ', where he played an autistic Muslim who sets out on a journey to meet the US President after his Hindu wife suffers from Islamophobic discrimination following the September 11 attacks. The film premiered in the UAE two days before its worldwide release, receiving widespread acclaim for its subject matter, direction, social message and performances, particularly of Khan. So, it is no surprise, really, that his Jawan recognition is being called 33 years too late. Not just fans, celebrated actors have called this a long-awaited one as well. Thespian Kamal Haasan, who has won the award thrice, remarked, "Kudos to @iamsrk on your National Award for Jawan, a recognition that has been long awaited for your remarkable influence on world cinema." This brings to mind Leonardo DiCaprio's Academy Award for 'The Revenant' in 2016, one that was widely considered too late for an actor of his calibre. Actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Mammootty, Ajay Devgn, Mohanlal, Mithun Chakraborty, Sanjeev Kumar, Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah and Dhanush have multiple National Awards to their credit. The late Irrfan Khan, Rajkummar Rao, Akshay Kumar, Allu Arjun, Vicky Kaushal, and Manoj Bajpayee have won the award as well. While Khan has been mostly known for his commercial successes, his films, right from 'Deewana' and 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' to 'Jawan' and 'Pathaan', have made a lasting impact on the Indian cine-lover. His works have helped shape what we know as the quintessential romantic Hindi cinema. It is no wonder then, that it came as a shock to Indian cine-lovers that it took him so long to get to this honour.


Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Khaleej Times
Have you sipped on safcha, the Emirati twist on matcha yet?
For matcha lovers and those who want to try it without worrying about sleepless nights, a new caffeine-free alternative has emerged from the UAE: safcha. Saaf Cafe, an Emirati concept inspired by the palm tree, a national symbol of heritage and identity, now serves the drink made from dried palm fronds. Safcha mimics the properties of matcha — a heavy pour of antioxidants and nutrients — sans the caffeine. Like the Japanese tea, the drink is green, and its production — the leaves are carefully selected, steamed, dried, and stone-ground into a fine powder — inspired by its overseas counterpart. The name itself blends the words 'saaf', which is Arabic for palm fronds, and matcha. It is ideal for those looking for a calming drink or an earthy local flavour. Mohammed Al Badwawi, brother of the founder of Saaf Cafe, told KT LUXE: 'During our participation in an exhibition in Saudi Arabia, we discovered a new product called safcha. We were immediately drawn to it because it perfectly aligns with our vision of offering products made from the palm tree.' By promoting this healthy beverage, the cafe hopes to attract the younger generation by providing food and juices that align with modern health trends, such as caffeine-free coffee alternatives similar to matcha. 'We've always aimed to offer choices that suit everyone, including those who are sensitive to caffeine,' Al Badwawi added. Now, safcha has become a staple on the extensive cafe menu. Hatta effect Saaf Cafe was established in 2024 in Hatta, and its name pays tribute to the natural environment and cultural heritage of the mountainous Hatta region. It also seeks to promote the culture of using dates by presenting them in various forms — from coffee infused with date extract, priced at Dh30, to other beverages such as 'Basr Juice' (made from fresh dates), Spanish Latte with dates, and V60 with dates. The menu also includes dishes like date pizza, date tiramisu, and rutab (semi-ripe dates) cheesecake, with prices ranging from Dh15 to Dh45. Al Badwawi explained: 'We wanted everything to be inspired by Hatta, from the name to the ingredients.' Saaf Cafe is not just a business project; it is a contribution to the community. We want people to see the palm tree not just as a symbol but also as a source of nourishment, wellness, and inspiration" Mohammed Al Badwawi In addition to beverages and desserts flavoured with dates, the cafe also offers personal care products such as date oil for hair, facial serum, eyelash oil, body oil, and date patches for eyes, feet, and joints. 'Saaf Cafe is not just a business project; it is a contribution to the community. We want people to see the palm tree not just as a symbol but also as a source of nourishment, wellness, and inspiration,' he said. The cafe was founded by Ali Al Badwawi, a retired government employee, former FIFA referee, and former member of the UAE Football Association. Al Badwawi views the project as a tribute to Emirati heritage. With more than 150 palm trees on the family farm, the Al Badwawi estate supplies the dates used to produce the beverages and food items served at the cafe. More than a cafe It's usually location that draws a crowd, but in the case of this cafe, it was the site of operation that proved to be the challenge. (It is located inside Dubai Municipality's Al Wadi Park at Hatta.) However, a collaboration with the local municipality helped turn the cafe into a visitor attraction. 'It was difficult to design a marketing plan that would draw people into the park to visit the cafe, but the municipality cooperated by placing a sign for the cafe inside the park,' he said. The venue functions as both a cafe and a restaurant, featuring two floors and an outdoor space. It was established to serve local products. The cafe blends traditional and modern atmospheres, and offers a unique dining experience suitable for all ages, including traditional breakfasts and other meals. Services include dine-in, online ordering, and soon, a new branch in Mirdif, Dubai. The cafe also organises events and initiatives aligned with local culture, such as dedicating special hours for only women, where people can connect over snacks and a cup of safcha.