Yash Raj Films (YRF) is set to make cinematic history when “War 2” becomes the first Indian film to screen in Dolby Cinema in India, with the Hindi and Telugu-language action sequel slated for release across premium format theaters on Aug. 14.
Produced by Aditya Chopra, the action extravaganza marks the sixth installment in the blockbuster-laden YRF spy universe. The franchise unites Hrithik Roshan and NTR (the “RRR” actor formerly known as NTR Jr) on screen for the first time with “War 2.”
The “War 2” deal marks a significant expansion for Dolby’s premium cinema experience in the Indian market, with the film rolling out not only locally but across international markets including North America, the U.K., U.A.E., Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
Indian moviegoers will experience the high-octane spectacle at the country’s inaugural Dolby Cinema location, which opened earlier this month at City Pride Multiplexes in Kharadi, Pune. The exhibitor has plans to expand the premium format to additional markets including Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Trichy, Kochi and Ulikkal.
The collaboration extends a decades-long partnership between YRF and Dolby that has consistently pushed technological boundaries in Indian cinema. The production house became India’s first music label to offer Dolby Atmos Music in 2020 with its “Best of YRF” album compilation. Earlier milestones include 2013’s “Dhoom 3,” which was among the first Hindi-language films released in Dolby Atmos, and the 1995 classic “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,” one of the first Indian movies to utilize Dolby Audio.
“Our collaboration with Yash Raj Films spans over decades with many milestones,” said Michael Archer, VP of worldwide cinema sales and partner management at Dolby Laboratories. “We’re proud to take that legacy forward with ‘War 2’ (Hindi and Telugu) that will be available at Dolby Cinema in India and internationally from Aug. 14. This is a landmark moment not just for our collaboration, but for how cinema will now be experienced in India.”
Rohan Malhotra, VP of distribution at Yash Raj Films, added: “YRF has always believed in pushing boundaries to deliver the most enriching cinematic experiences to its audiences. From embracing Dolby Audio in the 90s to pioneering Dolby Atmos in our blockbusters – and now, leading the way with Dolby Cinema, we remain committed to storytelling that doesn’t just entertain, but transports you into the story.”
The Dolby Cinema format combines Dolby Vision’s enhanced color and contrast capabilities with Dolby Atmos’ immersive audio technology, housed in specially designed theaters featuring curved wall-to-wall screens, premium seating and dynamic lighting systems engineered to minimize distractions.
“War 2,” directed by Ayan Mukerji, is also releasing in Imax cinemas across major international markets North America, Middle East, U.K., Europe, APAC, Africa and South East Asia, alongside its local release in India.