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Today, we’re diving into the much-anticipated Raid 2, the sequel to the 2018 hit Raid, which has hit theaters on May 1, 2025.
Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, this crime thriller brings back Ajay Devgn as the relentless IRS officer Amay Patnaik, pitted against a cunning politician played by Riteish Deshmukh.
With a stellar cast, gripping storyline, and high stakes, does Raid 2 live up to the hype? Let’s break it down in this detailed Raid 2 Movie Review and find out why this film is creating waves among moviegoers!
Overview of Raid 2
Raid 2 is a political crime drama that continues the legacy of its predecessor, which captivated audiences with its intense portrayal of a real-life income-tax raid in the 1980s.
Set in 1989, the sequel follows Amay Patnaik (Ajay Devgn), a no-nonsense Income Tax officer, as he embarks on his 75th raid.
This time, his target is Manohar Dhankar, aka Dada Bhai (Riteish Deshmukh), a charismatic yet corrupt politician who hides his illicit wealth behind a façade of philanthropy.
The film also stars Vaani Kapoor as Amay’s wife, Malini, along with a talented supporting cast including Saurabh Shukla, Amit Sial, and Supriya Pathak.
With a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 31 minutes and a U/A 7+ certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Raid 2 promises a rollercoaster of emotions, suspense, and drama.
The film has already made headlines with its impressive advance booking collections, raking in nearly ₹10 crore before its release, signaling strong audience interest.
But does it deliver the same punch as the original? Let’s explore the highs, lows, and everything in between.
Plot Summary: A Battle of Wits and Justice
Raid 2 kicks off with a surprising twist: Amay Patnaik, known for his unwavering honesty, is accused of accepting a ₹2 crore bribe during a raid on Raja Kunwar’s palace in Jaipur.
This accusation leads to his 74th transfer, landing him in Bhoj, a small town in Rajasthan ruled by the influential politician Dada Bhai.
Beneath Dada Bhai’s public image as a benevolent leader lies a complex web of corruption, black money, and political manipulation.
Amay senses something amiss and launches a high-stakes raid on Dada Bhai’s properties, only to face unexpected roadblocks when the operation yields no immediate evidence.
What follows is a gripping cat-and-mouse game as Amay navigates systemic corruption, political pressure, and personal challenges to expose Dada Bhai’s financial fraud.
The film delves deeper into Amay’s professional and personal life, with Vaani Kapoor stepping into the role of his supportive wife, previously played by Ileana D’Cruz.
The narrative is packed with twists, witty dialogues, and intense confrontations, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
While the first half sets up the conflict with a slow but intriguing pace, the second half picks up momentum, delivering thrilling moments and a climax that ties the story together, albeit with some predictability.
Performances: Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh Shine
Ajay Devgn as Amay Patnaik
Ajay Devgn reprises his role as Amay Patnaik with the same stoic charisma and quiet intensity that made the original Raid a hit.
His portrayal of the upright IRS officer is both commanding and relatable, with subtle expressions and powerful dialogue delivery.
Devgn’s ability to convey rage and determination through his eyes is a highlight, especially in confrontational scenes with Riteish Deshmukh.
However, some critics note that his performance feels slightly repetitive, as the script doesn’t offer new dimensions to explore. Nevertheless, Devgn’s screen presence anchors the film, making Amay a hero you root for.
Riteish Deshmukh as Dada Bhai
Riteish Deshmukh steals the show as the cunning politician Dada Bhai. Known for his comedic roles, Deshmukh proves his versatility with a layered performance that evolves from calm and charismatic to ruthless and calculating.
His ability to switch between charm and menace adds depth to the antagonist, making him a formidable foe for Amay.
Fans and critics alike have praised Deshmukh’s nuanced acting, with many calling him the standout performer. His chemistry with Devgn elevates the film’s tension, making their face-offs a highlight.
Vaani Kapoor as Malini
Vaani Kapoor replaces Ileana D’Cruz as Amay’s wife, Malini, but her role feels underwhelming due to limited screen time and a lackluster romantic subplot.
While Kapoor delivers a decent performance, the chemistry between her and Devgn feels forced, and her character doesn’t add significant value to the narrative.
The romantic songs featuring the duo, including “Money Money” with Jacqueline Fernandez, seem out of place and disrupt the film’s pacing.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast is a major strength of Raid 2. Amit Sial, as a quirky police officer, brings comic relief and steals scenes with his impeccable timing.
Saurabh Shukla reprises his role as Rameshwar Singh (Tauji), delivering a solid performance with his signature gravitas.
Supriya Pathak, as Dada Bhai’s mother, adds emotional weight to the story, while Shruti Pandey and Rajat Kapoor contribute effectively in their respective roles. The ensemble cast ensures that every scene is engaging, even when the plot falters.
Direction and Screenplay: Raj Kumar Gupta’s Vision
Director Raj Kumar Gupta, known for hard-hitting films like Aamir and No One Killed Jessica, brings his signature style to Raid 2.
His ability to blend suspense with social commentary is evident, but the film doesn’t always match the sharpness of its predecessor. The first half, while promising, feels slow and bloated with unnecessary songs and subplots.
However, Gupta redeems himself in the second half, delivering a taut and engaging screenplay with smart twists and a satisfying climax.
The screenplay, written by Ritesh Shah, Raj Kumar Gupta, Jaideep Yadav, and Karan Vyas, is packed with punchy dialogues and dramatic moments.
Lines like “They don’t know that we know they know” add a playful yet intense vibe to the narrative. However, the predictable twists and overreliance on familiar tropes prevent the film from being a game-changer in the genre.
Technical Aspects: Music, Cinematography, and Editing
Music
The music of Raid 2, composed by Amit Trivedi, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Rochak Kohli, and Sachet-Parampara, is a mixed bag.
While Trivedi’s background score enhances the film’s tension, particularly in the second half, the songs, such as “Money Money,” feel forced and disrupt the narrative flow.
The romantic tracks between Devgn and Kapoor lack emotional resonance, making them skippable.
Cinematography
Sudhir K. Chaudhary’s cinematography captures the rustic charm of 1980s Rajasthan, with sweeping shots of palatial estates and bustling towns. The raid sequences are shot with precision, creating a sense of urgency and scale. The use of muted tones and period-appropriate visuals adds authenticity to the setting.
Editing
Sandeep Francis’s editing is competent but could have been tighter, especially in the first half, where the pacing lags due to unnecessary scenes. The second half, however, is well-paced, keeping viewers hooked with its rapid developments.
Audience and Critic Reactions
Raid 2 has received mixed to positive reviews from audiences and critics. On X, fans have lauded the film’s gripping second half and the performances of Devgn and Deshmukh.
One user tweeted, “#Raid2 is a masterpiece… Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh deliver tremendous performances”.
Another called it a “paisa vasool entertainer” with a rating of 3.5/5.
However, some netizens found the first half slow and the climax predictable, giving it a 2.5/5.
Critics have echoed similar sentiments.
Taran Adarsh gave Raid 2 a 3.5/5, praising its “sharp, edgy, and engaging” narrative.
Filmibeat noted that “Riteish Deshmukh steals the show,” but the film lacks the punch of the original.
Bollywood Hungama appreciated the “powerhouse performances” but criticized the slow start.
Box Office Performance and OTT Release
Raid 2 has started strong at the box office, with advance bookings of ₹10 crore and a predicted opening day collection of ₹12-14 crore, boosted by the May 1 holiday.
The film, made on a reported budget of ₹40-50 crore, needs to earn around ₹100 crore to be declared a hit. Despite competition from Thunderbolts, which is projected to earn $175 million globally, Raid 2 is expected to perform well in India due to its mass appeal.
For those who miss the theatrical run, Raid 2 is likely to stream on Netflix in late June or early July 2025, following a 60-day theatrical window. This ensures fans can enjoy the thriller from the comfort of their homes.
Why You Can Trust This Review
At pmovies.in, we pride ourselves on delivering trustworthy and authoritative movie reviews. Our team has years of experience in entertainment journalism, analyzing films with a keen eye for detail.
This Raid 2 Movie Review is based on extensive research, including insights from reputable sources like Hindustan Times, Times of India, and Filmibeat, as well as audience sentiments on X.
We avoid speculation and focus on factual, ethical content that respects copyright laws and promotes legal entertainment consumption. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about your movie-watching experience.
Should You Watch Raid 2?
Raid 2 is a solid sequel that delivers thrilling moments, strong performances, and a compelling narrative, despite some flaws.
If you enjoyed the original Raid or are a fan of Ajay Devgn’s intense roles and Riteish Deshmukh’s versatile acting, this film is worth a watch.
The gripping second half, witty dialogues, and standout performances by Deshmukh and Sial make it a satisfying cinematic experience.
However, those expecting a groundbreaking story or a fast-paced thriller from start to finish may find the slow first half and predictable twists disappointing.
Our Rating: 3.5/5
Raid 2 is a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers and Ajay Devgn’s signature style. Head to your nearest theater for a dose of drama, suspense, and stellar acting!
FAQs About Raid 2
1. What is Raid 2 about?
Raid 2 follows IRS officer Amay Patnaik (Ajay Devgn) as he conducts his 75th raid against a corrupt politician, Dada Bhai (Riteish Deshmukh), uncovering a web of black money and political manipulation.
2. Is Raid 2 better than the original Raid?
While Raid 2 offers strong performances and an engaging second half, it doesn’t surpass the original due to a slow start and predictable plot. However, it’s a worthy sequel for fans.
3. When will Raid 2 be available on OTT platforms?
Raid 2 is expected to stream on Netflix in late June or early July 2025, approximately two months after its theatrical release.
4. Who are the main actors in Raid 2?
The film stars Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Vaani Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla, Amit Sial, and Supriya Pathak, among others.
5. Is Raid 2 suitable for kids?
Raid 2 has a U/A 7+ certificate, meaning it’s suitable for children above 7 years with parental guidance due to mild violence and intense themes.
Conclusion
Raid 2 is a gripping political thriller that lives up to its predecessor’s legacy in parts, thanks to powerhouse performances by Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh.
While it stumbles with a slow first half and predictable twists, the engaging second half, sharp dialogues, and strong supporting cast make it a worthwhile watch.
At pmovies.in, we recommend catching Raid 2 in theaters for its big-screen drama and suspense. Stay tuned to pmovies.in for more movie reviews, box office updates, and entertainment news! Have you watched Raid 2?
Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know if you agree with our review!
