Raid 2 (2025), directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, is a high-octane sequel to the 2018 hit Raid, bringing back Ajay Devgn as the unflinching IRS officer Amay Patnaik. This political thriller, inspired by real-life tax evasion cases, amplifies the stakes with a broader canvas, intense confrontations, and a stellar ensemble cast. Released on May 1, 2025, Raid 2 blends gripping drama, sharp dialogues, and Devgn’s signature intensity, making it a compelling addition to Bollywood’s crime thriller genre. While it doesn’t always match the taut simplicity of its predecessor, it delivers a commercially successful, crowd-pleasing experience that showcases Devgn’s enduring star power.
A Deeper Dive into Corruption
Set after the events of Raid, Raid 2 follows Amay Patnaik, now a seasoned Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, as he takes on a new mission to unravel a complex web of financial corruption. The plot, rooted in real-life incidents, pits Amay against a powerful antagonist, played by Riteish Deshmukh in a rare villainous role. The story expands beyond the single raid of the first film, exploring systemic corruption involving politicians, businessmen, and bureaucrats. Vaani Kapoor joins as a key ally, adding emotional depth, while Saurabh Shukla reprises his role as Rameshwar Singh, providing continuity and gravitas.
The narrative is ambitious, weaving multiple threads—Amay’s professional challenges, personal sacrifices, and the moral dilemmas of battling an entrenched system. Gupta’s screenplay, while occasionally overstuffed, maintains a fast pace, with twists that keep audiences engaged. The film’s political undertones resonate in today’s climate, though some subplots feel underexplored, diluting the focus on Amay’s crusade. Nonetheless, the dialogue—sharp and laced with whistle-worthy one-liners—ensures Raid 2 retains the first film’s crowd-pleasing spirit.
Ajay Devgn: The Stoic Crusader
Ajay Devgn anchors Raid 2 with a performance that’s both restrained and commanding. As Amay Patnaik, he embodies quiet determination, conveying resolve through piercing stares and measured dialogue. His ability to make bureaucratic tenacity thrilling is a testament to his versatility, a hallmark of his 30-year career. Whether navigating tense interrogations or delivering iconic lines, Devgn ensures Amay remains relatable—a common man with uncommon courage.
Riteish Deshmukh’s antagonist is a highlight, bringing a suave menace that contrasts with Amay’s stoicism. Their face-off, though not as explosive as some fans hoped, crackles with tension, elevated by Deshmukh’s nuanced portrayal. Vaani Kapoor adds warmth and agency, though her role feels slightly underdeveloped. Supporting performances, particularly Shukla’s, lend authenticity, grounding the film’s heightened drama in real-world stakes.
Cinematic Craft and Action
Gupta’s direction balances gritty realism with cinematic flair. The film’s production design captures the bureaucratic drabness of government offices and the opulence of corrupt elites, creating a stark visual contrast. Cinematographer Sudheer Palsane keeps the visuals clean, with tight framing that amplifies the tension in interrogation scenes. The action, while not as central as in Devgn’s Singham franchise, is impactful, with chase sequences and confrontations that punctuate the narrative without overwhelming it.
The background score by Hitesh Sonik complements the film’s mood, though it lacks the memorable punch of the first film’s soundtrack. Editing could have been tighter, as the 140-minute runtime occasionally drags, particularly in the second act. Still, Gupta ensures the climax delivers, even if some X posts noted it felt predictable or underwhelming compared to expectations.
Box Office Triumph and Mixed Reception
Raid 2 has been a commercial success, reportedly collecting around ₹70 crore in its first week, with strong opening day figures of ₹19.71 crore. Its political thriller genre and Devgn’s star power drove ticket sales, with nearly 29,000 tickets sold per hour in its opening weekend. However, audience reactions on X are mixed. Some praised the fast-paced narrative and dialogues, calling it a “good watch”, while others criticized weak writing and a “disappointing climax.” Critics have noted that while the film stays true to Raid’s world, it sacrifices some of the original’s simplicity for spectacle.
Strengths and Shortcomings
Raid 2 shines in its lead performances and topical relevance. Devgn and Deshmukh’s chemistry, coupled with Gupta’s knack for dramatizing bureaucratic battles, makes it a worthy sequel. However, the sprawling plot and uneven pacing prevent it from surpassing the original. Some X users felt Devgn’s dialogues were hard to follow without subtitles, suggesting accessibility issues. The film also leans heavily on Devgn’s persona, occasionally sidelining supporting characters.
A Franchise with Legs
Raid 2 cements Ajay Devgn’s dominance in 2024-2025, following successes like Shaitaan and Singham Again. It proves the Raid franchise’s potential, balancing mass appeal with meaningful commentary. For fans, it’s a thrilling ride; for newcomers, it’s an accessible entry into Amay Patnaik’s world.
