Raid 2(2025)

“Raid 2,” the much-anticipated sequel to Raid (2018), continues the gripping tale of Amay Patnaik, an unwavering IRS officer played by Ajay Devgn. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, the film dives deeper into the world of political corruption, power struggles, and justice. This time, the narrative explores a more complex web of deceit, involving high-ranking politicians and industrial magnates whose influence runs deep within the system.

The plot unravels as Amay embarks on his most challenging mission yet—an income tax raid that threatens to dismantle a powerful political empire led by Manohar Dhankar, also known as Dada Manohar Bhai, portrayed by Riteish Deshmukh. Unlike the first film, Raid 2 focuses more on the political ramifications of corruption and how it disrupts the very foundation of justice.

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Performances:

Ajay Devgn is once again a powerhouse on screen, delivering a performance that balances calm authority with relentless determination. His portrayal of Amay Patnaik remains sharp and consistent, embodying the spirit of a law enforcer who refuses to bend under pressure.

The real surprise, however, is Riteish Deshmukh. Known primarily for his roles in comedies, Deshmukh takes on the role of a corrupt politician with surprising intensity. His character, Manohar Dhankar, is both ruthless and strategic, adding layers of unpredictability to the plot. His screen presence complements Devgn’s stoic demeanor, making their confrontations tense and engaging.

Vaani Kapoor, playing Amay’s supportive wife Malini, brings grace to her limited role, though her chemistry with Devgn feels somewhat underdeveloped. Saurabh Shukla makes a brief yet impactful appearance as Tauji, bridging the connection to the original Raid. Amit Sial provides comic relief as Lallan Sudheer Singh, injecting lighter moments without breaking the film’s intensity.

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Direction and Screenplay:

Raj Kumar Gupta maintains his signature style of storytelling, rooted in realism and tension. The screenplay, crafted by Ritesh Shah, Jaideep Yadav, and Karan Vyas, is sharp and engaging, with dialogues that highlight the moral battle between right and wrong. However, while the first half sets the pace with gripping scenes, the second half slightly loses momentum, stretching some sequences longer than necessary. This dip in pacing slightly dulls the impact of the climax, but it doesn’t overshadow the overall narrative.

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Music and Technical Aspects:

Amit Trivedi’s background score is a major highlight, intensifying the mood of crucial scenes. The music elevates the stakes, particularly during high-tension standoffs and key revelations. The soundtrack, featuring collaborations with Yo Yo Honey Singh, Rochak Kohli, and Sachet-Parampara, brings energy to the film, although the recreation of Tumhe Dillagi feels somewhat forgettable.

Sudhir K. Chaudhary’s cinematography beautifully captures the grit and gravity of the setting, while Sandeep Francis’ editing shines in the first half. The second half, however, could have been trimmed for better pacing. The visuals are sharp, and the tension is palpable, especially in the close-quarters raid sequences that echo the realism of its predecessor.

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Box Office Performance:

“Raid 2” has been a strong performer at the box office, crossing ₹174 crores globally within its first two weeks. This remarkable feat highlights the film’s appeal and the audience’s connection with the Raid franchise. The clash of ideologies between the protagonist and antagonist clearly resonated with viewers, boosting its commercial success.

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Final Verdict:

Raid 2 successfully extends the legacy of its predecessor by deepening the narrative around corruption and justice. With standout performances from Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh, along with effective direction by Raj Kumar Gupta, the film keeps you engaged, even if the pacing slightly dips in the second half. It’s a solid political thriller that sets the stage for a potential Raid 3, leaving audiences eager for more.