Raid 2 (2025): A Thrilling Yet Flawed Sequel That Packs a Punch
Released on May 1, 2025, Raid 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2018 hit Raid, storms into theaters with Ajay Devgn reprising his role as the resolute Income Tax officer Amay Patnaik. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, this Hindi-language crime thriller aims to recapture the gritty intensity of its predecessor while upping the stakes with a larger-scale raid and a formidable new antagonist in Riteish Deshmukh’s Dadabhai. With a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes, a U/A certificate, and a cast that includes Vaani Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla, and Supriya Pathak, Raid 2 promises a cat-and-mouse game of wits, corruption, and justice. However, while it delivers engaging moments and strong performances, the film struggles to match the original’s freshness, resulting in a gripping but uneven experience. This 800-word review dives into the highs and lows of Raid 2 for Bollywood fans and thriller enthusiasts alike.
A Bigger, Bolder Raid
Set in 1989, seven years after the events of Raid, Raid 2 follows Amay Patnaik, now a seasoned Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax who has seized over ₹4,200 crore in his career. His 75th raid targets Manohar Dhankar, aka Dadabhai (Riteish Deshmukh), a cunning politician and revered philanthropist in the fictional state of Bhoj. Dadabhai’s saintly facade masks a web of corruption, tax evasion, and money laundering. After a raid on a Jaipur king’s palace lands Amay in trouble—accepting a bribe and facing suspension—he’s transferred to Bhoj, where he uncovers Dadabhai’s sinister empire. The film chronicles Amay’s relentless pursuit to expose the politician’s crimes, navigating a maze of deceit and political power.
Unlike the first film’s focused, single-day raid, Raid 2 spans a broader timeline, weaving a complex investigation with higher stakes. The story, penned by Ritesh Shah, Raj Kumar Gupta, Jaideep Yadav, and Karan Vyas, retains the original’s theme of an honest officer battling corruption but introduces a more layered antagonist. While the first Raid thrived on its novel premise and Saurabh Shukla’s iconic villain Tauji, the sequel aims for grandeur, with mixed results. Critics note its “gripping cat-and-mouse thriller” appeal but lament its “whiff of sameness” and predictable structure.
Stellar Performances Elevate the Drama
Ajay Devgn anchors Raid 2 with his signature intensity, embodying Amay Patnaik’s dour determination and quiet heroism. His steely glares and measured dialogue delivery command attention, though some reviews critique his “monotonous” performance, suggesting it lacks the spark of his earlier roles. Riteish Deshmukh, however, steals the show as Dadabhai, delivering a “mature and subtle” portrayal of a politician whose charm hides a sinister edge. His understated menace and witty exchanges with Devgn form the film’s strongest moments, with critics praising their “riveting battle of wits.”
The supporting cast adds depth, with Amit Sial’s boisterous Lallan Sudheer Singh and Shruti Pandey injecting humor and energy. Saurabh Shukla’s brief return as Tauji is a nostalgic highlight, though fans may miss his larger presence from the original. Supriya Pathak shines as Dadabhai’s mother, adding emotional weight, while Rajat Kapoor’s role as Amay’s senior feels underutilized. Vaani Kapoor, replacing Ileana D’Cruz as Amay’s wife Malini, is a weak link—her role feels ornamental, reduced to “offering rotis” with little narrative impact. Critics argue her character, alongside unnecessary songs, dilutes the film’s focus.
Hits and Misses in Execution
Director Raj Kumar Gupta, who helmed No One Killed Jessica and the original Raid, brings a familiar intensity to Raid 2. The second half, packed with twists and a thrilling climax, is the film’s high point, with Amit Trivedi’s background score amplifying the tension. The cinematography by Sudhir K. Chaudhary captures the dusty grandeur of Rajasthan and Bhoj, though some scenes feel overly theatrical. However, the first half drags with a “snail-paced” screenplay and repetitive setups, echoing the original’s structure too closely. Critics note that the film’s reliance on familiar tropes—like convoys of cars and heavy dialogue—makes it feel “half-cooked” at times.
The inclusion of item numbers featuring Tamannaah Bhatia and Jacqueline Fernandez (with Yo Yo Honey Singh) feels forced, disrupting the narrative’s flow. While the recreated “Tumhe Dillagi” adds nostalgic charm, the “Money Money” track is widely panned as unnecessary. The film’s technical aspects, including Sandeep Francis’ editing, could have been sharper to tighten the 150-minute runtime. Despite these flaws, the screenplay’s twists keep viewers engaged, especially in the second half, where Amay’s strategic maneuvers outsmart Dadabhai.
A Worthy but Lesser Successor
Raid 2 struggles to escape the shadow of its predecessor. The 2018 Raid was lauded for its fresh take on income tax raids and the electric dynamic between Devgn and Shukla. The sequel, while entertaining, feels like a “rehash with a scaled-up setting,” lacking the original’s tight storytelling. Reviews are mixed, with ratings ranging from 2.5/5 to 3.5/5, praising the performances and second-half thrills but criticizing the predictable plot and uneven pacing. Social media buzz highlights the Devgn-Deshmukh face-off as a major draw, with fans calling it a “proper mass movie.”
Box office-wise, Raid 2 opened strong, raking in nearly ₹10 crore in advance bookings and aiming for a ₹15 crore net start, bolstered by the May 1 holiday weekend. Its 4,000-screen release and minimal competition from films like Retro and HIT 3 position it well for commercial success. The film’s Netflix OTT release, expected in late June or early July 2025, ensures wider reach post-theatrical run.
Should You Watch It?
Raid 2 is a solid, if flawed, addition to the franchise, best suited for fans of crime thrillers and Ajay Devgn’s intense persona. Its strengths lie in the gripping Devgn-Deshmukh showdown, a rousing second half, and sharp dialogue, but it falters with a slow start, unnecessary songs, and a lack of innovation. It’s not as clever as the original but delivers enough entertainment to justify a theater visit, especially for those who loved Raid. Watch it for the performances and thrilling moments, but temper expectations if you’re seeking the first film’s magic.
Rating: 3.5/ 5.