Raid 2: Box Office Storm Brewing as Advance Bookings Soar

“Raid 2 advance booking hits ₹3.06 crore, surpassing Ajay Devgn’s Maidaan. Get all details about the cast, plot, and box office potential of this crime thriller sequel.”

In a strong display of audience anticipation, Ajay Devgn’s upcoming crime thriller “Raid 2” is making waves at the box office even before its release. The sequel to the 2018 hit film has already collected a remarkable ₹3.06 crore in advance bookings, signaling what could become one of Devgn’s biggest openers of 2025.

Raid 2 Advance Booking: Numbers Point to a Potential Blockbuster

The booking figures for Raid 2 have surpassed expectations, with ticket sales reaching ₹3.06 crore as of April 30, 2025. This impressive performance comes ahead of the film’s scheduled release on May 1, 2025, giving industry experts reason to believe the sequel might outperform its predecessor at the box office.

What makes these numbers particularly significant is how they stack up against Ajay Devgn’s recent releases. Raid 2’s booking has already surpassed the numbers for Maidaan (₹1.11 crore) and Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha (₹49.79 lakh), demonstrating a strong audience pull for this crime thriller franchise.

“The response has been phenomenal, especially for a mid-week release,” notes trade analyst Rohit Jaiswal. “If the momentum continues, we could see Raid 2 challenging the opening day figures of Shaitaan, which collected ₹14.75 crore on its first day.”

Comparison with Ajay Devgn’s Recent Films

The growing popularity of Raid 2 becomes evident when compared to the actor’s previous releases:

While Raid 2 may not match the phenomenal booking of Singham Again (₹15.7 crore), industry insiders are watching closely to see if it can overtake Shaitaan’s ₹4.14 crore as bookings continue to roll in before the release.

The Raid Franchise: Building on Success

The original Raid, released in 2018, was a critical and commercial success. Based on a real-life income tax raid conducted in the 1980s, the film resonated with audiences for its gripping storytelling and strong performances. It collected ₹103.07 crore net in India and ₹154.19 crore worldwide, establishing itself as a solid hit.

Raid 2 builds on this legacy, bringing back Ajay Devgn as Indian Revenue Service Officer Amay Patnaik. Director Raj Kumar Gupta, who helmed the original, returns to direct the sequel, ensuring continuity in the franchise’s vision and storytelling approach.

“I agree we took a long time to come up with a sequel, but it was important to create a good story, and we worked hard on it,” Gupta told ANI. “Audience perception of sequels can vary. Some will also draw comparisons between the first part and the second, but it’s part and parcel of expanding a franchise.”

Raid 2 Cast: New Faces Join the Franchise

While Ajay Devgn reprises his role as the determined IRS officer Amay Patnaik, Raid 2 introduces several new faces to the franchise. Riteish Deshmukh steps into the antagonist role as Dada Manohar Bhai, setting up an intense face-off with Devgn’s character.

Vaani Kapoor joins the cast as the female lead, replacing Ileana D’Cruz from the original film. When asked about this change during promotions, Ajay Devgn drew an interesting parallel, saying, “Sean Connery is not the only James Bond,” emphasizing how different actors can bring fresh perspectives to established franchises.

The film also features Rajat Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla, and Supriya Pathak in significant roles. Adding star power to the soundtrack are special appearances by Tamannaah Bhatia, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Yo Yo Honey Singh in various song sequences, already generating buzz online.

What to Expect from Raid 2: Plot and Production

Raid 2 follows Amay Patnaik as he conducts his 75th raid, targeting the properties of the powerful Dada Manohar Bhai. The film promises intense confrontations, powerful dialogues, and the same gritty realism that made the original successful.

With a runtime of approximately 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes), Raid 2 has been certified ‘UA 7+’ by the Central Board of Film Certification. The film has been shot across multiple locations, including Mumbai, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, giving it a pan-Indian appeal.

The soundtrack features several noteworthy songs:

• “Nasha” – A dance number featuring Tamannaah Bhatia
• “Kamle” – A romantic song showcasing Ajay Devgn and Vaani Kapoor’s chemistry
• “Tumhe Dillagi” – A remake of the classic romantic track
• “Money Money” – A party number featuring Yo Yo Honey Singh and Jacqueline Fernandez

Release Strategy and Box Office Potential

Raid 2 is set for a theatrical release on May 1, 2025, and will face competition from the horror comedy “The Bhootnii” at the box office. However, given the sequel’s strong advance booking performance and the established fan base of the franchise, trade analysts are optimistic about its commercial prospects.

The original Raid collected ₹103.07 crore net in India, and the sequel is expected to surpass this figure, given the increased scale of production and star power. If the strong advance booking trend continues, Raid 2 could potentially become one of Ajay Devgn’s highest-grossing films of 2025.

The Verdict: Is Raid 2 Worth Watching?

With its stellar cast, intriguing premise, and the goodwill of its predecessor, Raid 2 appears poised to deliver an engaging cinematic experience for fans of crime thrillers. The strong booking numbers suggest high audience anticipation, and if the film lives up to expectations, it could become one of the standout performers at the box office this summer.

As the release date approaches, the buzz continues to build around this high-stakes battle between an honest tax officer and a powerful adversary. Whether you’re a fan of the original or simply looking for an engaging thriller, Raid 2 promises to deliver a compelling narrative wrapped in the trappings of a commercial entertainer.

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