This Raid 2 review examines Ajay Devgn’s return as IRS officer Amay Patnaik in a sequel that delivers strong performances but struggles with pacing and originality.
In the dimly lit corridors of power where corruption thrives, IRS officer Amay Patnaik returns for another battle against tax evaders in “Raid 2.” As a storyteller who’s followed Ajay Devgn’s career and a journalist with an eye for cinematic detail, this Raid 2 review examines whether director Raj Kumar Gupta’s sequel delivers on the promise of its predecessor or falls victim to the dreaded sequel syndrome.
Released on May 1, 2025, “Raid 2” attempts to recapture the tension and moral complexity that made the 2018 original a surprise hit. But does lightning strike twice? Our detailed Raid 2 review breaks down the performances, direction, and overall impact of the film to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.
Table of contents
The Raid 2 Review: Plot Without Punch
The Raid 2 review must acknowledge the film’s strong second half despite its initial pacing issues. Set several years after the events of the first film, we find Amay Patnaik (Ajay Devgn) continuing his crusade against corruption. This time, his target is Dada bhai (Riteish Deshmukh), a corrupt politician with powerful connections.
The premise is promising – a dedicated officer taking on a system designed to protect the powerful. However, the execution lacks the vitality and urgency that made the original compelling. The first hour meanders through unnecessary subplots and character introductions that add little to the narrative momentum.
When the actual raid finally begins, the film finds its footing. The cat-and-mouse game between Patnaik and Dada bhai offers some genuinely tense moments, particularly in the well-crafted climax. But these highlights come too late to fully redeem the film’s sluggish start.
Many critics in their the raid 2 review have praised Ajay Devgn’s committed performance as IRS officer Amay Patnaik. Indeed, Devgn brings the same stoic determination that worked in the first film, though the character lacks meaningful development. We see the same unwavering moral compass without exploring how the events of the first film might have changed him.
Raid 2 Movie Review: Performances That Deserve Better
Our raid 2 movie review finds that the film takes itself too seriously compared to the original. The first “Raid” balanced its serious subject matter with moments of levity and human connection. This sequel, however, maintains a consistently grim tone that becomes monotonous over its 2-hour-and-25-minute runtime.
The performances are a mixed bag. Any fair raid 2 Ajay Devgn’s review must acknowledge his consistent performance despite the script’s limitations. Devgn delivers exactly what’s expected of him – intensity, conviction, and presence. He remains the film’s anchor, even when the narrative drifts.
Riteish Deshmukh as the antagonist Dada Bhai is a pleasant surprise. Known primarily for comedic roles, Deshmukh brings a menacing charm to his portrayal of a corrupt politician. His scenes with Devgn crackle with tension, making you wish the script had given them more substantial material to work with.
The supporting cast, including Vaani Kapoor as Patnaik’s wife and Rajat Kapoor in an underdeveloped role, do what they can with limited screen time. The Raid 2 cast and crew includes talented actors like Amit Sial and Saurabh Shukla, who bring authenticity to their small but significant roles.
Technical Aspects and Direction
Director Raj Kumar Gupta returns to lead the Raid 2 cast and crew in this sequel to the 2018 hit. Gupta’s direction is competent but lacks the innovative edge that could have elevated the material. The raid sequences, which should be the film’s highlight, often feel formulaic rather than fresh.
The cinematography by Alphonse Roy captures the various filming locations – Mumbai, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi – with appropriate grit and atmosphere. The production design effectively recreates the corridors of power and the homes of the corrupt elite.
The soundtrack, featuring contributions from multiple artists including Amit Trivedi, fails to leave a lasting impression. The inclusion of item numbers featuring Yo Yo Honey Singh and Tamannaah Bhatia feels like a commercial compromise rather than an organic part of the storytelling.
Raid 2 Review By Critics: A Comparative Analysis
This Raid 2 movie review highlights both the strengths and weaknesses of this crime drama sequel. To provide context, here’s how other publications have rated the film:
| Publication | Rating | Key Comments |
|---|---|---|
| NDTV | 2/5 | “Average entertainment at best” |
| Bollywood Hungama | 3.5/5 | “Makes a strong and enduring impact” |
| Times of India | 3/5 | “Faithful sequel that wallows in self-admiration” |
| Our Rating | 2.5/5 | “Strong performances in a formulaic package” |
The disparity in ratings reflects the film’s uneven quality. While some critics appreciate the performances and second-half tension, others cannot overlook the pacing issues and lack of innovation.
Comparison With The Original
The Raid 2 review explores how the sequel builds upon the foundation laid by the first film. The original “Raid” succeeded because it felt fresh – a taut thriller based on real-life income tax raids that balanced procedural details with human drama. It had clear stakes and a villain (played memorably by Saurabh Shukla) who was both threatening and charismatic.
“Raid 2” attempts to replicate this formula but lacks the original’s novelty and tight pacing. The sequel expands the canvas without necessarily enriching the story. Where the first film felt like a focused chamber piece, the sequel sprawls without purpose.
However, the film does maintain the original’s commitment to showcasing the procedural aspects of income tax raids, which remains one of its strengths. The attention to detail in these sequences provides an educational glimpse into a world most viewers never see.
Box Office Performance
Despite mixed reviews, “The Raid 2” opened strongly at the box office. Bookings reached ₹9.68 crore with approximately 10,000 shows across India. The opening day saw an occupancy rate above 20%, with projected collections of ₹15-17 crore nett.
The film performed particularly well in Chennai, Bengaluru, and Trichy, with 86,000 tickets sold across major chains (PVR, Inox, Cinepolis) on day one. This positions it as potentially the third-best Bollywood opener of 2025, suggesting that Ajay Devgn’s star power and the franchise recognition are drawing audiences despite critical reservations.
Pros and Cons
What Works:
- Ajay Devgn’s reliable performance as the upright IRS officer
- Riteish Deshmukh’s surprising turn as the antagonist
- Well-executed climax sequence
- Strong second half that picks up the pace
- Authentic portrayal of tax raid procedures
What Doesn’t:
- Sluggish first half with pacing issues
- Underdeveloped supporting characters
- Lacks the freshness and urgency of the original
- Takes itself too seriously with little tonal variation
- Predictable narrative beats
Expert Raid 2 Movie Review: Final Verdict
Reading a comprehensive RAID 2 movie review can help you set appropriate expectations before watching. “Raid 2” is neither a complete failure nor a rousing success. It’s a sequel that delivers exactly what you’d expect – no more, no less.
For fans of Ajay Devgn or those who enjoyed the first film, there’s enough here to warrant a viewing, particularly in the more engaging second half. The film’s exploration of corruption and the procedural aspects of income tax raids provides some educational value alongside the entertainment.
However, for those seeking fresh storytelling or innovative filmmaking, “Raid 2” offers little new. It’s a competently made but formulaic sequel that relies too heavily on its star’s charisma and the goodwill generated by its predecessor.
Our Raid 2 Ajay Devgn review finds that he remains the strongest element of this sequel. The film earns 2.5 out of 5 stars – a middle-of-the-road rating for a middle-of-the-road film that had the potential to be much more.
FAQs
Raid 2 follows IRS officer Amay Patnaik (Ajay Devgn) as he takes on corrupt politician Dada Bhai (Riteish Deshmukh). The film continues the story from the 2018 original, focusing on another high-profile tax raid based on real-life events. The narrative explores themes of corruption, moral integrity, and the challenges faced by honest officers working within a compromised system.
If you enjoyed the first film or are a fan of Ajay Devgn, Raid 2 is worth watching despite its flaws. The film has a strong second half, a well-executed climax, and solid performances from Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh. However, viewers should be prepared for pacing issues in the first half and a story that lacks the freshness of the original.
Critical ratings for Raid 2 have been mixed, ranging from 2 to 3.5 stars out of 5. Our rating is 2.5/5, reflecting the film’s strong performances and engaging second half, balanced against its pacing issues and lack of innovation. The film has performed well at the box office despite the mixed reviews.
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