Raid 2 Movie Review: Ajay Devgn’s Thrilling Sequel Delivers Power-Packed Action & Intense Drama

 

Raid 2

Raid 2 Review: A High-Octane Sequel with Bigger Stakes & Stronger Villains

The much-awaited sequel to the 2018 blockbuster Raid has finally hit theaters, and Raid 2 promises to be an even more gripping crime thriller. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, the film brings back Ajay Devgn as the fearless IRS officer Amay Patnaik, this time locking horns with a cunning new adversary—Riteish Deshmukh’s Dadabhai.

With strong box office numbers, stellar performances, and high-octane drama, Raid 2 is shaping up to be one of the biggest Bollywood releases of 2025. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into this detailed Raid 2 review to find out!

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Raid 2 Movie Plot: A Ruthless Battle Between Good & Evil

Set in the late 1980s, Raid 2 follows Amay Patnaik (Ajay Devgn), an incorruptible IRS officer known for his relentless raids on the corrupt elite. This time, his target is Dadabhai (Riteish Deshmukh), a powerful politician and philanthropist with a dark, hidden empire.

Dadabhai is no ordinary villain—he’s a sophisticated, white-collar criminal who hides behind a façade of charity and political influence. As Patnaik digs deeper into his illegal empire, a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse ensues.

The sequel expands the scale of the original, with bigger action sequences, sharper dialogues, and a more formidable antagonist. However, unlike the first film, Raid 2 takes itself more seriously, trading some of the humor for grittier, more intense storytelling.

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Raid 2 Cast & Performances: Ajay Devgn & Riteish Deshmukh Steal the Show

1. Ajay Devgn as Amay Patnaik

Ajay Devgn slips back into his role effortlessly, bringing the same stoic intensity that made the first Raid so compelling. His slow-motion entries, signature sunglasses, and deadpan one-liners add to his old-school hero charm.

2. Riteish Deshmukh as Dadabhai

Riteish Deshmukh, known for his comic roles, surprises with a menacing yet controlled performance. His portrayal of Dadabhai is chillingly understated—a villain who doesn’t need to raise his voice to instill fear.

3. Supporting Cast

• Vaani Kapoor replaces Ileana D’Cruz as Patnaik’s wife, Malini, but her role remains limited.

• Saurabh Shukla (Tauji) makes a brief but impactful appearance.

• Amit Sial as ‘Charan Chumbak’ Lallan is a scene-stealer with his quirky, corrupt antics.

• Supriya Pathak as Dadabhai’s mother adds depth to the villain’s backstory.

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Raid 2 Box Office & Advance Booking: A Strong Opening

Raid 2 opened on May 1, 2025, clashing with Suriya’s Retro and Nani’s Hit 3. Despite the competition, the film has shown strong advance bookings:

• Day 1 Collection: ₹9.77 crore (early estimates)

• Advance Booking Sales: ₹9.68 crore

• Top Cities: Mumbai (₹1.5 crore), Chennai, Bengaluru, and Pune leading in occupancy.

With 10,000+ shows across India, Raid 2 is expected to see a surge in weekend numbers, especially with positive word-of-mouth.

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Raid 2 Rating: Does It Live Up to the Hype?

✅ Strengths:

✔ Powerhouse Performances – Ajay Devgn & Riteish Deshmukh’s face-off is electrifying.
✔ Bigger Scale & Action – More intense raids, high-stakes confrontations.
✔ Sharp Dialogues – Witty one-liners mocking corruption add punch.

❌ Weaknesses:

✖ Pacing Issues – The first half is slow; the real thrill kicks in post-interval.
✖ Less Humor – Missing Saurabh Shukla’s comic timing from the first film.
✖ Overly Serious Tone – Lacks some of the fun that made Raid so engaging.

Final Verdict: 3.5/5 Stars

Raid 2 is a solid sequel with strong performances and gripping drama, but it doesn’t quite match the freshness and wit of the original. Still, it’s a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers and Ajay Devgn’s intense roles.

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Raid 2 OTT Release Date: When & Where to Watch Online?

For those waiting to stream Raid 2, the film is expected to release on a major OTT platform (likely Netflix or Amazon Prime Video) 6-8 weeks after its theatrical run. An official announcement is yet to be made.

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Final Thoughts: Should You Watch Raid 2?

If you loved the first Raid, this sequel offers more action, a stronger villain, and Ajay Devgn at his best. While it takes itself too seriously at times, the thrilling second half and stellar performances make it worth the watch.

Book your tickets now and witness Amay Patnaik’s biggest raid yet!