Raid 2 Review: Ajay Devgn Returns, Riteish Shines, and the Crowd Raids the Theatres First!

Ajay Devgn’s Raid 2 has finally been released in theaters, and believe me, I didn’t expect the kind of crowd that turned up for it. I had confidently walked up to the counter for the 1:30 PM show, assuming it would be empty as usual. But what greeted me was a long, snaking queue that screamed, “You’re late, my friend!”

So, while standing outside, I quickly pulled out my phone to book tickets online – and even then, I couldn’t get seats together. Four here, two there. And I stood there thinking – what’s happening today? Because, honestly, it wasn’t just Raid 2 that released – there were around a dozen new films out that day. But my heart was set on this one.

Now, here’s the funny part. When I first went to the theater in the morning, I reached right on time, only to be told by the owner, “Bhai, this was just a dummy show.” Dummy show? I’ve been watching movies for six–seven years straight, and this was the first time I heard that term. But anyway, my Raid plans got raided by fate. Still, I managed to catch it later, and let’s just say – it was worth it.

The Return of the Taxman: Story Overview

Raid 2 picks up seven years after the original. Ajay Devgn’s Amay Patnaik, our upright, milk-pure income tax officer, is back – still honest, still intense, and still allergic to corruption. This time, his raid takes him into the den of a powerful central cabinet minister, played by Riteish Deshmukh.

Before you start thinking “Oh, I know how this story goes” – well, you’re right… to an extent. Because this movie sticks to the structure of a typical cat-and-mouse chase: corrupt minister versus honest officer, money trails, hidden assets, and moral battles. But the screenplay keeps tweaking that formula just enough to keep things engaging.

The big question – is Riteish, the central minister corrupt? If yes, where’s the stash? How deep does the corruption go? And how far will Amay go to expose it? The pacing of these revelations – whether before the interval or near the climax – shapes the film’s rhythm. And surprisingly, Raid 2 gets that timing mostly right.

The Challenge of Sequels: Escaping the Shadow of Raid (2018)

When you make a sequel to a film like Raid (2018), the biggest challenge isn’t writing a new story – it’s escaping the shadow of the original. The first film had a sharp script, a rooted setting, and Saurabh Shukla’s unforgettable performance.

So the makers did the smartest thing possible – they brought him back. Yes, Saurabh Shukla returns, and the man once again proves why he’s one of Bollywood’s finest scene-stealers. He isn’t just there for continuity – he’s there for chaos, humor, and those perfect one-liners that make you clap in the dark. Every time he appears, he brings that same old thrill, that same spark that made the first Raid special.

Riteish Deshmukh’s Politician Act: Charming, Cunning, Chilling

If there’s one casting masterstroke in Raid 2, it’s Riteish Deshmukh. We’ve seen him do comedy, we’ve seen him in emotional roles, but this – this is something else. His minister character is calm on the outside but hides a volcano of calculation underneath.

The way he holds his own against Ajay Devgn is commendable. There’s a sense of power in his silence – the kind of villain who doesn’t shout, doesn’t wave guns around, but makes you shiver with a smirk. You know he’s bad news the moment he speaks politely.

This clash – Ajay’s uprightness vs Riteish’s manipulation – becomes the film’s backbone. It’s like watching a chess match where every dialogue is a move, every silence a strategy.

Amit Sial: The Surprise Scene-Stealer

Among the supporting cast, Amit Sial deserves a full salute. The moment he enters as a fellow income tax officer, he lights up the screen. There’s a certain raw energy in his performance – he’s witty, sharp, and brings a fresh texture to the film.

In fact, in some sections, he even overshadows both the hero and the villain. That’s not easy when you’re sharing screen space with Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh. But Amit pulls it off – effortlessly.

Ajay Devgn: Consistent, Controlled, Convincing

Now, what can you say about Ajay Devgn that hasn’t already been said? The man can walk into a frame with folded arms and make everyone else disappear. His Amay Patnaik is not a loud hero; he’s the kind who burns quietly.

Is it a mind-blowing performance? Maybe not. But it’s spot-on for the character. He brings intensity without noise, conviction without melodrama. When he stares down a corrupt minister, you believe him. You believe that this man could raid your soul and find your hidden sins.

And that’s what makes his performance so effective – he doesn’t need to prove his honesty; he just is honest.

The Writing: Smart in Parts, Predictable in Others

The screenplay walks a fine line – it tries to stay grounded while adding cinematic flair. The first half is crisp, fast, and filled with intrigue. You’re constantly guessing where the story will go next.

But the second half? It slows down. The pacing wobbles. There’s a noticeable stretch where Ajay’s character almost disappears – not literally, but narratively. He’s there “salt to taste,” as I’d put it.

Though the runtime is just 2 hours 20 minutes, it feels longer during that patch. A tighter edit could have easily fixed this.

The Songs: The Real Raid on Audience’s Patience

Now, let’s talk about the weakest link – the songs. Oh dear lord.

There are three of them – and I still don’t know why. Actually, I do – to give Vaani Kapoor something to do other than looking stunning. The first two are there to build the “family man” angle of Amay Patnaik – but instead of building emotion, they break the film’s momentum.

You know the audience feels it too – because the moment a song begins, you can see phone screens lighting up like Diwali. Everyone scrolling Instagram, waiting for the song to end.

At least they didn’t randomly fly to Switzerland for these sequences – small mercy. But still, those songs are the speed-breakers in an otherwise smooth road.

The only one that manages to hold your attention is the third song – featuring Tamannaah Bhatia. The song itself? Forgettable. The visuals? Unforgettable. Let’s just say, your eyes won’t look away, even if your brain checks out.

And yes, they even played a romantic number during a Holi scene – “Tumhein dillagi bhool jani padegi.” Completely out of sync with the festival mood, but who’s complaining when the colors are that bright?

The Cinematography and Tone

Visually, Raid 2 looks rich without being over-stylized. The cinematography captures the tension of the raids, the grandeur of political offices, and the claustrophobia of corruption. The lighting often shifts between warm domestic tones and cold official hues – subtly mirroring the moral temperature of each scene.

Director Rajkumar Gupta (who also directed the first one) maintains a grounded tone. There’s no unnecessary melodrama, no overblown heroism – the film knows its world, and it stays rooted there.

Humor in the Heat of Tension

Surprisingly, Raid 2 doesn’t shy away from humor. Saurabh Shukla, as mentioned, brings much-needed comic relief – his timing is impeccable, his expressions priceless. There’s a kind of natural humor that seeps through tense moments, which keeps the film from becoming too heavy.

Those witty exchanges between officers, the sarcastic lines during interrogations – they make you chuckle even as the stakes remain serious. It’s this blend that keeps Raid 2 from turning into just another dry “serious” thriller.

The Emotional Angle: Vaani Kapoor and the Family Dynamic

Vaani Kapoor, as Amay’s wife, plays the emotional anchor. She isn’t central to the story, but she’s important to remind us that Amay isn’t a machine – he’s a man with a home, a wife, and emotions.

Yes, her songs are unnecessary, but her scenes with Ajay are sweet. They give the film a pause – a chance to breathe between the raids. Her line, “I saw your honesty in your eyes,” may sound cheesy, but it works in context. Because, honestly, Ajay’s eyes do look honest.

The Final Raid: Climax and Payoff

Without giving spoilers, the final act ties up everything neatly. The twist, though not jaw-dropping, is satisfying. The hero’s morality gets tested, the villain’s mask falls, and the final raid delivers exactly what fans came for – justice, redemption, and Ajay Devgn’s signature deadpan smirk of victory.

It’s not revolutionary cinema, but it’s solid entertainment. And in today’s times, that’s rare enough.

Verdict: Honest Effort, Honest Entertainment

If Raid 1 was a surprise hit that blended realism with thrills, Raid 2 is a confident follow-up that doesn’t try to overdo things. It knows its boundaries, respects its audience, and delivers within those limits.

Is it a masterpiece? No.
Is it entertaining? Absolutely.
Does it make you clap when Ajay catches the bad guy? A hundred percent yes.

Sure, the songs could’ve been axed, and the pacing could’ve been tighter. But at its core, Raid 2 remains true to its DNA – a story about honesty in a dishonest world.

If you liked the first Raid, you’ll enjoy this one too. It’s got a strong story, a powerful villain, and enough moments that’ll make you go, “Yeh tha asli raid!”

Rating: 3.5/5 – Worth raiding your weekend for.

Because sometimes, a good honest movie feels like a victory raid in itself.