Raid 2 (2025) Review: Ajay Devgn Returns
Ajay Devgn steps back into the shoes of the relentless IRS officer Amay Patnaik in Raid 2, the long-awaited sequel to 2018’s critically acclaimed Raid. Directed once again by Raj Kumar Gupta, the sequel attempts to amplify the scale, drama, and moral weight of its predecessor. This time, it ventures deeper into the murky world of political corruption, offering a more ambitious yet unevenly executed narrative.
The film, released on May 1, 2025, arrives with high expectations. The original had struck a chord with its taut storyline, real-life inspiration, and restrained performances. Raid 2, however, walks a tougher path. It tries to expand on every front—characters, stakes, visuals, and themes—but in doing so, it often sacrifices the grounded intensity that made the first film compelling.
Plot: Bigger Game, Bigger Players
Raid 2 picks up with Amay Patnaik now weathered by the system. He’s been transferred more than seventy times, a testament to his refusal to bow to political pressure. But this time, the stakes are higher. Patnaik finds himself assigned to investigate a powerful and dangerous politician named Satyendra Rana, played by Riteish Deshmukh in a career-defining negative role.
The narrative sets its roots in Delhi and Eastern UP, weaving a web of illegal wealth, intimidation tactics, and systemic rot. What begins as a routine investigation quickly escalates into a high-stakes battle between an honest officer and an entire ecosystem that thrives on silence and fear. Patnaik knows the raid itself is just the beginning. Taking on someone like Rana demands more than warrants and files—it requires strategy, resilience, and an unwavering moral compass.
The first half builds suspense effectively. There’s a sense of intrigue as Amay digs deeper, uncovering Rana’s far-reaching connections. But post-interval, the film loses some of its grip. The screenplay becomes more about exposition than momentum. The pace falters, with certain subplots dragging without adding much emotional or narrative weight.
Performances: Star Power and Surprises
Ajay Devgn returns with his signature quiet intensity. He brings credibility and presence to Amay Patnaik. His performance anchors the film, especially in moments where dialogue is minimal and his eyes do all the work. However, the sequel doesn’t allow him the same emotional range as the original. While he remains stoic and commanding, the script gives him fewer chances to explore the personal toll of his mission.
Riteish Deshmukh emerges as the standout. Known for comic and lighter roles, he takes a sharp turn here, delivering a cold and calculating performance as Satyendra Rana. Deshmukh sinks his teeth into the role, portraying a man who can smile in front of the media while orchestrating intimidation from the shadows. He adds an unpredictable energy that keeps the film alive during slower segments.
Vaani Kapoor, though positioned as a lead, receives limited screen time. She plays Patnaik’s wife but doesn’t get a substantial arc. Their emotional moments feel rushed, leaving viewers wanting more intimacy and stakes in their relationship.
Supporting actors like Amit Sial and Saurabh Shukla bring gravitas, and their interactions with Patnaik offer some of the more grounded moments in the film. They help flesh out the bureaucratic and legal framework within which the drama unfolds.
Direction and Screenplay: Ambition Meets Execution
Raj Kumar Gupta clearly aimed to make Raid 2 more than a procedural thriller. The film attempts to tackle the idea of institutional decay and how power structures protect their own. It introduces multiple layers, including whistleblowers, corrupt enablers, and a ruthless media spin machine. However, in trying to juggle too many elements, the film loses its razor-sharp focus.
The first Raid succeeded by keeping things tight and personal. Here, the broader scope sometimes works against the tension. A few plot points feel over-explained, while others don’t get the time they deserve. The film could have benefitted from tighter editing and a stronger emotional throughline.
The screenplay, crafted by a team of five writers, tries to balance mass appeal with political commentary. At times, it succeeds—especially in courtroom sequences and confrontation scenes—but overall, it struggles to maintain a consistent tone. The climax, however, delivers. It’s intense, unexpected, and satisfying, offering the kind of payoff that justifies the long build-up.
Cinematography, Action, and Music: A Polished Canvas
Visually, Raid 2 is striking. Cinematographer Sudhir K. Chaudhary employs a darker palette to reflect the film’s more serious tone. The use of shadows in interrogation rooms, drone shots over political rallies, and tight close-ups during confrontations add a cinematic richness that enhances the storytelling.
The action remains grounded—no over-the-top stunts here. The raid sequences, especially one in a tightly guarded farmhouse, are choreographed with precision and a strong sense of realism. The tension in these scenes feels earned.
The background score heightens the stakes, especially during legal and political showdowns. While most of the music stays in the background, a couple of songs feel unnecessary and disrupt the flow. A more restrained use of music could have preserved the film’s taut atmosphere.
Reception and Box Office
Despite the mixed reviews, Raid 2 opened strong at the box office, raking in around ₹9.77 crore on Day 1—helped by the May Day holiday. Advance bookings crossed ₹6.5 crore, signaling strong audience anticipation. However, the film faces stiff competition from other big releases, including Suriya’s Retro and Nani’s HIT 3.
Critics remain divided. Some praise the film for its performances and attempt to tackle systemic corruption. Others criticize it for lacking the freshness and urgency of the original. The audience reception on social media echoes this divide. Fans of Ajay Devgn appreciate his return as Amay Patnaik, but many express disappointment over the film’s pacing and emotional detachment.
One popular sentiment online describes it perfectly: “Fantastic first half, well-executed climax, but too much drag in between.”
Final Verdict: Strong Intent, Uneven Execution
Raid 2 carries the weight of high expectations and noble intent. It wants to be more than a sequel—it wants to be a statement on justice, power, and perseverance. While it succeeds in parts, especially in performances and production quality, it falters in pacing and narrative coherence.
Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh shine, but the story around them doesn’t always support their efforts. Fans of the original will find moments to appreciate, but they might also miss the simplicity and emotional clarity that made Raid so memorable.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Raid 2 has its moments, but it feels like a missed opportunity to elevate a strong premise into something truly gripping.
