(33) Movie Reviews: Raid 2 [CBFC • 2025 ‧ Thriller • 2h 30min]

Introduction and Overview

"Raid 2," released on May 1, 2025, is the sequel to the 2018 crime thriller "Raid," directed by Raj Kumar Gupta. Starring Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, and Vaani Kapoor, the film continues the story of IRS officer Amay Patnaik, now on his 75th raid, targeting a corrupt politician, Dada Manohar Bhai, in the fictional state of Bhoj, set in 1989. The movie has garnered mixed reviews, with praise for its drama and climax but criticism for lacking originality and including unnecessary elements. This review covers all aspects, from cast performances to technical details, to provide a thorough analysis for global audiences interested in Bollywood thrillers.

Cast and Crew Details  

The film is helmed by director Raj Kumar Gupta, known for his work on the first "Raid" and other critically acclaimed films. The cast includes:  

- Ajay Devgn as Amay Patnaik, the honest IRS officer.  

- Riteish Deshmukh as Dada Manohar Bhai, the antagonist politician.  

- Vaani Kapoor replacing Ileana D'Cruz as Patnaik’s wife.  

- Supporting actors: Saurabh Shukla (Tauji), Supriya Pathak (mother), Amit Sial, Yashpal Sharma, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Tamannaah Bhatia (in a dance number). 

The writers, Ritesh Shah, Raj Kumar Gupta, Jaideep Yadav, Karan Vyas, and Akshat Tiwari, craft the narrative, which is based on true events of income-tax raids, a theme carried over from the prequel. The cinematography is handled by Sudhir K. Chaudhary, with music composed by Amit Trivedi for the score and various artists like Yo Yo Honey Singh, Rochak Kohli, and Sachet–Parampara for the songs. Producers include Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak, and Abhishek Pathak.

Storyline and Plot Analysis 

Set in 1989, "Raid 2" follows Amay Patnaik’s 75th raid, targeting Dada Manohar Bhai, a powerful politician in Bhoj, suspected of hiding illegal assets. The narrative unfolds as a cat-and-mouse game, with Patnaik uncovering deceit buried in fields and fortresses. The first half sets up the conflict, introducing characters and setting up the stakes, while the second half intensifies, balancing entertainment and intensity, culminating in a climactic sequence praised by some critics. However, the plot is criticized for predictability and lack of originality, with Bollywood Hungama noting it as less innovative than the first film. Unnecessary songs, including a dance number by Tamannaah Bhatia, are seen as disrupting the thriller tone, as per India Today and Rediff.com reviews.

Cast Performances Evaluation  

- Ajay Devgn as Amay Patnaik: Devgn’s performance is a mix of strength and detachment. India Today notes he never fully embodies Patnaik, appearing more like Singham or Vijay Salgaonkar, while Rediff.com suggests he’s brooding rather than character-driven. Despite this, his dialogue delivery, like “Maine kab kaha main Pandav hoon, main toh puri ki puri Mahabharat Hoon,” offers relief. 

- Riteish Deshmukh as Dada Manohar Bhai: Deshmukh’s villainous turn is charming but lacks menace and depth, with critics like India Today feeling he’s underdeveloped. Bollywood Hungama, however, sees him as a formidable antagonist.

- Vaani Kapoor: Her role is limited, with a romantic subplot criticized as irrelevant, adding little to the narrative.

- Supporting Cast: Saurabh Shukla, Amit Sial, and Yashpal Sharma are highlights, with Rediff.com praising their wit and insincerity, adding life to the film. Jacqueline Fernandez and Tamannaah Bhatia appear in dance sequences, but their roles are minor.

Technical Aspects in Depth 

- Cinematography: Sudhir K. Chaudhary captures the 1980s setting with muted tones and shadowy lighting, enhancing tension, though scale sometimes overshadows storytelling.  

- Photography: Focuses on intensity, with close-ups during tense moments and wider shots during raids, effectively conveying chaos and emotion.  

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Choreography: Includes a dance number by Tamannaah Bhatia, widely criticized as unnecessary and disruptive, detracting from the thriller tone.  

- Musical Score: Amit Trivedi’s score is bombastic, with Rediff.com noting it strips realism, lacking subtlety and often feeling over-the-top. Songs like “Nasha,” “Kamle,” “Tumhe Dillagi,” and “Money Money” interrupt the narrative.

- Background Theme: Part of the musical score, criticized for being loud and not aligning with the grounded narrative. 

- VFX & Special Effects: Minimal, used for period setting and raid sequences, not a significant focus, with no major highlights mentioned.  

Final Verdict and Conclusion  

"Raid 2" receives mixed reviews, with Bollywood Hungama giving it 3.5/5 for its gripping drama and climax, while India Today rates it 2.5/5, criticizing weak plotting and unnecessary songs, and Rediff.com sees it as lacking charm, rating it around 4/10. The film’s strengths lie in its second half, engaging climax, and supporting performances, but it struggles with originality, predictable scripting, and a bombastic score. It’s well-positioned for a strong opening weekend due to minimal competition, but may not match the first film’s impact.

Expectations and Recommendations 

For fans of the first "Raid" or crime thrillers focusing on justice versus corruption, "Raid 2" is recommended, especially for its climax and dialogues. However, those seeking innovation might find it disappointing due to its predictable plot and unnecessary elements. The film’s OTT release is expected on Netflix in late June or early July 2025, per Times of India reports, offering another viewing option post-theatrical run.

Future Installments  

There is no mention of a third installment in the reviews or official announcements, leaving the franchise’s future uncertain as of May 1, 2025.

Rating and Pros/Cons  

SCREEN SPEAK: (6/10)  ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Averaging mixed critical reception (Bollywood Hungama 7/10, India Today 5/10, Rediff.com ~4/10).  

Pros: 

  - Gripping drama, especially in the second half. 

  - Engaging climax offering closure and entertainment. 

  - Good dialogues, like “Maine kab kaha main Pandav hoon, main toh puri ki puri Mahabharat Hoon.” 

 - Strong supporting performances by Saurabh Shukla, Amit Sial, and Yashpal Sharma. 

- Cons: 

  - Lack of originality and predictable plot. 

  - Unnecessary songs and dance numbers, disrupting tone.

  - Ajay Devgn’s performance feels detached, not fully embodying Amay Patnaik.  

  - Bombastic musical score detracts from realism.

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