After the massive success of Raid (2018), the audience had high hopes from its sequel, and Raid 2 delivers exactly what fans expected – a bold, gripping drama filled with suspense, power-packed performances, and a strong message against corruption. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta and starring Ajay Devgn once again as the fearless IRS officer Amay Patnaik, Raid 2 hits all the right notes and proves to be a worthy continuation of its predecessor.
Storyline: A Bigger Mission, A Deadlier Enemy
Raid 2 takes place a few years after the events of the first film. Amay Patnaik is now posted in Mumbai, where he receives a new lead involving an underground web of black money, illegal properties, and high-level political corruption. As he begins his investigation, he finds himself in a dangerous game against a ruthless and politically powerful businessman—played by Manish Wadhwa.
The plot thickens as Amay uncovers shocking details while facing threats to his own life and family. The narrative builds up slowly but grips the audience with powerful moments, thrilling raid sequences, and unexpected twists.
Performances: Ajay Devgn Steals the Show Again
Ajay Devgn shines once again as the honest and sharp IRS officer. His calm yet commanding presence brings gravity to the role. He plays Amay Patnaik with intensity, showing a mix of intelligence, strength, and emotional depth.
Manish Wadhwa, as the villain, delivers an impressive performance. His role as a smooth-talking yet dangerous businessman adds real tension and challenge to the story. Ileana D’Cruz makes a return in a supporting role as Amay’s wife, adding emotional value to the film, though her role is brief. Supporting actors like Rajesh Sharma and Saurabh Shukla (in a cameo) bring strong energy and solid performances to the screen.
Direction and Screenplay: Realistic and Gripping
Raj Kumar Gupta continues his solid storytelling from the first film. His direction focuses on realism, avoiding unnecessary drama. The screenplay is tight and maintains suspense throughout the film. The first half focuses on building the case, while the second half picks up pace and leads to a powerful climax that leaves a strong impact.
The raid scenes are shot with great detail, making viewers feel like they are part of the mission. The dialogues are sharp and often carry a patriotic tone without sounding preachy.
Cinematography and Editing: Sharp and Stylish
The cinematography by Alphonse Roy captures the contrast between Mumbai’s lavish bungalows and dark underworld beautifully. The visuals feel authentic and support the intense atmosphere of the story.
Editing is crisp, with a runtime of just over 2 hours. The film doesn’t drag, although a few flashback scenes in the first half could have been trimmed for a tighter pace.
Music and Background Score: Subtle Yet Powerful
Raid 2 doesn’t rely heavily on songs, which is a plus for a thriller of this nature. The soundtrack, composed by Amit Trivedi, includes only a couple of tracks, with “Sach Ka Saath” standing out for its emotional depth and theme of honesty.
However, it is the background score that truly lifts the film. The music builds tension during raids and emotional moments, adding weight to every scene.
Audience and Critics’ Response: Mostly Positive
- Critics have praised Raid 2 for its honest storytelling, strong performances, and realistic portrayal of corruption. Ajay Devgn’s performance has been highlighted as one of his best in recent years.
- Audience reaction has been very positive, especially among those who enjoyed the first part. The film’s serious tone, moral message, and suspenseful plot have struck the right chord with viewers across cities.
- Social media buzz has further helped the film’s popularity, with many users praising its no-nonsense approach and solid direction.
Box Office Collection: A Strong Performer
- Raid 2 opened strong at the box office, collecting around ₹36 crore in its first weekend. Word of mouth and good reviews helped it stay steady through the weekdays, taking its first-week total to ₹58 crore.
- Despite competition in the second week, the film continued to perform well, crossing ₹95 crore in India. Overseas collections added another ₹25 crore, especially from the UAE, US, and Canada markets. The worldwide total now stands at approximately ₹120 crore within two weeks of release.
- With satellite and digital rights sold for a high amount, the film is already a commercial success. Trade experts expect the film to comfortably cross the ₹150 crore mark in its full run.
Final Verdict: A Must-Watch Sequel That Delivers
Raid 2 is a gripping political-crime thriller that stays true to the core message of fighting corruption with honesty and courage. It does not rely on flashy action or over-the-top drama. Instead, it offers a well-crafted story, strong acting, and real-life inspired suspense that leaves a lasting impression.
For fans of Ajay Devgn, crime thrillers, and realistic cinema, Raid 2 is a must-watch. It is a rare sequel that manages to match the quality of its predecessor while delivering a fresh and engaging experience.
