Ajay Devgn Returns in a Familiar but Partially Engaging Sequel! !!

Ajay Devgn is back as the incorruptible IRS officer Amay Patnaik in Raid 2, the sequel to the successful 2018 film Raid. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, the film released on May 1, 2025, and sees Patnaik tackling another case of white-collar crime, this time against a powerful and well-respected politician, Dada Manohar Bhai, played by Riteish Deshmukh. While the sequel attempts to build upon the premise of the original, it only manages to be partially engaging due to a predictable plot and uneven pacing.

Storyline Follows a Familiar Path:

Set seven years after the events of Raid, Raid 2 follows Amay Patnaik's 75th raid, this time in Bhoj, Rajasthan, where he goes after the seemingly untouchable Dada Manohar Bhai. Despite Dada Bhai's clean public image and strong influence, Patnaik suspects him of holding illegal assets. The initial raid yields nothing, leading to Patnaik's suspension. The film then follows Patnaik's relentless efforts to uncover the truth and bring Dada Bhai to justice, even after facing setbacks.

Performances: Ajay Devgn's Intensity and Riteish Deshmukh's Shine:

Ajay Devgn once again delivers a subtle yet intense performance as the unwavering Amay Patnaik. He embodies the character's determination and honesty effectively. However, the film doesn't offer him much novelty in terms of character development.

The standout performance comes from Riteish Deshmukh, who portrays the antagonist Dada Manohar Bhai. He shines in a role that allows him to explore a darker side, and his portrayal of a seemingly humble yet powerful and corrupt politician is compelling.

Vaani Kapoor replaces Ileana D'Cruz as Amay Patnaik's wife, Malini. While she shares a good on-screen dynamic with Ajay Devgn, her role doesn't add significant depth to the main narrative.

Direction and Technical Aspects:

Director Raj Kumar Gupta attempts to maintain the gritty and realistic tone of the first film. However, the screenplay feels stretched and predictable in the first half. The second half picks up pace with more thrilling elements and a better background score by Amit Trivedi. The cinematography by Sudhir K. Chaudhary is decent, but the editing could have been sharper to maintain a consistent pace throughout the film.

Hits and Misses:

Hits:

• Riteish Deshmukh's Performance: His portrayal of the antagonist is a major highlight.
• Engaging Second Half: The latter part of the film offers more thrills and intrigue.
• Ajay Devgn's Consistent Performance: He effectively portrays the determined protagonist.
• Connected Plot: For those who have seen Raid, the sequel's story feels like a natural continuation.

Misses:

• Predictable Plot: The storyline feels familiar and lacks significant twists, especially in the first half.
• Slow Paced First Half: The initial part of the film tests the audience's patience.
• Unnecessary Songs: The inclusion of multiple songs disrupts the flow of the crime thriller.
• Weak Climax: The ending might not be as impactful as expected.
• Lack of Depth: The narration in the first half and the overall character development could have been better.

Final Verdict:

Raid 2 works as a passable crime thriller, primarily due to the performances of Ajay Devgn and a noteworthy turn by Riteish Deshmukh. While the second half manages to engage the audience with its thrilling elements, the predictable plot and slow first half are significant drawbacks. Fans of the genre might find it watchable, but it doesn't quite reach the level of its predecessor.