Introduction
Raid 2 is an action-packed sequel where the battle against corruption intensifies. A fearless officer returns to expose the dark underworld. In 2018, Raid captivated audiences with its portrayal of an honest income tax officer, Amay Patnaik, who takes on a powerful politician involved in black money laundering. The film’s success led to the announcement of a sequel, Raid 2, which was released on May 1, 2025. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta and starring Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, and Vaani Kapoor, the film continues the story of Amay Patnaik as he confronts another corrupt politician in a fictional state.mensxp.com+9indiatoday.in+9indiatoday.in+9rottentomatoes.com+6indiatoday.in+6indiatoday.in+6ndtv.com+3en.wikipedia.org+3indiatimes.com+3
Plot Overview
Set seven years after the events of the first film, Raid 2 follows Amay Patnaik’s transfer to the town of Bhoj in Rajasthan. Here, he faces off against Manohar Dhankar, also known as Dadabhai, a revered politician with deep ties to the underworld. As Amay delves deeper into Dadabhai’s operations, he uncovers a vast network of corruption and black money. The film explores themes of justice, power, and the challenges faced by honest officers in a system riddled with deceit.indiatoday.in+2en.wikipedia.org+2indiatimes.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2indiatoday.in+2indiatimes.com+2
Cast and Performances
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Ajay Devgn reprises his role as Amay Patnaik, delivering a performance that blends intensity with subtlety. However, some critics noted that his portrayal occasionally veers into the territory of his other iconic roles, such as Singham, rather than maintaining the grounded essence of Amay. indiatoday.in
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Riteish Deshmukh takes on the role of Dadabhai, the antagonist. His portrayal of a charismatic yet menacing politician adds depth to the character, making him a formidable adversary for Amay.m.economictimes.com+12ndtv.com+12indiatoday.in+12ndtv.com+6indiatoday.in+6mensxp.com+6
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Vaani Kapoor joins the cast as Amay’s wife, replacing Ileana D’Cruz from the first film. While her role is supportive, she adds emotional weight to the narrative, especially in scenes depicting the personal toll of Amay’s profession.thehindu.com+4indiatoday.in+4timesofindia.indiatimes.com+4
Direction and Screenplay
Raj Kumar Gupta returns as the director, bringing his expertise in crafting tense narratives. The screenplay, co-written by Gupta and Ritesh Shah, is taut and engaging, with well-timed twists that keep the audience on edge. However, some critics felt that the film’s pacing slowed in the second half, detracting from the overall impact. indiatimes.com+4indiatoday.in+4en.wikipedia.org+4en.wikipedia.orgindiatoday.in
Cinematography and Music
Sudhir K. Chaudhary’s cinematography captures the essence of Rajasthan, using the state’s arid landscapes to enhance the film’s gritty tone. The visuals are complemented by a score from Amit Trivedi, whose compositions underscore the film’s intense moments. The soundtrack features songs by Yo Yo Honey Singh, Rochak Kohli, and Sachet-Parampara, with tracks like “Nasha” and “Kamle” adding to the film’s emotional depth.en.wikipedia.org+1indiatimes.com+1
Box Office Performance
Raid 2 has been a commercial success, grossing approximately ₹225.5 crore at the Indian box office. It has been ranked as the third highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025, following Chhaava and Sikandar. indiatimes.comen.wikipedia.org+1timesofindia.indiatimes.com+1
Critical Reception
The film has received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the performances and the film’s commitment to showcasing the challenges faced by income tax officers, others felt that it lacked the freshness of the original. India Today noted that Ajay Devgn’s performance sometimes overshadowed the character of Amay Patnaik, making him appear more like his other iconic roles. timesofindia.indiatimes.com+3indiatoday.in+3indiatoday.in+3en.wikipedia.org+9indiatoday.in+9indiatoday.in+9
Conclusion
Raid 2 successfully builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, offering a compelling narrative about corruption and justice. While it may not surpass the original in terms of impact, it stands as a worthy sequel that continues to highlight the importance of integrity in the face of adversity.