Raid 2: A Gripping Sequel
The much-anticipated sequel to the 2018 hit Bollywood film Raid, titled Raid 2, has finally hit the screens on May 1, 2025. Starring Ajay Devgn, who reprises his role as the incorruptible Income Tax officer Amay Patnaik, and featuring Riteish Deshmukh as the formidable antagonist, the film promises another intense battle against corruption. But does Raid 2 live up to the expectations set by its predecessor? Let's delve into the reviews and plot to find out.
Set seven years after the events of Raid, Raid 2 follows IRS Deputy Commissioner Amay Patnaik as he faces his 75th transfer and is assigned to the town of Bhoj in Rajasthan. His mission: to unearth the black money of a highly influential and seemingly clean politician, Manohar Dhankar, also known as Dada Manohar Bhai (Riteish Deshmukh).
During his meticulous raid, Amay and his team found no illegal assets, which led to his suspension. However, Amay's unwavering commitment to justice compels him to continue his pursuit of Dada Manohar Bhai, uncovering a complex web of corruption. With the support of his wife, Malini (Vaani Kapoor, replacing Ileana D'Cruz), who influences Dada Manohar Bhai's mother to reveal the truth, Amay eventually confronts the politician. Realizing his misdeeds, Dada Manohar Bhai surrenders. The film concludes with a hint towards a potential Raid 3, as Rameshwar Singh (Saurabh Shukla, reprising his role from Raid) proposes an alliance with Dada Manohar Bhai.
Critical Reception:
The critical response to Raid 2 has been mixed. While some critics have lauded the performances of Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh, particularly in the second half, others have found the film to be a letdown compared to the original.
Aspects:
Strong Performances: Ajay Devgn is praised for his intense and subtle portrayal of Amay Patnaik. Riteish Deshmukh is also commended for his menacing and charming depiction of the antagonist, Dada Manohar Bhai. Saurabh Shukla and Amit Sial, who reprise their roles, are also noted for their solid performances.
Gripping Story (Second Half): Many reviewers highlight that the second half of the film is engaging and suspenseful, with interesting twists and turns that keep the audience hooked. The conflict between Amay's integrity and the pervasive political corruption is a central theme that resonates with viewers.
Thunderous Dialogue: The dialogues, especially in the confrontations between the lead characters, have been appreciated for their impact.
Slow Start: Some critics found the first half of the movie to be slow-paced and lacking the thrill of the original. The inclusion of unnecessary songs has also been criticized for disrupting the film's tone.
Weak Screenplay (First Half): The screenplay in the initial part of the movie has been described as less engaging, testing the audience's patience.
Underwhelming Music: The music, barring the background score in the second half, has generally been considered forgettable.
Unnecessary Elements: The inclusion of item songs featuring Tamannaah Bhatia and Jacqueline Fernandez has been deemed unnecessary and detrimental to the film's overall impact. Some reviewers also pointed out a misplaced sexual abuse angle in a film about income tax and black money.
Not as Impactful as the Original: A common sentiment among critics is that Raid 2 does not live up to the standards set by the first Raid, lacking the same level of thrill and excitement.
Box Office Performance:
Despite the mixed reviews, Raid 2 has reportedly been a commercial success at the box office, ranking as the fourth highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025 so far. This indicates that Ajay Devgn's star power and the established Raid franchise still hold significant appeal for audiences.
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