‘Raid 2’ treads an all-too-familiar path, sticking closely to the structure of the first film, and in doing so, misses a real chance to build something new. The setting may have shifted slightly, and the faces around the table may have changed, but the beats remain the same. The almost-rural backdrop, lathi-wielding mobs ready to defend their ‘leader,’ and a predictable mix of income tax officers all feel recycled. Raj Kumar Gupta spends far too long reintroducing an environment we’ve already seen, without offering any new insight.
Add to that an overbearing background score, a couple of jarring item numbers, and scenes that feel like they've been lifted straight from the first film, and you’re left with a sequel that struggles to justify its existence. Riteish Deshmukh’s Dada Bhai may have local reverence and political heft, but that presence doesn’t translate onscreen. It’s the performances, not the writing, that saves the film.
A raid story that lacks build-up
Set in 1989, this chapter unfolds in Bhoj, where Dada Bhai (Riteish Deshmukh) is a larger-than-life figure with unshakeable local support. When Amay Patnaik (Ajay Devgn) is transferred there following a bribery complaint, suspicions arise over Dada Bhai’s sudden rise in wealth. With his team’s backing, Amay begins his investigation and eventually convinces his seniors to authorize a raid. But the raids yield little, and the failure results in Amay’s suspension.
Still, he refuses to give up. Enter his old ally Lallan Sudhir (Amit Sial), who plays the part of a corrupt officer to gain Dada Bhai’s trust. Through this ploy, key information comes to light, and Amay eventually manages to build a solid case.
Style undermines substance
While the structure may promise tension, the execution often feels too flat to grip. The investigation sequences and the procedural details that gave the first film its pulse are largely absent here. The first ‘Raid’ had a grounded seriousness that kept you hooked. Here, that mood is traded for gloss. The film, co-produced by a music label, leans into that partnership a bit too eagerly. Two unnecessary item songs featuring Tamannaah Bhatia and Jacqueline Fernandez do little except break the already wavering narrative flow. Attempts at suspense fall flat, and some plot points stretch believability. For instance, Amay being transferred under dubious circumstances or Lallan getting too close to Dada Bhai without raising alarms feels far-fetched. At one point, Dada Bhai even admits to digging into Amay’s past after hearing of his bribery scandal—but somehow, conveniently overlooks the man’s closest aide.
Performances shine but the writing falters
Ajay Devgn, as Amay, moves through the film with a near-blank expression that makes it hard to read what he's thinking or feeling. He does land a few good moments but mostly plays a muted version of his earlier role. Vaani Kapoor’s character adds little and could’ve been left out without consequence. Riteish Deshmukh has his moments, especially in scenes with his mother, which feel authentic and grounded. But when Amay begins to outwit him, that arc is glossed over instead of being explored.
Saurabh Shukla returns as Tau, and it’s unclear why—perhaps only to offer the odd laugh. The standout performer is Amit Sial. As Lallan, he brings a quiet sharpness and delivers a performance that feels fully inhabited. It’s the kind of restrained, lived-in performance the film could’ve used more of. A sequel that was not required
It’s hard not to feel let down by ‘Raid 2,’ especially after the first film struck the right balance between intensity and restraint. Here, the emphasis shifts to sheen—songs, sound, and spectacle—at the cost of coherence. Despite being set in 1989, the film rarely makes an effort to transport viewers to that time. The production design is minimal, and the detailing is sparse. Ultimately, ‘Raid 2’ feels less like a story that needed telling and more like an attempt to cash in on the success of a well-received original. It's a film that plays it safe when it should have evolved.
Also read: Ajay Devgn, Bhushan Kumar ring the bell at NSE ahead of Raid 2's release on Akshay Tritiya: Watch
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Vaani Kapoor, Riteish Deshmukh, Rajat Kapoor, and Saurabh Shukla
Director: Raj Kumar Gupta
Rating: 2.5/5
(‘Raid 2’ is currently playing in theatres)
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