Raid 2 Review: Ajay Devgn Shines in Gripping Thriller

Director: Raj Kumar Gupta

Cast: Ajay Devgn, Vaani Kapoor, Riteish Deshmukh, Saurabh Shukla

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Rating: 3/5

A Sequel That Delivers Suspense and Nostalgia

Raid 2, the sequel to the 2018 hit Raid, brings back Ajay Devgn as the relentless income tax officer Amay Patnaik, this time facing off against a powerful politician played by Riteish Deshmukh. While the first film was inspired by a real-life IT raid in Lucknow, this installment takes a fictional approach, set in the late 1980s, with a fresh yet familiar narrative style.

Director Raj Kumar Gupta retains the essence of the original—corruption, power struggles, and a battle of wits—but expands the scope with a new setting and higher stakes. The film balances drama, suspense, and a touch of dark humor, making it an engaging watch.

Standout Performances

Ajay Devgn once again proves why he excels in intense, no-nonsense roles. He is the film's main character because of his nuanced yet impactful depiction of Amay Patnaik.
Riteish Deshmukh surprises with a controlled, menacing performance as the corrupt politician Ravi Rana. His calm yet ruthless demeanor adds depth to the antagonist.
Vaani Kapoor replaces Ileana D'Cruz as Amay's wife, bringing warmth to her limited but impactful role.
Saurabh Shukla appears in a special cameo as Tau, a prison inmate who delivers sharp, philosophical lines, adding a layer of dark humor.

What Works and What Doesn't?

Strengths:

Engaging cat-and-mouse chase – The battle between Devgn and Deshmukh keeps the tension alive.
Realistic action – The film avoids over-the-top stunts, relying instead on well-written confrontations.
Strong dialogue and social commentary – The script subtly critiques political corruption and bureaucratic red tape.

Weaknesses:

Pacing issues in second half – The introduction of new subplots slows down the momentum.
Predictable at times – The storyline follows a familiar template, lacking major surprises.

Critics' Reviews Roundup

Times of India (3.5/5):

"Raid 2 is a well-crafted thriller with Ajay Devgn in top form. Riteish Deshmukh's villainous turn is a revelation."

Hindustan Times (3/5):

"While not as sharp as the original, Raid 2 delivers enough suspense and drama to keep fans engaged."

Film Companion (3/5):

"A decent follow-up with strong performances, though it struggles with pacing in the latter half."

NDTV (2.5/5):

"Ajay Devgn carries the film, but the stretched runtime and lack of novelty hold it back."

Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?

Raid 2 is a good thriller that maintains the spirit of its predecessor. While it doesn't break new ground, it offers enough suspense, strong performances, and a gripping narrative to entertain fans of the genre. If you enjoyed the first film, this one won't disappoint—just don't expect a revolutionary sequel.

Rating: 3/5

Verdict: A well-acted, engaging thriller with minor pacing flaws. The performances by Riteish and Ajay are worth seeing.

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