Raid 2 (2025) Review: Ajay Devgn’s Gritty Return to Justice
Released in theatres on 1 May 2025, Raid 2 brings back the fearless IRS officer Amay Patnaik, once again played by Ajay Devgn. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta and produced by T-Series and Panorama Studios, this gripping political crime thriller serves as a direct sequel to the 2018 hit Raid. The film takes a deeper dive into power, corruption, and moral conflict, all set against the backdrop of a dusty, tense small-town India.
Plot Overview
After being falsely accused of corruption, Amay is transferred to the town of Bhoj in Rajasthan. There, he encounters a well-respected but morally dubious political figure, Dada Bhai. Determined to uncover the truth, Amay begins a series of high-stakes raids. As his investigation progresses, he uncovers a deeply rooted web of black money, manipulation, and political deceit. The narrative slowly unfolds to reveal how far one man will go to uphold justice, even when the odds are stacked against him.
Direction and Themes
Director Raj Kumar Gupta stays true to the style and tone of the original Raid while adding new layers of political tension and character complexity. The themes explored include bureaucratic corruption, political power abuse, and personal integrity. While the storyline keeps its moral compass steady, the film occasionally slips into familiar territory, following the proven path set by its predecessor.
Performances
Ajay Devgn delivers another grounded and powerful performance as Amay Patnaik. His portrayal is filled with intensity, restraint, and emotional depth. Riteish Deshmukh steps into the antagonist’s role with surprising subtlety, portraying Dada Bhai as a man both feared and revered. His understated menace adds weight to the conflict.
Vaani Kapoor plays Malini, Amay’s supportive wife, offering emotional balance to the tense narrative. Supporting actors like Saurabh Shukla and Amit Sial add credibility to the story, even though their screen time feels limited in parts.
Technical Aspects
The cinematography captures the rawness of Rajasthan and the suffocating tension of bureaucratic battles. The visuals are earthy and effective in grounding the story in realism.
The background score intensifies key sequences, although at times it may feel overpowering. Editing is tight in the second half but slightly sluggish during the film’s buildup. Overall, the production design and atmosphere stay true to the film’s serious tone.
Pacing and Structure
Raid 2 follows a clear two-act structure. The first half focuses on world-building, character setups, and the calm before the storm. It is deliberate but risks losing audience engagement due to its slow pace.
The second half, however, accelerates with sharp dialogues, tense face-offs, and impactful raid sequences. The narrative becomes more gripping as the plot thickens and secrets unravel.
Box Office Performance
Raid 2 was a commercial success, earning approximately 120 crore in India within 11 days of release. Globally, it crossed the 220 crore mark, placing it among the highest-grossing Hindi films of 2025. Despite concerns around piracy before its release, the film’s earnings remained unaffected, thanks to strong word-of-mouth and Ajay Devgn’s loyal fan base.
OTT Release
Raid 2 began streaming on Netflix from 26 June 2025, making it available to a broader audience after its successful theatrical run. The digital release continues to attract viewers who missed it on the big screen.
Audience and Critical Reception
The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics. While many praised the performances and socially relevant themes, others felt it relied too heavily on the formula of the original. Audience reactions highlight the strong chemistry between the lead characters and the second half’s tight storytelling. However, criticism was aimed at the slow beginning and the placement of unnecessary songs that disrupted the mood.
What Works
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Ajay Devgn’s commanding performance
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A believable political-crime narrative that maintains realism
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Solid second half with suspenseful moments and impactful dialogue
What Doesn’t Work
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The first half is slow and lacks momentum
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Songs feel forced and take away from the story’s tension
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The film plays it safe with a predictable structure
Final Verdict
Raid 2 delivers a solid, if familiar, extension to the original film’s premise. It builds upon the character of Amay Patnaik and expands the thematic scope to include broader political commentary. Despite a slow start and minor flaws in pacing, the film is elevated by strong performances and a thought-provoking storyline. For those who appreciate realistic thrillers with a moral backbone, Raid 2 is a satisfying watch.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Conclusion
Raid 2 is a fitting continuation of Amay Patnaik’s story, combining intense drama with real-world relevance. While it may not surprise audiences with its structure, it offers enough compelling moments to keep viewers invested. Devgn once again proves why he remains a top contender in the genre of gritty, socially conscious cinema.