Raid 2 Movie Review, Ajay Devgn Crime Thriller Box Office Collection

Can justice prevail against deep-rooted corruption? Raid 2, the much-awaited sequel to the 2018 hit Raid, brings back Ajay Devgn as the fearless IRS officer Amay Patnaik, who once again takes on the powerful elite. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, the film dives into the murky world of political deception, high-stakes investigations, and intense confrontations. With Riteish Deshmukh stepping in as the formidable antagonist, Raid 2 promises a thrilling ride through India’s bureaucratic and criminal underbelly.

Story & Plot Overview

Set in 1989 Rajasthan, Raid 2 follows Amay Patnaik as he embarks on his 75th and most challenging raid yet. After a failed attempt to expose corruption in a palace, he is transferred to Bhoj, a town ruled by the influential Dada Manohar Bhai (Riteish Deshmukh). While the locals revere Dada Bhai as a benevolent leader, Patnaik suspects a darker truth lurking beneath his clean image. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a web of deceit, hidden wealth, and political manoeuvring that threatens to derail his mission.

The film maintains its signature investigative tension, but compared to its predecessor, it leans more into dramatic storytelling rather than pure suspense. While the core theme of fighting corruption remains intact, some plot developments feel predictable, making the narrative slightly less gripping than the original.

Performances & Direction

Ajay Devgn, once again, delivers a commanding performance in the role of Amay Patnaik, exemplifying the unwavering determination characteristic of an honest officer. His intense screen presence and sharp dialogue delivery keep the film engaging.

Riteish Deshmukh, in a rare negative role, impresses as Dada Bhai. His understated menace and calculated moves make him a worthy adversary. However, some of his confrontations with Devgn could have been more layered to heighten the tension.

Vaani Kapoor, playing Patnaik’s wife Malini, is seen for a short time on the screen but adds emotional depth to the story. Meanwhile, Saurabh Shukla, Amit Sial, and Supriya Pathak contribute solid performances, though some supporting characters feel underutilised.

Director Raj Kumar Gupta successfully maintains the film’s gritty tone, but the pacing occasionally falters, especially in the first half. The sequel follows a familiar template, making it feel less fresh compared to the original.

Cinematography, Music & Special Effects

• Visuals: The film’s cinematography effectively captures the grandeur of Rajasthan’s palaces and the tension of high-stakes raids.

• Music: The background score amplifies the drama, though the insertion of songs disrupts the narrative flow.

• Production Design: The film’s setting and costumes enhance its authenticity, immersing viewers in the late 1980s political landscape.

Box Office Performance

Raid 2 has officially crossed the ₹100 crore mark at the box office. On Day 9, the film earned ₹5 crore through ticket sales, bringing its domestic total to ₹100.75 crore.

Day-wise Collection Breakdown:

• Day 1 (Thursday): ₹19.71 crore

• Day 2 (Friday): ₹13.05 crore

• Day 3 (Saturday): ₹18.55 crore

• Day 4 (Sunday): ₹22.52 crore

• Day 5 (Monday): ₹7.47 crore

• Day 6 (Tuesday): ₹7.45 crore

• Day 7 (Wednesday): ₹4.81 crore

• Day 8 (Thursday): ₹5.33 crore

• Day 9 (Friday): ₹5 crore (early estimates)

Week-2 Collection Breakdown:

• Day 10 (Saturday): 8 Cr early estimates

Total: ₹ 108.75 Cr

The film has maintained steady occupancy, with night shows recording the highest footfall at 20.02%. Trade analysts predict that Raid 2 will continue its strong run in Week 2, especially with Bhool Chuk Maaf opting for a direct-to-digital release.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Ajay Devgn’s powerful performance keeps the film engaging.

• Riteish Deshmukh’s antagonist role adds intrigue.

• The film stays true to its theme of corruption and justice.

Weaknesses:

• Predictable plot points reduce the suspense.

• Some supporting characters lack depth.

• The pacing could have been tighter, especially in the first half.

Final Verdict & Recommendation

Raid 2 delivers a solid crime thriller experience, driven by strong performances and an engaging premise. While it doesn’t surpass the original in terms of freshness, it remains a compelling watch for fans of investigative dramas. If you enjoyed Raid, this sequel offers a familiar yet entertaining continuation of Amay Patnaik’s relentless pursuit of justice.

Rating: 3/5 stars