Raid 2 (2025) Movie Review: Does Ajay Devgn's Amay Patnaik Still Reign Supreme?

Director: Raj Kumar Gupta

Cast: Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Vaani Kapoor, Rajat Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla, Supriya Pathak, Amit Sial, Shruti Pandey, Brijendra Kala, Yashpal Sharma, Govind Namdev & Others.

Language: Hindi

Release Date: 1st May 2025

Remember that feeling after the first 'Raid'? That nail-biting suspense, that satisfying clink of ill-gotten gains finally being unearthed? Well, brace yourselves, because Ajay Devgn's relentless IRS officer, Amay Patnaik, is back in "Raid 2," which hit cinemas on May 1, 2025. And while it aims for the same high notes, does it truly hit the bullseye, or does it leave us searching for more hidden treasures? Let's dig in!

The Plot: A Familiar But Expansive Battlefield

This time, Patnaik (Ajay Devgn) finds himself transferred for the 74th time, landing in Bhoj, a town seemingly governed by the revered politician Dada Bhai (Riteish Deshmukh). On the surface, Dada Bhai is a benevolent figure, a man of the people. But as Amay's keen instincts suggest, beneath this veneer of public service lies a vast, sinister operation. The film follows Amay's 75th raid, a challenging cat-and-mouse game where he must expose Dada Bhai's intricate web of corruption, even getting suspended along the way. The premise is solid, staying true to the spirit of the original while expanding the geographical and political landscape. It promises a deep dive into the hidden assets "buried in fields and fortresses," posing the ultimate question: will justice prevail, or will power silence the truth?

However, the narrative, while connected to the previous installment, often feels a bit too familiar. The early twists keep you guessing, but as the film progresses, it occasionally relies on convenience, making Amay's "wins" feel a tad too effortless, diminishing the tension.

Performances: A Battle of Intensities

Ajay Devgn as Amay Patnaik reprises his role with that signature brooding intensity and purposeful walk. He's the stoic, no-nonsense officer we've come to expect. While his presence is dependable and effective, some might feel that in "Raid 2," Devgn's portrayal of Patnaik feels slightly detached, not quite as distinct or memorable as in the first film. He carries the weight of the character well, but the script doesn't always allow Patnaik to fully emerge as the singular, unwavering hero.

The real revelation, or rather, the performance that truly keeps you engaged, is Riteish Deshmukh as Dada Bhai. Casting a seasoned comic actor in such a villainous role was a brave move, and Deshmukh delivers a mature and subtle performance. His eyes speak volumes of mischief and trouble, though some critics felt his villain lacked the raw, fearsome edge of Saurabh Shukla's Tauji from the original. Dada Bhai is polished and sophisticated, almost to a fault, which sometimes makes him appear less formidable than intended, creating an imbalance in the hero-villain dynamic. Despite this, Deshmukh's understated sinister energy makes for a fine nemesis, and his face-off with Devgn is certainly a highlight.

Among the supporting cast, Amit Sial as Amay's colleague Lallan Sudheer, provides much-needed comic relief and truly shines, becoming one of the show-stealers. Saurabh Shukla returns as Tauji, and while his presence is welcome, his connection to the new plot feels a bit jarring at times, lacking the organic flow of the original. Supriya Pathak as Dada Bhai's mother delivers a mature performance, making her presence felt, especially towards the climax. Unfortunately, Vaani Kapoor as Malini Patnaik, Amay's wife, is given a rather token role and often looks clueless, leaving audiences wondering about her true purpose in the narrative.

Direction, Screenplay & Technical Aspects: Hits and Misses

Director Raj Kumar Gupta, known for thrillers like "No One Killed Jessica," attempts to mount "Raid 2" on a grander scale. He maintains a firm grip on the unfolding events, particularly in the promising first half, which is filled with twists. However, the film struggles with a snail-paced screenplay, especially in the second half, which drags significantly. The editing could have been much tighter.

One of the most glaring missteps is the inclusion of unnecessary songs, including a dance number by Tamannaah Bhatia and another with Jacqueline Fernandez and Yo Yo Honey Singh. These songs act as speed breakers, completely interrupting the narrative flow and suggesting a lack of confidence from the makers in their core story. A film of this genre, especially a "Raid" sequel, simply doesn't need romantic subplots or excessive glamour to attract audiences.

On the positive side, Amit Trivedi's background score is a definite highlight. It's energetic and foot-tapping, helping to keep things ticking even when the screenplay falters. The cinematography by Sudhir K. Chaudhary is decent, delivering what is required visually. The dialogue offers some clever one-liners that mock sycophants and the corrupt, eliciting scattered applause. Moments like "Maine kab kaha main Pandav hoon, main toh puri ki puri Mahabharat Hoon" genuinely land.

The film's climax offers some closure and entertainment, preventing a complete collapse. However, given the high standards set by the original and Devgn's other intense dramas, "Raid 2" feels somewhat half-cooked, lacking the nuanced flavor and depth one would expect. It needed more time to marinate, perhaps a more subtle touch in its execution, rather than relying on familiar tropes and unnecessary additions.

The Verdict: A Raid That Doesn't Quite Land All Its Gold

"Raid 2" works in parts as a crime thriller, largely buoyed by the engaging performances of Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh, and a strong background score. The first half manages to hold attention, but the predictable twists, routine screenplay in the latter half, and the jarring inclusion of songs detract significantly from the overall experience. While it attempts to delve deeper into the battle between integrity and political corruption, it ultimately lacks the urgency and novelty of its predecessor. It's a valiant effort to take the franchise forward, but it falls short of being a truly memorable or compelling sequel.

For fans of the original and the crime thriller genre, it might offer a decent watch, but be prepared for some patience-testing moments.

Rating: ⭐⭐ ½ (2.5/5 Stars)

What are your thoughts on "Raid 2"? Did it live up to the hype for you? Share your reviews in the comments below! And if you found this review helpful, don't forget to like and share it with your fellow movie enthusiasts!