The highly anticipated sequel, “Raid 2,” has stormed into cinemas, bringing back Ajay Devgn as the relentless IRS officer Amay Patnaik. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, this action-thriller, released on May 1, 2025, on the occasion of International Labour Day and Maharashtra Day, is once again plunging audiences into the murky world of white-collar crime.
A New Battleground, A Familiar Foe:
Set seven years after the events of the original “Raid” (2018), “Raid 2” sees Amay Patnaik tackling another formidable challenge. This time, his target is Manohar Dhankar, alias Dada Manohar Bhai, a seemingly respected politician portrayed by Riteish Deshmukh. The film delves into Patnaik’s 75th raid, where he aims to expose the hidden black money of this influential figure.
The Plot Unfolds:
The narrative kicks off with an initial raid that doesn’t yield the expected results, leading to Amay’s suspension. However, true to his character, he remains determined, relentlessly pursuing Dada Manohar Bhai with the help of his Income Tax team. The film navigates through various twists and turns, showcasing the cunning tactics employed by both sides. A unique aspect this time is the involvement of Dada Manohar Bhai’s mother (played by Supriya Pathak), who is made aware of the truth by Amay’s wife, Malini (Vaani Kapoor, replacing Ileana D’Cruz). This intervention leads to a surprising turn of events, with Dada Manohar Bhai eventually surrendering. The film also sets the stage for a potential “Raid 3” with the introduction of a new character, Rameshwar Singh alias “Tauji” (Saurabh Shukla), who attempts to join forces with Dada Manohar Bhai.
Star-Studded Cast and Performances:
Ajay Devgn once again delivers a solid and intense performance as Amay Patnaik, bringing his signature quiet intensity to the role. Riteish Deshmukh shines as the antagonist, Dada Manohar Bhai, with many reviewers praising his portrayal. The film also features a strong supporting cast including Vaani Kapoor, Rajat Kapoor (as Kaul, Chief Commissioner of Income Tax), Amit Sial (as Lallan Sudheer, Amay’s colleague), and Supriya Pathak.
Box Office Success and Critical Reception:
“Raid 2” has proven to be a commercial success at the box office, grossing over ₹200 crore globally within 21 days of its release. It is currently ranked as the second-highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025, following “Chhaava.” The film opened strongly, raking in ₹19.25 crore net on its opening day. Despite facing competition from Hollywood releases like Tom Cruise’s “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” “Raid 2” has maintained a steady run in theaters.
However, reviews for “Raid 2” have been mixed. While many appreciated the performances, particularly of Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh, and the engaging second half, some critics found the narrative to be predictable and the first half slow-paced. Some also felt it didn’t quite match the impact of its predecessor, citing unnecessary songs and over-the-top dramatic scenes.
Where to Watch:
After completing its 60-day or 8-week theatrical run, “Raid 2” is expected to be available for streaming on Netflix, which has reportedly acquired the OTT release rights.
“Raid 2” offers another thrilling chapter in the ongoing battle against corruption, showcasing Ajay Devgn’s iconic character in a new light. While opinions may vary, its box office success solidifies its place as a significant Bollywood release of the year.
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