BY NAMITA DOGRA SUDAN
Released on May 1, 2024, Raid 2 is the much-anticipated sequel to the 2018 blockbuster Raid, starring Ajay Devgn. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, the film picks up seven years after the events of the first movie, set in 1989, with Ajay Devgn reprising his role as the sharp and incorruptible IRS officer Amay Patnaik. With a powerful supporting cast including Riteish Deshmukh, Amit Sial, and Vaani Kapoor, Raid 2 once again plunges into the high-stakes world of income tax raids, corruption, and political intrigue.
Is It Based on a True Story?
While many speculated that the plot was inspired by the high-profile 2021 Piyush Jain raid, the story here is quite different. Riteish Deshmukh’s character plays a railway minister in the V. P. Singh government, but no such raid took place during that real-life tenure. The filmmakers have not confirmed any single true source. It seems more likely they pulled inspiration from various real-life cases, blending them into a fictional yet believable narrative.
Why the May 1st Release?
There’s a fun Easter egg in the film: Amay Patnaik’s birthday falls on May 1st, which is Labour Day in India. Whether the filmmakers added this detail after locking the release date or designed it intentionally remains a mystery, but it’s a clever touch for attentive viewers.
What Works:
From the opening scene, Raid 2 grabs your attention. The first half is packed with twists and turns, keeping you hooked right up to intermission. The screenplay is tight, the pacing swift, and the tension well-maintained. While many reviewers highlight Saurabh Shukla’s comedic elements, I personally found Amit Sial’s performance to be a standout, injecting fresh energy into the slower moments of the second half.
The music, especially the track “Nasha,” offers a refreshing throwback to 90s Bollywood, reminiscent of when sudden item numbers like “Chamma Chamma” would light up the screen. At a time when Hindi films are leaning toward Hollywood-style, songless narratives, it’s nostalgic to see musical interludes making a comeback.
Cinematography, editing, and background score all align well, enhancing the mood without overwhelming the plot.
What Doesn’t Work:
A common flaw in modern thrillers reappears here: the villain lacks real menace. Riteish Deshmukh delivers a polished performance, but his character never feels as threatening or dangerous as legendary villains like Gabbar or Mogambo. This softens the stakes and reduces the sense of danger.
Additionally, Vaani Kapoor’s character, though given some meaningful scenes, isn’t explored as deeply as the sensitive themes surrounding her deserve. Her arc feels somewhat underdeveloped, coming off more as a series of passing moments rather than a fully fleshed-out subplot.
Another detail that raised eyebrows was the unexplained recasting of Amay Patnaik’s wife — originally played by Ileana D’Cruz, now replaced by Vaani Kapoor. Addressing this in a press conference, Ajay Devgn remarked, “That’s true, but the character can change. You see it in a lot of Hollywood films too, Sean Connery is not the only James Bond! So it’s the character you follow, and new people keep coming in.” Vaani Kapoor added with a smile, “No jealousy with the previous one!”
Final Verdict:
Overall, Raid 2 is a tight, engaging film, but maybe not a must-watch in theaters. When it lands on OTT, it’s definitely worth checking out, don’t miss it. If you’re looking for smart entertainment with solid performances, Raid 2 won’t disappoint, just don’t expect a groundbreaking villain.
Rating: 3.97 out of 5 — almost hitting the 4-star mark but just shy of it.
