Raid 2 (2025) is a high-stakes Bollywood crime thriller and sequel to the popular 2018 film Raid, starring Ajay Devgn as the relentless IRS officer Amay Patnaik. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, the film was released theatrically on May 1, 2025, and quickly became one of the biggest box office hits of the year, ranking as the fourth-highest-grossing Hindi movie.
Story & Plot
Set seven years after the events of the original, the sequel follows IRS officer Amay Patnaik as he’s transferred to Bhoj, where he faces off against the influential politician Dada Manohar Bhai (Riteish Deshmukh). Amay receives a tip about Manohar’s black money operations, but his mission backfires, leading to his suspension. The plot tracks Amay’s determined efforts to bring Manohar and his corrupt network to justice, with bigger stakes, more complex obstacles, and a backdrop inspired by the historic 1980s raid on businessman Sardar Inder Singh.
Cast & Characters
- Ajay Devgn as Amay Patnaik, the upright IRS officer
- Riteish Deshmukh as Dada Manohar Bhai, the antagonist
- Vaani Kapoor as the female lead
- Amit Sial (returns as Lallan Sudheer)
- Saurabh Shukla (comic relief in a cameo)
- Supriya Pathak, Shiv Panditt, and other supporting roles
The performances by Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh are widely praised. Devgn brings his trademark intensity, while Deshmukh impresses in a rare villainous role. However, some critics found the chemistry between Devgn and Vaani Kapoor lacking.
Highlights for Viewers
- Thrilling, performance-driven drama: Fast-paced narrative, edge-of-the-seat moments, and real-world relevance through its white-collar crime theme.
- Realistic raid sequences: No guns or punches—focuses on investigation, tension, and mind games.
- Strong antagonist: Deshmukh’s layered performance adds depth to the conflict.
- Box office success: Earned Rs 165.1 crore in its first week, standing out in a year of slow box office.
- OTT release: Streaming on Netflix from June 27, 2025, for those who missed it theatrically.
Weaknesses & Critique
- Pacing: First half can feel slow, with unnecessary subplots making it uneven.
- Climax: Some viewers found the ending rushed and conventional, not matching the setup’s brilliance.
- Narrative depth: Mixed reviews for predictability and lack of emotional impact in some relationships, especially between lead pair.
- Compared to the original: Fans of Raid (2018) may find this sequel less gripping, though still entertaining for genre supporters.
What Audiences Love
- Intense confrontations between Devgn and Deshmukh
- High-stakes suspense rooted in reality
- Smart writing and taut direction (especially in the second half)
- Modern, corruption-focused crime thriller appeal
What Might Disappoint
- A weaker villain in some opinions
- Less emotional connection than expected
- Some supporting characters and subplots feel underused
FAQs
A: May 1, 2025.
A: Available on Netflix from June 27, 2025.
A: Yes, with a focus on drama and investigation rather than violence; suitable for most audiences.
A: Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh, with supporting praise for Amit Sial and Saurabh Shukla.
A: The story is bigger and more ambitious, but many felt Raid (2018) was tighter and more gripping.
A: Fourth-highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025; Rs 165.1 crore in week one.