Tejal Sinha
tejal.sinha30@gmail.com
Plot
Raid 2 marks the return of Amay Patnaik (Ajay Devgn), the iron-willed IRS officer who became a household name with his relentless pursuit of black money. Set against the arid, politically-charged backdrop of 1989 Rajasthan, the film kicks off with Patnaik conducting a dramatic raid on the opulent palace of Kunwar Kuldeep Singh (Govind Namdev), a feudal lord who believes he’s untouchable. But what seems like just another raid quickly escalates into something far more dangerous. Transferred to the city of Bhoj under a cloud of suspicion, Amay finds himself face-to-face with the much-revered Central Minister, Dada Manohar Bhai (Riteish Deshmukh). Publicly worshipped for his philanthropic efforts, Dadabhai conceals a deeply corrupt empire. The story becomes a battle of intellects, willpower and moral resilience as Amay sets out to unmask the politician and conduct the most audacious raid of his career—his 75th. The stakes? Rs 500 crore in hidden assets, public perception and the soul of the system itself.
Highlights
What makes Raid 2 truly compelling is its razor-sharp narrative and unrelenting sense of tension. Director Raj Kumar Gupta, known for his knack for gritty realism (Aamir, No One Killed Jessica), crafts a story that unfolds like a chess game—each move calculated, each piece dangerous. The film steers away from over-the-top action and instead leans into psychological warfare, with suspense brewing not from bullets but from boardrooms, files and footnotes. Several sequences—especially the initial raid, the tense confrontations between Amay and Dadabhai and a high-voltage climax—are executed with cinematic precision and pack a powerful emotional punch. The screenplay smartly uses silence and pause to build momentum, allowing the audience to absorb the high stakes and feel the simmering tension.
Drawbacks
Despite its strengths, Raid 2 isn’t flawless. The film occasionally indulges in narrative detours that affect its pacing—especially during the second act, where the focus briefly shifts from the core conflict to family interactions and political red tape. While these moments humanize the characters, they slightly dilute the film’s taut energy. Also, those expecting traditional masala elements or heavy-duty action might find the film’s methodical approach more cerebral than adrenaline-pumping. The female lead, Malini (Vaani Kapoor), while charming, could have been given more narrative agency instead of being restricted to the emotional anchor trope.
Performances
Ajay Devgn once again proves why he’s the undisputed king of understated intensity. As Amay Patnaik, he embodies moral strength without theatrics—his body language, piercing gaze and calm delivery speak louder than any monologue could. His restraint makes the character both relatable and larger-than-life. Riteish Deshmukh delivers one of his career-best performances as Dada Manohar Bhai. His character is not a caricatured villain but a dangerously suave operator who hides menace behind charm. Their face-offs are electric and form the beating heart of the film. Vaani Kapoor delivers a dignified performance as Malini, providing emotional depth and balance, while veterans like Supriya Pathak, Rajat Kapoor and Saurabh Shukla bring gravitas and credibility. Govind Namdev and Yashpal Sharma add a rustic edge, while Amit Sial’s presence enhances the bureaucratic drama.
Technical Aspects
Technically, Raid 2 is a finely tuned machine. The cinematography by Sudhir Palsane captures the dusty, harsh terrain of Rajasthan with poetic realism—palaces, narrow alleys, and sprawling offices feel both grand and suffocating. The production design recreates the late ‘80s with a restrained touch, focusing on authenticity over spectacle. Editing by Bodhaditya Banerjee is tight where it matters, especially in high-tension moments, though a few slower portions might have benefitted from sharper cuts. The real standout is the background score—Amit Trivedi’s subtle themes paired with Amar Mohile’s intense orchestrations create an audio landscape that elevates nearly every scene. The score doesn’t intrude but rather pulses like a heartbeat through the film.
Verdict
Raid 2 isn’t just a sequel—it’s a statement. With a smarter script, meatier antagonist and deeper emotional stakes, it surpasses the original in many ways. It’s a reminder that battles against corruption don’t always need explosions—they need courage, cunning and a pen sharper than a sword. The film succeeds in combining edge-of-the-seat thrills with a grounded story rooted in the socio-political fabric of the country. If you’re a fan of investigative dramas with real weight and characters that linger in your mind, Raid 2 delivers on every front. It’s a must-watch for those who crave a gripping narrative served with realism, style and substance.
Directed by: Raj Kumar Gupta
Written by: Ritesh Shah, Raj Kumar Gupta, Jaideep Yadav, Karan Vyas, Akshat Tiwari
Produced by: Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Vaani Kapoor, Rajat Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla, Supriya Pathak, Amit Sial, Shruti Pandey, Brijendra Kala, Yashpal Sharma, Govind Namdev
Rating: 4/5
