Raid 2 Movie Review: A Gripping Sequel That Strikes With Silent Fury
In Raid 2, director Raj Kumar Gupta reunites with Ajay Devgn to deliver a taut, politically charged thriller that builds on the legacy of its 2018 predecessor. Set seven years after the original, this sequel sees Devgn’s no-nonsense IRS officer Amay Patnaik return for his 75th raid—this time against a powerful and deeply entrenched political figure, Dada Manohar Bhai, played by Riteish Deshmukh in a career-defining role.
The film wastes no time diving into the heart of corruption in Bhoj, where Patnaik must navigate red tape, planted allegations, and a bureaucracy complicit in white-collar crime. What sets Raid 2 apart is its pacing. While the first half is a slow burn laying down the maze of political power and deceit, the second half bursts open with momentum, culminating in a climax that has drawn praise from audiences for its grounded execution and emotional payoff.
Ajay Devgn reprises his stoic persona with finesse, embodying the restrained power of an upright officer who lets his work speak. However, it’s Riteish Deshmukh who truly surprises. Breaking away from his comic image, Deshmukh delivers a chilling, understated performance as the calculating antagonist—menacing not with noise but with quiet authority. Viewers across IMDb and BookMyShow have consistently hailed this face-off as the film’s highlight.
Vaani Kapoor brings warmth and gravity to her role as Malini, Patnaik’s partner, while supporting performances by Rajat Kapoor, Amit Sial, and Saurabh Shukla add serious weight to the narrative. The dialogues are sharp without being loud, and the cinematography captures the dusty realism of small-town India with haunting precision.
Where Raid 2 stumbles slightly is in its pacing during the first act. Some viewers felt the buildup took too long, and the intricate plot risks confusing those unfamiliar with the first film. However, the payoff is more than worth it.
The music, including numbers like “Nasha” and “Money Money,” injects energy but doesn’t overpower the narrative. Yo Yo Honey Singh and Tamannaah Bhatia’s cameo appearances might feel indulgent but serve the commercial purpose without derailing the story.
Overall, Raid 2 is a well-crafted sequel that respects the intelligence of its audience. It doesn’t rely on gimmicks or exaggerated melodrama. Instead, it relies on solid performances, credible storytelling, and a strong moral core. Audiences have rated it consistently high, with a strong 4/5 aggregate across IMDb, BookMyShow, and major forums.
Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars.
A smart, intense follow-up that proves honest storytelling can still triumph in mainstream cinema.
