Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Raid 2 marks the gritty and thrilling return of IRS officer Amay Patnaik (Ajay Devgn), this time taking on an even bigger white-collar criminal in his 75th raid — Dada Manohar Bhai, portrayed with menace and charm by Riteish Deshmukh. With over ₹4,200 crores already seized in his past operations, Amay is now a seasoned, fearless officer facing the murky world of political and criminal nexus.
The film kicks off with a gripping opening raid sequence that immediately immerses viewers into the high-stakes world of economic crime. What sets Raid 2 apart from typical action-dramas is its strong focus on intelligence-led investigations rather than physical violence. Ajay Devgn reprises his role with trademark intensity and restraint, making Amay Patnaik a symbol of quiet heroism and moral grit.
Riteish Deshmukh as Dada brings a new energy to the film. His calm exterior and ruthless mind make him a formidable opponent, perfectly complementing Devgn’s stoic officer. Their verbal duels and mind games form the spine of the story. Vaani Kapoor, as Malini Patnaik, provides emotional balance and is more involved this time, adding depth to Amay’s personal life.
Supporting actors like Saurabh Shukla, Supriya Pathak, and Amit Sial deliver reliable performances, with Supriya’s role as Dada’s mother adding surprising layers to the antagonist’s backstory. The screenplay moves at a tight pace, especially in the second half where the investigation unfolds like a gripping puzzle.
Director Raj Kumar Gupta stays true to the grounded tone of the original Raid, but adds more scale and ambition in this sequel. The cinematography by Sudhir K. Chaudhary captures both the tense atmosphere of raids and the opulence of the corrupt. The music — featuring a mix of Amit Trivedi’s background score and energetic tracks by Yo Yo Honey Singh and others — adds vibrancy without distracting from the plot.
Special appearances by Tamannaah Bhatia and Jacqueline Fernandez in the item songs “Nasha” and “Money Money” serve as commercial breaks in an otherwise serious film.
Verdict:
Raid 2 is a rare sequel that stands tall on its own. With compelling performances, tight writing, and a strong social message against corruption, it keeps you hooked while also making you think. A must-watch for fans of thrillers and realistic dramas.