Raid 2 Review: Ajay Devgn’s Star Power Meets Gritty Political Drama

Director: Raj Kumar Gupta
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Drama
Language: Hindi

In a cinematic landscape where sequels often aim for bigger spectacle and louder drama, Raid 2 attempts to blend the franchise’s signature tension with new political intrigue. Ajay Devgn returns as the relentless IRS officer Amay Patnaik, this time pitted against Riteish Deshmukh’s cunning politician, Dada Bhai. The result is a film that juggles star charisma, cat-and-mouse suspense, and the pitfalls of formulaic storytelling.
Check Out: Raid 2 Trailer Review: Ajay Devgn vs. Riteish Deshmukh – A High-Stakes Battle of Wits & Power

Plot Overview

Raid 2 picks up with Amay Patnaik transferred to Bhoj after being accused of corruption-a charge he vehemently denies. Here, he faces his most formidable adversary yet: Dada Bhai, a beloved public figure whose philanthropic image masks a labyrinth of corruption. As Patnaik orchestrates his 75th raid, the film unfolds as a battle of wits, pitting upright law enforcement against deeply entrenched political power.

Performances & Characters

Ajay Devgn once again anchors the film with his trademark stoicism and gravitas. His portrayal of Patnaik is consistent-quiet, calculating, and unwavering in his pursuit of justice. However, this time, the character feels more like an extension of Devgn’s established screen persona rather than a distinct individual, which sometimes dilutes the emotional impact.
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Riteish Deshmukh delivers an understated yet compelling performance as Dada Bhai, embodying both the charm and menace required for the role. Still, the script doesn’t fully exploit his potential as a formidable antagonist, making his eventual downfall feel too easy and robbing the narrative of sustained tension.

Supporting roles, including Vaani Kapoor as Patnaik’s wife and Saurabh Shukla’s nostalgic return as Tauji, add moments of levity and familiarity, but their contributions remain largely peripheral to the central conflict.

Cinematography & Direction

Raj Kumar Gupta maintains a taut narrative in the film’s first half, skillfully building suspense with sharp twists and well-timed confrontations. The visual palette captures the era and the urgency of the raids, but the second half occasionally loses momentum, weighed down by unnecessary songs and subplots that disrupt the pacing.

Music & Dialogues

The soundtrack, while energetic, sometimes feels intrusive, with songs like “Nasha” adding glamour but breaking the film’s rhythm. Dialogues, however, remain a highlight, offering punchy lines that reinforce the film’s themes of justice and perseverance.
Also Read: Raid 2 Teaser Review: Ajay Devgn vs Riteish Deshmukh in the High-Stakes Battle

Themes & Takeaways

Raid 2 steers clear of jingoistic overtones, focusing instead on the mechanics of corruption and the personal resolve required to fight it. The film’s core strength lies in its depiction of the psychological chess match between Patnaik and Dada Bhai, though it occasionally falls back on narrative conveniences that undermine the stakes.

What Works

• The face-off between Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh provides compelling drama.
• Saurabh Shukla and Amit Sial inject humor and nostalgia.
• The film’s central theme of integrity versus power remains relevant and engaging.

What Doesn’t

• Devgn’s overpowering star persona overshadows character depth.
• The villain’s arc lacks sufficient menace, making the conflict feel one-sided.
• Songs and subplots dilute the film’s tension and focus.
• The narrative sometimes relies on convenience, reducing suspense.

Final Verdict

Raid 2 is a competent sequel that delivers moments of tension and strong performances, but ultimately struggles to recapture the raw intensity and realism of its predecessor. While the film is anchored by Devgn’s commanding presence and a few clever twists, it is let down by a predictable narrative and underdeveloped antagonist. Still, for fans of the franchise and the genre, it offers enough intrigue and entertainment to warrant a watch.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

A solid but flawed political thriller that entertains without truly surprising, Raid 2 is best enjoyed for its star power and familiar thrills rather than its storytelling innovation