Introduction
When Raid released in 2018, it stood out from the typical Bollywood action flicks. It wasn’t about flying cars, mindless stunts, or over-the-top romance. Instead, it gave us something raw and powerful—an income tax raid inspired by real-life events, with Ajay Devgn playing the honest officer Amay Patnaik. The movie struck a chord because it was both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Now, in 2025, the sequel Raid 2 arrives, directed again by Raj Kumar Gupta. The big question was: could it live up to the massive expectations set by its predecessor? The answer is a resounding yes. The film not only meets expectations but takes the franchise to a new level, with a grander story, deeper conflicts, and a face-off that keeps you glued to your seat.
The Storyline – Bigger, Bolder, More Intense
In Raid 2, we find Amay Patnaik (Ajay Devgn) continuing his relentless fight against corruption. Unlike the first film, where the focus was a single household raid, this time the story spreads across multiple states, exposing an entire nexus of corrupt politicians, industrialists, and bureaucrats.
The story begins in New Delhi, where Amay stumbles upon a trail of suspicious financial transactions that hint at a multi-billion rupee scam. As he digs deeper, he discovers a well-organized empire of black money, led by an influential and ruthless business tycoon (Riteish Deshmukh). This antagonist isn’t just powerful—he’s manipulative, politically protected, and always one step ahead.
From boardrooms to political assemblies, from hidden warehouses to lavish palaces, Amay’s mission takes him everywhere. What unfolds is a cat-and-mouse chase, where each raid uncovers shocking truths and each victory comes with personal sacrifices. The screenplay doesn’t shy away from showing how corruption trickles down to affect ordinary citizens, making the story relevant and relatable.
Characters and Performances
Ajay Devgn as Amay Patnaik
Ajay Devgn once again proves why he is the perfect choice for this role. He doesn’t need loud dialogues or exaggerated action—his calm yet intense expressions do the talking. The way he handles interrogation scenes, silent confrontations, and courtroom moments is a masterclass in understated acting. Amay Patnaik emerges not just as a government officer but as a symbol of integrity.
Riteish Deshmukh as the Villain
If there’s one thing everyone is talking about, it’s Riteish Deshmukh’s transformation. Known mostly for comedy roles, Riteish surprises the audience with his menacing portrayal of a corrupt tycoon. He’s charming yet dangerous, polite yet ruthless. His character is layered—sometimes you admire his cleverness, sometimes you despise his cruelty. The Ajay-Riteish face-offs are easily the film’s highlight.
Ileana D’Cruz as Nita Patnaik
Ileana reprises her role as Amay’s supportive wife, Nita. While her screen time is limited compared to the men, her character adds the much-needed emotional core. She represents the sacrifices made by families of officers who choose honesty over comfort. Her emotional scenes are simple yet heartfelt.
Supporting Cast
The film is filled with strong performances from actors like Saurabh Shukla, Rajesh Sharma, and Sharat Saxena. Each character feels authentic, whether it’s a politician defending his “public service” or a middleman trying to save his skin.
Direction and Screenplay
Raj Kumar Gupta deserves applause for not falling into the trap of making Raid 2 just another cash-grab sequel. Instead of recycling the old formula, he expands the canvas. The raids aren’t confined to one home—they are spread across states, involving larger-than-life situations without losing realism.
The screenplay is tightly written. Despite a runtime of nearly 2 hours 40 minutes, it never feels stretched. Each act reveals new layers of corruption, keeping the audience engaged. The political commentary is sharp, reflecting India’s current socio-economic environment without directly naming names.
Dialogues deserve a special mention. They are crisp, powerful, and thought-provoking. Some lines are so impactful that they earn spontaneous applause in theaters.
Cinematography and Action
The cinematography is gritty and grounded, matching the film’s tone. Raid sequences are shot with precision, highlighting tension and chaos without turning them into over-the-top spectacle. The use of dimly lit rooms, piles of hidden cash, and secret ledgers adds a sense of authenticity.
Action is minimal but impactful. Unlike typical Bollywood masala, there are no gravity-defying stunts. Instead, confrontations rely more on intelligence, mind games, and strategy, making them more intense.
Music and Background Score
The movie doesn’t rely heavily on songs, and that’s a good thing. There’s one soulful track sung by Arijit Singh that highlights Amay’s emotional struggle, but otherwise, the focus remains on the narrative.
The background score, however, plays a crucial role. Every raid, every courtroom scene, every face-off is elevated by the dramatic and suspenseful score. It never overpowers the scenes but blends seamlessly to create the right impact.
Audience and Critical Reception
The audience reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans have praised the film for not dumbing down the story and for keeping it relevant to real issues. Ajay Devgn’s restrained performance and Riteish Deshmukh’s villainous turn are receiving standing ovations.
Critics too have largely given it a thumbs-up. Most reviews highlight the film’s layered storytelling, strong performances, and realistic portrayal of corruption. Some have pointed out the slightly long runtime as a drawback, but overall, Raid 2 is being called one of the best thrillers of 2025 so far.
At the box office, the movie has opened strongly, especially in urban centers, and it is expected to have a long run thanks to word-of-mouth promotion.
Where to Watch or Download Raid 2 (2025)
At present, Raid 2 is exclusively available in theaters. If you want the full experience—the tension in the hall, the claps during punch dialogues, the silence during raids—then watching it on the big screen is the best option.
For those who prefer online streaming, the movie is expected to release on OTT platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, or Disney+ Hotstar within 2–3 months of its theatrical run. It will also be available for digital purchase or rental on YouTube Movies, Google TV, and Apple TV.
⚠️ Important: Avoid pirated downloads or unauthorized sites. They not only compromise your viewing quality but are also unsafe for your device and harmful for the film industry.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh’s electrifying performances
- Realistic storyline with social relevance
- Tight screenplay with minimal filler scenes
- Impactful dialogues and background score
- Strong supporting cast and direction
Cons
- Slightly long runtime may test patience
- Minimal commercial songs for music lovers
- Heavy political undertones may not appeal to all audiences
Final Verdict
Raid 2 (2025) is more than just a sequel—it’s an evolution of the franchise. It successfully balances entertainment with a strong social message. Ajay Devgn shines as the face of integrity, while Riteish Deshmukh gives one of his best performances as a menacing villain.
If you’re looking for a movie that keeps you engaged, makes you think, and delivers powerful performances, Raid 2 is a must-watch.
⭐ Rating: 4.2/5