The Raid Continues: A Symphony of Violence and Vengeance

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Ajay Devgn is back as the indomitable IRS DCP Amay Patnaik, but this time, the stakes are far higher—he’s no longer just raiding corrupt politicians; he is one himself. Set in the dusty, politically charged Rajasthan of 1989, Raid 2 tries to blend the grit of bureaucracy with the theatrics of power. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, this spiritual sequel to Raid (2018) takes a bolder, more complex turn—on paper, at least.

The Premise

The story kicks off with Amay Patnaik now donning the role of a minister, navigating the murky waters of politics while still holding on to his moral compass. The Income Tax department, which once stood behind him, now occasionally stands across the table. As black money is traced through narrow alleys, haveli basements, and inside gilded idols, the film poses a compelling question—Will the truth prevail or will power bury it once again?

The Writing & Screenplay

Penned by a seasoned quartet—Ritesh Shah, Raj Kumar Gupta, Jaideep Yadav, and Karan Vyas—the story is conceptually gripping. The screenplay stitches together politics, power, patriotism, and personal dilemmas with remarkable clarity. Each twist tries to bring you to the edge of your seat, and often succeeds. The journey from script to screen is visually grounded and aesthetically vintage, capturing the Rajasthan of the late '80s with a flair for detail.

But despite all this potential, the film often feels like it’s running on fumes. The thrills are fleeting and predictable. While Raid packed a punch with its raw intensity and freshness, Raid 2 seems to hum along, lacking the same sting. It lays everything on the table—like clear water—but sometimes too soon, leaving little room for surprises.

The Performances

Ajay Devgn delivers another steady performance as the stoic and principled Amay Patnaik. His gravitas is undeniable, but the screenplay rarely gives him space to explore new shades of the character. Riteish Deshmukh is a pleasant surprise, delivering measured charisma and intensity in his limited screen time. Vaani Kapoor, though stylish and graceful, could have been given more meat in her role.

Veterans like Saurabh Shukla, Supriya Pathak, Rajat Kapoor, and Amit Sial lend depth to their roles, portraying a web of characters that reflect the socio-political ecosystem of the time. Still, despite their strengths, the ensemble lacks the cohesion needed to make the narrative truly explosive.

What Works:

• The 1989 Rajasthan setting is rich and immersive.

• Thoughtful cinematography and production design elevate the storytelling.

• Devgn and Deshmukh’s scenes together spark interest.

• The screenplay, though uneven, shows moments of brilliance.

What Doesn’t:

• The pacing dips often, especially in the second half.

• Emotional arcs and character backstories feel undercooked.

• Predictability creeps in, softening the impact of major reveals.

• Lacks the taut tension that made Raid unforgettable.

Verdict:

Raid 2 unearths layers of political drama, hidden cash, and moral complexity—but doesn’t quite hit the cinematic jackpot. It’s a film that tries to be many things at once—thriller, social commentary, political potboiler—but ends up being an average entertainer with occasional highs. If you're a fan of Ajay Devgn or political thrillers with old-world charm, it's worth a watch.

But if you're expecting the same thunder that made Raid a hit, temper your expectations.