Raid 2 Review: Ajay Devgn’s IRS Officer Returns in a Superior Sequel Filled With Twists and Impactful Drama
Some sequels try to live up to the original — Raid 2 completely surpasses it.
Starring Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Vaani Kapoor, and Saurabh Shukla, Raid 2 continues the journey of fearless IRS officer Amey Patnaik, whose commitment to justice sees him transferred an unbelievable 75 times. This time, however, the narrative takes an unexpected turn — Amey is accused of taking a bribe, putting his otherwise spotless reputation at risk. At the same time, his wife Malini, played by Vaani Kapoor, steps into the spotlight with a more active role in unearthing the truth.
The film introduces a powerful new antagonist — Manohar Sarang, known as Dada Bhai (Riteish Deshmukh). Once a humble cobbler, Dada Bhai now runs a seemingly philanthropic foundation while secretly amassing black money. His deep devotion to his mother (Supriya Pathak Kapur) adds emotional complexity to his otherwise cold persona.
Meanwhile, Tauji (Saurabh Shukla), the memorable villain from the first Raid, watches Amey’s progress from jail with a mix of admiration and sarcasm, delivering what may be one of the year’s most memorable comedic performances.
As the story progresses, layers of deceit and corruption unfold. Amey digs deep into Dada Bhai’s financial empire, and this time, both familiar allies and surprising new ones lend their support. The plot thickens with smart twists, leaving no room for predictability.
Raid 2 Script & Writing:
Writers Ritesh Shah, Raj Kumar Gupta, Jaideep Yadav, Karan Vyas, and Akshat Tiwari craft a compelling script with a perfect balance of realism and cinematic flair. While inspired by real-life officers, the storyline takes creative liberty — and it works in its favor.
The dialogues are sharp and often philosophical. One standout line from Amey — “Maine kab kaha ke main Paandav hoon? Main to poori Mahabharat hoon!” — defines the tone of the film. Witty exchanges, tense moments, and emotional layers keep the viewer fully invested.
Raid 2 Performances:
Ajay Devgn once again proves why he’s the perfect fit for stoic, powerful roles. His portrayal of Amey Patnaik is understated yet intense, exuding strength through silence and steely eyes.
Riteish Deshmukh is a revelation. As Dada Bhai, he balances menace with calculated composure, offering a performance that feels fresh and impactful. Vaani Kapoor as Malini impresses with restraint and grace, contributing meaningfully to the storyline.
Amit Sial delivers a solid performance as Lallan Sudheer, a morally flexible officer with a darkly humorous streak. Saurabh Shukla as Tauji brings comic relief and wisdom, while Supriya Pathak Kapur as Amma adds emotional depth. The supporting cast, including Shruti Pandey and Rajat Kapur, add strength to every frame.
Raid 2 Direction & Music:
Director Raj Kumar Gupta skillfully evolves his storytelling from grounded realism to gripping commercial cinema. With Raid 2, he brings scale, style, and substance together seamlessly. The film’s visuals, thanks to Sudhir K. Chaudhary’s cinematography, enhance every scene, from high-stakes confrontations to moments of quiet tension.
Musically, the film is a mixed bag. Nasha by Sachin-Jigar stands out, while Money, Money and the Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan re-creation feel more functional than memorable. Amit Trivedi’s background score, however, is pitch-perfect and elevates the mood throughout.
Final Verdict:
Raid 2 doesn’t just pick up from where the first film left off — it raises the bar in every department. It’s rare for a sequel to outdo its predecessor so convincingly, and this one does it with flair. Engaging performances, a smartly written script, and top-tier direction make this a must-watch thriller for 2025.
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
If there’s one film to book your tickets for this month, make it Raid 2 — and yes, we’re already waiting for Raid 3.