Raid 2 Movie Review 2025: Ajay Devgn Raids Again – Intense, Entertaining & Profitable Sequel That Hits the Bullseye?
Hello, Bollywood thriller enthusiasts! Zoya Virelle here, writing from the energetic city of Hyderabad, Telangana. If you’ve been following my blog, you know I have a soft corner for hard-hitting, realistic dramas with strong performances and social relevance – exactly what the Raid franchise delivers. The 2018 original Raid, starring Ajay Devgn as the incorruptible IRS officer Amay Patnaik, was a massive hit for its gritty storytelling and powerful message against black money and corruption.
Now, seven years later, Raid 2 arrives as a worthy sequel. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, produced by Gulshan Kumar, T-Series, and Panorama Studios, this 145-minute (2 hours 25 minutes) Hindi crime thriller released on 1 May 2025 (a Thursday, pre-summer holiday boost). With a reported budget of ₹120 crore, it stars Ajay Devgn reprising his iconic role, alongside Riteish Deshmukh, Vaani Kapoor, and a strong supporting cast including Saurabh Shukla, Rajat Kapoor, and Supriya Pathak. There’s also a special appearance by Tamannaah Bhatia.
I watched it on the big screen during its opening weekend in Hyderabad and revisited it on streaming for a more analytical second view. Here’s my complete, spoiler-free review with honest insights, technical breakdown, box office analysis, and more. Let’s dive into the raid!
Plot Overview: 75th Raid, Bigger Stakes & Deeper Corruption (Spoiler-Free)
Set in 1989, Raid 2 follows IRS officer Amay Patnaik (Ajay Devgn) on his 75th raid. After a failed attempt in Rajasthan, he is transferred to the fictional town of Bhoj in Madhya Pradesh. There, he targets Manohar Dhankar alias “Dada Manohar Bhai” (Riteish Deshmukh), a powerful, respected politician and white-collar criminal who hides massive illegal wealth behind a benevolent public image.
The story explores the cat-and-mouse game between the honest officer and the cunning politician, uncovering layers of corruption, hidden fortunes in fields and fortresses, family loyalties, and moral dilemmas. It maintains the first film’s realistic tone while scaling up the tension, action, and emotional depth. The screenplay cleverly balances procedural investigation with high-stakes drama, emotional family moments, and sharp social commentary on power, politics, and integrity.
No over-the-top masala here – it stays grounded, gritty, and engaging throughout. The runtime feels crisp, with a steady build-up to an impactful climax. Fans of the original will appreciate the callbacks and character continuity.
Performances: Ajay Devgn Commands, Riteish Shines as Formidable Villain
Ajay Devgn is outstanding once again as Amay Patnaik. He brings the same stoic intensity, moral steel, and quiet charisma that made the first film memorable. His subtle expressions, powerful dialogue delivery, and physical presence in raid sequences elevate every scene. This role fits him like a glove – he owns the screen with effortless authority.
Riteish Deshmukh delivers a career-best performance as Dada Bhai. He transforms from the usual comic actor into a menacing, charming-yet-dangerous politician. His nuanced portrayal – blending public benevolence with private ruthlessness – is chilling and highly effective. The confrontations between Ajay and Riteish are the film’s highlight.
Vaani Kapoor as the female lead brings grace, strength, and emotional weight. She handles both romantic and dramatic portions with conviction. Supporting actors like Saurabh Shukla (reprising his role), Supriya Pathak, Rajat Kapoor, and others add authenticity and depth. Tamannaah Bhatia’s special appearance is impactful and well-utilized.
The entire ensemble feels lived-in and believable, making the corruption ecosystem feel real and threatening.
Direction, Technicals & Music: Gritty Realism Meets High Production Value
Raj Kumar Gupta (Raid, No One Killed Jessica) directs with confidence and maturity. He maintains the franchise’s signature realistic style while delivering bigger, more cinematic raid sequences. The pacing is steady, tension builds organically, and the social message never feels preachy.
Cinematography by Dudley is sharp – capturing the dusty Madhya Pradesh locales, opulent politician’s mansions, and intense raid moments beautifully. Production design and art direction are top-notch, recreating the late 80s/early 90s period convincingly. Action sequences are well-choreographed and grounded, without unnecessary heroism.
Music by Amit Trivedi and background score enhance the mood effectively. The songs are situational and memorable, while the tense BGM during investigations and raids adds to the thrill. Editing is crisp, keeping the 145-minute runtime engaging.
Overall, technical excellence matches the ₹120 crore budget, making it visually premium yet realistic.
Box Office Performance: A Solid Hit & Seventh Highest-Grosser of 2025
Raid 2 opened decently with around ₹19.25–19.71 crore on Day 1 and crossed ₹100 crore nett in India within 10 days. It maintained a strong hold, especially in mass and Hindi belt circuits, eventually collecting approximately ₹178–179 crore nett in India (₹211–214 crore gross) and ₹243 crore worldwide. Against a ₹120 crore budget, it emerged as a profitable venture and the seventh-highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025.
Word-of-mouth was positive, helping it sustain despite competition. It performed particularly well in single-screen and B/C centres, proving the appetite for content-driven thrillers.
Critical & Audience Reception: Mixed-to-Positive with Strong Audience Love
Critics gave mixed-to-positive reviews (IMDb 6.6/10, Rotten Tomatoes around 29% critics / 65% audience). Praise focused on performances (especially Ajay & Riteish), realistic tone, and solid entertainment value. Some criticism targeted a slightly slow middle portion and predictable elements.
Audiences, however, loved it for its gripping narrative, powerful dialogues, and satisfying payoff. Family audiences and mass viewers appreciated the clean, impactful storytelling. In Hyderabad, the dubbed Telugu version also did well among thriller fans.
Pros & Cons: The Balanced Verdict
Pros:
- Powerful performances, especially Ajay Devgn & Riteish Deshmukh
- Gripping, realistic storyline with strong social message
- Well-executed raid sequences and technical finesse
- Solid direction and emotional depth
- Profitable box office run and mass appeal
- Worthy sequel that expands the franchise
Cons:
- Slightly slow pace in the middle section
- Some predictable plot points for seasoned viewers
- Limited romantic track and scope for Vaani Kapoor
- Could have been tighter in certain subplots
It’s a content-driven film that respects audience intelligence.
My Final Verdict & Rating: 3.75/5 – A Strong, Entertaining Raid That Delivers
Raid 2 is a worthy follow-up that maintains the spirit of the original while scaling up the stakes. It offers solid entertainment, powerful performances, and relevant messaging without compromising on realism. Ajay Devgn continues to shine in his signature role, and Riteish’s villainy adds fresh energy.
In an era of over-the-top actioners, this grounded thriller stands out. If you enjoyed the first Raid or love intelligent crime dramas like Special 26 or Article 15, this one’s for you. Perfect for families and those seeking meaningful cinema.
Rating: 3.75/5 Stars Recommended for: Thriller lovers, Ajay Devgn fans, and content-driven moviegoers Best watched: Theatrical for the big-screen impact or on streaming (now available on major platforms) for a focused viewing. Verdict: Good – A successful raid that leaves you satisfied.
Final Thoughts from Zoya
Raid 2 proves that honest, well-made films with strong performances still work at the box office. Ajay Devgn and team have delivered a sequel that entertains while making you think. As a Hyderabad movie buff who appreciates realistic stories, I thoroughly enjoyed this one and hope the franchise continues with more powerful raids.
What did you think? Was Riteish’s performance the highlight for you too? Share your ratings, favorite scenes, and thoughts in the comments below. If this review helped you decide, share it with fellow movie lovers. Follow for more detailed, honest Bollywood reviews straight from the heart.
Stay strong, stay just! 💼🔥