In Raid 2, Ajay Devgn returns as Amey, a no-nonsense and upright officer now stationed in Bhoj, Rajasthan. This time, his battle is against a man who is worshipped like a demi-god—Dada Bhai, whose real name is Manohar Sarang, portrayed compellingly by Riteish Deshmukh. Dada Bhai has built a mass following, thanks to his modest beginnings as a cobbler and his tireless work for the welfare of the underprivileged. Riding on this goodwill, he wins an election and starts a Foundation that not only aids the common man but also gives them job opportunities and dignity through work.
What elevates Dada Bhai’s appeal even more is his reverence for his mother, Amma, played by Supriya Pathak Kapur. His devotion to her is profound—“worshipping whose feet are more important than any deity for him.” This bond cements his image as a man of virtue in the public eye, making it difficult for anyone to even consider questioning his intentions or actions.
Amey’s support team includes Geeta, portrayed by Shruti Pandey, who has long admired him. His team is fully loyal, committed to his cause and leadership. However, Amey soon begins to notice troubling signs suggesting that Dada Bhai is far from the saintly figure he appears to be. Determined to expose the truth, Amey embarks on a mission to bring him down. But this is no easy feat. The odds are stacked against him—not only does Dada Bhai have the unwavering support of the public, but Amma herself refuses to accept the possibility of her son doing any wrong.
Amey’s task becomes even more difficult when a raid he leads fails to uncover any incriminating evidence. As a result, he is suspended, and his replacement, Lallan, played by Amit Sial, is clearly more accommodating to Dada Bhai’s financial “negotiations.” Yet, Amey does not back down. Despite the suspension, his perseverance leads to significant breakthroughs. His wife, portrayed by Vaani Kapoor, becomes a vital player in these developments, providing support and stepping in when it matters most. Her involvement proves crucial in the unraveling of Dada Bhai’s carefully curated image.
The climax of the film is both powerful and believable, offering a fitting resolution to the story. It confirms that Amey’s unwavering commitment to justice ultimately pays off and that integrity can triumph, even when the system seems rigged.
Director and co-writer Raj Kumar Gupta shows considerable growth since the original Raid. He embraces a more grounded approach to commercial cinema, blending realism with mass appeal. One item number, Nasha, featuring Tamannaah Bhatia, is smartly woven into the narrative and doesn’t feel out of place. Meanwhile, the energetic Money Money is creatively used during the end credits. The script, written by Gupta along with Ritesh Shah (who also worked on the first film), Jaideep Yadav, Karan Vyas, and Akshat Tiwari, is sharp, suspenseful, and filled with unexpected turns. Throughout its 139-minute runtime, there is not a single dull moment.
Though the family scenes in the movie are limited and somewhat predictable, they add a natural layer to the story. The characters are well-developed and resonate with authenticity. One particularly engaging subplot involves Tauji, played by Saurabh Shukla, Amey’s earlier adversary from Raid (2018). Still imprisoned after Amey’s earlier crackdown on him, Tauji watches Amey’s latest mission with reluctant respect and a sense of amusement. His character adds depth to the narrative and ties the sequel back to the original film in a meaningful way.
Performances across the board are robust and elevate the film. Ajay Devgn is superb as Amey. His expressions convey volumes, and his powerful delivery anchors the film. However, there are a few moments where his diction slips into a gruff tone that can be hard to hear clearly. Vaani Kapoor fits seamlessly into the role of Malini. She embodies the character’s blend of ardency and compassion, and her portrayal arguably surpasses the actress who played the role in the original film. “She looks more like the character she is supposed to be: ardent and yet caring.”
Riteish Deshmukh is exceptional as Dada Bhai. His performance is commanding, adding credibility to a character who walks a fine line between public hero and manipulative fraud. His previous portrayals of grey and negative characters have been impressive, and this role continues that trend. Supriya Pathak Kapur as Amma brings gravitas and warmth to her role, while Amit Sial’s portrayal of the easily corruptible Lallan is both convincing and infuriating. Saurabh Shukla is once again brilliant as Tauji, maintaining his unique balance of menace and humor.
Shruti Pandey brings energy and depth to the role of Geeta, and the chubby member of Amey’s team adds an extra touch of charm and credibility to the group dynamics. Among the experienced cast, Rajat Kapoor plays Amey’s boss with quiet authority, Govind Namdeo is effective as the man approached for a bribe, and Brijendra Kala and Mukesh Tiwari shine in their smaller but impactful roles.
Technically, the film is top-tier. Sudhir K. Chaudhary’s cinematography captures the mood and tension beautifully, adding texture and polish to the storytelling. The background score by Amit Trivedi enhances the overall tone and elevates key moments with precision.
In a rare case for sequels, Raid 2 not only lives up to its predecessor but surpasses it in many respects. The narrative is more layered, the stakes higher, and the execution more mature. The direction, writing, performances, and technical craftsmanship come together to deliver a gripping and satisfying cinematic experience.
Raid 2 is a film that grips from start to finish, combining suspense, drama, and a hard-hitting message about corruption and justice. For those who enjoyed the first installment, this one is even better. And for new viewers, it stands strong on its own as a high-stakes thriller that never loses its emotional core.
“This one’s not to be missed.”
**Rating: **1/2
T-Series Films’ and Panorama Studios’ Raid 2
Produced by: Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak & Abhishek Pathak
Directed by: Raj Kumar Gupta
Written by: Ritesh Shah, Raj Kumar Gupta, Jaideep Yadav, Karan Vyas & Akshat Tiwari
Music: Amit Trivedi, White Noise Collective (Sachin-Jigar), Yo Yo Honey Singh, Rochak Kohli (with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan) & Sachet-Parampara, with original songs by Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Bappi Lahiri
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Vaani Kapoor, Amit Sial, Saurabh Shukla, Supriya Pathak Kapur, Rajat Kapur, Brijendra Kala, Shruti Pandey, Mukesh Tiwari, Govind Namdeo
Special Appearances: Yo Yo Honey Singh, Jacqueline Fernandez, Tamannaah Bhatia