Raid 2 movie review (2025): A Crime Thriller
Genre & Storyline
Raid 2 (2025) is a Hindi-language crime thriller and the sequel to the 2018 hit Raid. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, the film follows IRS officer Amay Patnaik (Ajay Devgn) as he investigates Dada Manohar Bhai (Riteish Deshmukh), a corrupt politician masquerading as a philanthropist. Set in the 1980s, the plot revolves around Amay’s 75th career raid, which initially fails to uncover Dada Bhai’s illegal assets, leading to Amay’s suspension. The narrative then shifts to his quest for redemption, exposing a web of political corruption and hidden wealth.
Review
Raid 2 attempts to replicate the success of its predecessor with high-stakes drama and moral clashes. While it delivers moments of tension, the film struggles with pacing and originality. The first half drags due to sluggish storytelling and unnecessary subplots, including forced romantic scenes and an out-of-place item song that disrupts the tone. However, the second half picks up momentum, offering a gripping cat-and-mouse dynamic between Devgn and Deshmukh, alongside well-executed raid sequences.
Pros
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Strong Performances: Ajay Devgn anchors the film with his stoic presence, while Riteish Deshmukh shines as the cunning antagonist, breaking free from his comedic typecast.
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Engaging Second Half: The post-interval portion delivers tighter pacing, intense confrontations, and a satisfying payoff for fans of the genre.
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Social Commentary: The film critiques systemic corruption, though it avoids deep political exploration, opting instead for crowd-pleasing heroism.
Cons
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Pacing Issues: The first half tests patience with repetitive dialogue and slow-burn scenes that lack narrative urgency.
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Unnecessary Songs: Romantic tracks and a jarring item number detract from the film’s gritty tone.
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Predictable Plot: The twists feel formulaic, relying heavily on tropes of the “corrupt politician vs. righteous officer” dynamic without fresh angles.
Verdict
Raid 2 is a mixed bag. While it capitalizes on Ajay Devgn’s star power and Riteish Deshmukh’s villainous turn, the film’s inconsistent pacing and lack of innovation hold it back. Fans of the first installment may find moments to enjoy, but it falls short of becoming a standout sequel. For a one-time watch, the second half’s thrills make it worthwhile, though it’s best approached with tempered expectations.
Rating: ★★½/5 (Averaged from critics’ scores)
Where to Watch: Theatrically released on May 1, 2025, with plans to stream on Netflix post-theatrical run.
