Raid 2 Movie Review: A Tedious Sequel That Misses the Mark Despite Ajay Devgn’s Presence
Raid 2 movie review: Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh return in a sluggish sequel that relies on outdated tropes, lackluster storytelling, and minimal thrill. Read our full breakdown.
Raid 2 Review: Old-School Charm Meets Outdated Execution
The much-anticipated sequel to Raid (2018), Raid 2, directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, fails to live up to expectations. Despite a promising ensemble cast including Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh, the film crumbles under the weight of a convoluted plot, lifeless characters, and stale storytelling.
Plot Overview: A Raid on Logic and Patience
Set in the nostalgic 1980s, Raid 2 continues the journey of income tax officer Amay Patnaik (Ajay Devgn), an incorruptible man who wears honesty like armor. This time, he fakes a bribe to get transferred to Bhoj, where he investigates the shady politician Dadabhai (Riteish Deshmukh). However, the film trades nuance for over-exaggeration.
Every twist feels mechanical, every character reveal feels formulaic. From a bribery ruse to a botched raid, and villainous conspiracies, the screenplay throws everything at the wall, hoping something will stick — but little does.
Performances: Stoic Faces and Wasted Talents
Ajay Devgn’s performance is disappointingly one-note. His stoic demeanor, once effective, now feels stale and emotionless. Dialogue delivery lacks conviction, turning potentially impactful moments into forgettable scenes.
Riteish Deshmukh’s portrayal of Dadabhai is equally underwhelming — he’s reduced to a cliché villain who alternates between fake smiles and forced rage. Vaani Kapoor’s character is hastily developed, while Supriya Pathak and Saurabh Shukla are left with undercooked roles. Only Amit Sial manages to infuse energy into a few scenes, briefly reviving a dying narrative.
Direction & Screenplay: A Thriller Without a Pulse
Raj Kumar Gupta, once known for gripping thrillers like Aamir, seems adrift here. Raid 2 tries to pack too many story arcs, characters, and messages into its 140-minute runtime. The result? A bloated mess that lacks focus.
The screenplay by Ritesh Shah and team tries to be smart but ends up being predictable. Every twist is telegraphed; every flashback over-explains what the audience already suspects. Even the central raid — the series’ hallmark — comes without tension or surprise.
Technical Aspects: Gloss Without Substance
Visually, the film tries to recreate an ’80s aesthetic with warm color grading and production design, but that alone can’t carry the film. Background score fails to elevate scenes. A shoehorned dance number featuring Tamannaah Bhatia serves no narrative purpose and only breaks the already fragile pace.
Final Verdict: All Style, No Thrill
Raid 2 is a disappointing sequel that wastes its talent and premise. What should have been a taut, gripping thriller ends up as a clunky, overlong drama. It confuses more with melodrama and superficial twists instead of building tension or emotional investment.
In the end, it’s a raid on the audience’s patience — one that leaves you waiting for a payoff that never comes.
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