Raid 2 – Movie Review (Fictional Sequel to Raid, 2018)
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Ileana D’Cruz, and others
Directed by: Raj Kumar Gupta
Genre: Crime Thriller, Drama
Language: Hindi
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Introduction
“Raid 2” is the fictional sequel to the 2018 hit Raid, which was inspired by real-life income tax raids that took place in the 1980s. In the first movie, we saw Amay Patnaik, an honest IRS officer, bravely conducting a record-breaking raid on a corrupt politician. Raid 2 picks up a few years later and brings back the same thrilling energy, honesty vs corruption theme, and strong dialogues that made the first film successful.
This time, the scale is bigger. The enemies are more powerful. The risks are higher. And Amay Patnaik is not just fighting corruption—he’s fighting a system deeply rooted in politics, power, and betrayal.
Plot Summary (No Major Spoilers)
After gaining fame and respect for his fearless raid on politician Rameshwar Singh, IRS officer Amay Patnaik (played again by Ajay Devgn) is promoted and transferred to Delhi. He now leads a special investigative team that handles high-profile cases of black money and financial crimes.
The story kicks off when Amay receives a secret tip-off about a powerful industrialist, Dhirendra Khurana, who is believed to be the mastermind behind a massive network of shell companies, benami properties, and illegal money laundering. Unlike the first film, where the raid was confined to one location, here the investigation takes Amay across several cities—Mumbai, Jaipur, Lucknow, and Delhi.
As Amay begins the raid operation against Khurana, he realizes this is no ordinary case. Every step he takes is blocked by high-level political interference. There are people in the system working against him. The movie focuses not only on the raid itself but also on the planning, the legal challenges, media pressure, and the moral dilemmas faced by an honest officer in a corrupt environment.
Meanwhile, Khurana uses every trick in the book—from threats to fake legal cases, from bribing politicians to using the media—to protect himself. The film builds up to a powerful climax that questions whether honesty can survive in a system designed to protect the corrupt.
Performances
Ajay Devgn once again delivers a solid and impactful performance as Amay Patnaik. His character is calm, composed, and strong-willed. Devgn’s strength lies in expressing emotions through his eyes and body language, and he does that beautifully in this film. The audience connects with his frustration, anger, and quiet courage.
Ileana D’Cruz reprises her role as Amay’s wife, Malini. While her role is smaller than in the first part, she provides emotional support and adds depth to Amay’s personal life. Their scenes together offer a much-needed break from the tense action and courtroom scenes.
The antagonist, Dhirendra Khurana (played by a fictional actor in this context—let’s say Manoj Bajpayee or another intense actor), is portrayed with charm and menace. He doesn’t shout or threaten loudly; instead, he is calm, calculated, and dangerous. This makes him a strong and realistic villain.
The supporting cast, including Amay’s team members, lawyers, journalists, and politicians, all deliver convincing performances that keep the story grounded and believable.
Direction and Screenplay
Director Raj Kumar Gupta stays true to the tone and style of the original Raid. However, in Raid 2, he adds more layers to the story. The movie is not just about entering a house and finding hidden gold. It’s about building a case, dealing with law and media, and exposing the roots of corruption in business and politics.
The screenplay is tight for the most part. The first half is slightly slow, as it focuses on the investigation and build-up. But the second half is fast-paced, intense, and full of twists. The courtroom scenes and face-offs between Amay and Khurana are particularly gripping.
Music and Cinematography
Unlike typical Bollywood films, Raid 2 does not rely heavily on songs. The background score is intense and helps in building tension during key scenes.
The cinematography is clean and professional. The scenes of the raid, especially when Amay’s team discovers cleverly hidden assets, are shot with great attention to detail. The visuals of different cities and government offices make the story feel realistic.
Dialogues and Themes
Raid 2 shines when it comes to dialogues. They are sharp, impactful, and stay with you even after the film ends. Lines like:
- “Imaandari ek beemari hai jo sirf kuch logon mein hoti hai.”
- “System ke khilaaf ladna asaan nahi, lekin zaroori hai.”
…remind viewers of the difficult choices that honest officers have to make.
The central theme remains the same: truth vs corruption, honesty vs system, law vs power. But Raid 2 also adds a new angle—how media, public opinion, and politics are all connected in modern India.
What Works
- Strong performance by Ajay Devgn
- Realistic storyline inspired by true events
- Sharp dialogues and thrilling second half
- Thought-provoking themes about truth and justice
- Engaging villain and cat-and-mouse tension
What Could Be Better
- The first half could have been a little faster
- Some characters deserved more screen time (like Amay’s team)
- A bit more emotional depth could’ve added power to the climax
Final Verdict
Raid 2 is a powerful and gripping sequel that does justice to the original film. It is not just about action—it is about standing up for truth, even when the system is against you. It reminds us that change is slow, but it begins with brave individuals who refuse to bow down.
If you liked Raid (2018), you will love Raid 2. It is intense, honest, and very relevant to today’s India.
Best Movie Review Rating: 4/5 – A smart and thrilling sequel worth watching.