Ajay Devgn’s Raid 2 has finally arrived, promising to reignite the excitement of its predecessor, Raid, which had taken audiences by storm seven years ago. But does the sequel manage to carry the same intensity, or has it failed to live up to the original? The answer isn’t entirely clear-cut, but Raid 2 is still an engaging watch, especially if you’re a fan of thrilling, political dramas.

Story

Set in 1989, the film follows Ameya Patnaik (Ajay Devgn), an honest Income Tax officer who is posted in Rajasthan for his 74th raid. However, the first twist of the story comes when Patnaik demands a bribe of 2 crores from a Maharaja, leading to questions about his integrity. The plot thickens as Patnaik faces allegations of corruption, leaving audiences wondering if this legendary officer has sold out or if he has a larger plan in motion for his 75th raid.

The Film’s Appeal

While Raid 2 does a good job of introducing political undertones into the story, it falls short in some aspects. The first half feels predictable, with few surprises, but the film picks up in the second half. The final 30 minutes of the climax bring the story to a satisfying resolution, making it worth the wait. If you approach Raid 2 as a standalone film, it has enough grit and excitement to hold your attention.

Writing and Direction

Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, known for Aamir and No One Killed Jessica, Raid 2 showcases the director's skill in creating tense, drama-filled narratives. However, the screenplay, co-written by Ritesh Shah, Jaideep Yadav, Karan Vyas, and Akshat Tiwari, feels a bit overstuffed with different visions, causing some unevenness in pacing. While the dialogue lacks the punch of Raid’s memorable lines, the acting more than makes up for it.

Acting

Ajay Devgn’s portrayal of Ameya Patnaik continues to impress, even without his uniform. His no-nonsense, powerful persona is central to the film’s appeal. However, Raid 2 introduces a new challenge for Patnaik in the form of Dada Bhai, played by Ritesh Deshmukh. Ritesh brings an intriguing mix of humility, menace, and frustration to his character, proving to be a worthy adversary for Devgn’s Patnaik. The chemistry between the two, especially in their eye-to-eye confrontations, makes for compelling viewing.

Vaani Kapoor plays Patnaik’s wife, delivering a solid performance, though her role is somewhat limited. Amit Sial also brings a touch of humor to his role as Lallan, and the supporting cast delivers strong performances, further elevating the overall impact of the film.

Should You Watch It?

Raid 2 is definitely worth a watch, particularly if you enjoy political thrillers with high stakes and solid action. The film may disappoint some fans of the original Raid, especially given its more predictable first half, but the strong second half and the excellent performances by the cast make it an engaging experience.

Although it doesn’t feature any iconic, quotable lines like its predecessor, the film does offer a reminder of the importance of responsibility and integrity, especially in a society where power and corruption often go unchecked. If you’re looking for a film with a blend of drama, action, and a pinch of political critique, Raid 2 won’t disappoint, even if it doesn’t quite match the brilliance of the first film.