Raid 2 REVIEW: ‘Amay Patnaik’ Ajay Devgn Traps ‘Dada Bhai’ Riteish Deshmukh In His Corrupt Game With A Twist

Film:
Raid 2

Director: Raj Kumar Gupta

Writer: Ritesh Shah, Raj Kumar Gupta, Jaideep Yadav, Karan Vyas and Akshat Tiwari

Cast: Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh and Vaani Kapoor

Platform: In theatres

Runtime: 2 hours and 18 minutes

Raid 2 Review

Ajay Devgn returns as a no-nonsense IRS officer, Amay Patnaik, who anchors his signature stoicism and grit. This time, the stakes are higher, and the corruption is deeper, as he locks horns with a new antagonist — Dada Manohar Bhai, played by Riteish Deshmukh.

The story begins with IRS officer Amay Patnaik, who is known for being honest, playing a game of being distrustful and the corrupt one. He gets transferred multiple times, but this time for the charges of corruption. Now, he targets his 75th and toughest case yet — the powerful and corrupt Dada Bhai (Riteish Deshmukh). As the investigation unfolds, Patnaik navigates a web of deceit and political influence, leading to a gripping face-off.

While the first film thrived on suspense and realism, Raid 2 opts for a more dramatic route, incorporating political power plays, family dynamics, and a surprising twist that flips the game mid-way. Amay’s thrill to find five things – money, gold, land, corrupt files and misuse of power challenged by Dada Bhai is the catch of the entire plot.

What Works

Ajay Devgn as Amay Patnaik once again provides the film with a solid foundation. The cat-and-mouse tension between Amay and Dada Bhai keeps the narrative engaging. The twist in the second half reinvigorates the plot just when it begins to feel familiar. The film also maintained the past villain, like the return of Saurabh Shukla, beings nostalgic elements. The song Nasha, featuring Tamannaah Bhatia, adds glamour to the intense drama.

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What Doesn’t Work

Overdramatic scenes, especially those involving Supriya Pathak as Dada Bhai’s mother, feel out of place in an otherwise serious narrative. The film struggles with pacing, particularly in the first half, which lacks the urgency of its predecessor. Vaani Kapoor as Malini Patnaik is underutilised, given little more than supportive-wife screen time.

Technical Analysis

While the vision remains clear, the execution isn’t as tight or grounded as the second part. The writing is somewhat formulaic, saved by a well-timed twist. The cinematography is visually appealing, especially in urban raid sequences. The songs Kamle and Tumhe Dillagi are functional but not memorable. The background score matched the intensity of every scene.

Star Performances

Ajay Devgn as Amay Patnaik, IRS, Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, is in familiar territory and delivers a restrained, commanding performance. Riteish Deshmukh impresses in a rare negative role, though at times his villainy feels more theatrical than threatening.

Vaani Kapoor does well with what little she’s given. Saurabh Shukla adds depth and nostalgia but isn’t central to the plot. Supriya Pathak overacts in key moments, diminishing the impact of otherwise powerful scenes. Amit Sial as Amay’s colleague adds grit to the narrative and brings a major twist in the tale.

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Conclusion

Raid 2 doesn’t quite capture the raw intensity of the first film but still manages to deliver a watchable political thriller anchored by a solid lead performance and a decent twist. It’s not flawless, but fans of the genre and of Ajay Devgn will find enough to appreciate this sequel.

Watch the trailer of Raid 2 here:

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Manisha Karki

Manisha has established a reputation for insightful and engaging storytelling with over six years of expertise in the industry. With a deep passion for cinema, she brings a unique perspective to her coverage, making it a trusted voice in the entertainment world.