4 hours Ago
Raid 2 Movie Review: Ajay Devgn returns as Indian Revenue Service Officer Amay Patnaik, eyes 'Dada Bhai' Riteish Deshmukh's illegal wealth. When Raid was released in 2018, it was widely appreciated. The battle between Ajay Devgn’s Indian Revenue Service officer Amay Patnaik and Saurabh Shukla’s Tauji kept audiences hooked to their seats.
Unfortunately, the sequel, Raid 2, fails to match the expectations set by the first film. Now in theatres, Raid 2 marks Ajay Devgn’s return as IRS officer Amay Patnaik. However, this time, he shifts base to Rajasthan for his 75th raid, targeting a politician posing as a public servant, Dada Bhai, played by Riteish Deshmukh.
Raid 2 starts sluggishly, with the initial 30 minutes feeling somewhat tedious. One could argue that the filmmakers were deliberately laying the groundwork for the sequel by introducing new characters and expanding the narrative. The movie gains momentum when Ajay Devgn’s character finally confronts Riteish Deshmukh.
The real spark ignites when Amay Patnaik attempts to raid Dada Bhai’s residence. The ensuing cat-and-mouse game is utterly captivating. One of the film’s strongest highlights is the riveting battle of wits between Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh, making their interactions compelling to watch.
Without a doubt, the dynamic between the two leads is what makes Raid 2 interesting and worth your time. It’s worth noting that the first Raid movie was based on a true incident, unlike its sequel. As a result, the original felt more authentic and engaging.
Raid 2, on the other hand, feels dull because it lacks an X-factor in terms of plot. We know Amay Patnaik is after Dada Bhai’s illegal wealth. We also know that, eventually, he will uncover it one way or another.
So, what’s left to explore? Nothing. While some may find the first half of the film slow, the second half is far more entertaining—and the credit goes to Amit Sial. He plays a fellow Income Tax officer and effortlessly nails the part.
Sial brings much-needed humour and energy, lifting the film’s mood. His timely entry prevents the film from becoming a complete drag. While Amit Sial shines in Raid 2, the OG Amay Patnaik, aka Ajay Devgn, falls short.
Despite his best efforts, the character feels one-dimensional, lacking the depth and complexity fans expect from the franchise. The script doesn’t offer much scope for character growth, rendering his performance predictable. Riteish Deshmukh, on the other hand, delivers a phenomenal performance as the antagonist Dada Bhai.
He throws himself wholeheartedly into the role, showcasing remarkable range and versatility. Riteish commands the screen with power and effectively conveys his character’s vicious nature through nuanced acting. What’s striking is how he manages to steal the spotlight, even overshadowing Ajay Devgn.
Vaani Kapoor, however, is a complete misfire. Her character adds no depth to the narrative due to lazy writing. Although the makers attempt to incorporate her through a sexual exploitation subplot, it remains underdeveloped and ultimately ineffective.
Supriya Pathak, who joins the cast as Riteish Deshmukh’s mother, is a delight to watch in her brief appearance. And how can one forget Tauji, played by Saurabh Shukla? After his memorable performance in the original, Tauji returns in Raid 2. But this time, he’s reduced to a silent spectator just like the audience.
He merely observes Amay Patnaik’s actions and watches the unraveling of Dada Bhai’s empire. In the end, perhaps some films are best left untouched after success. Not every story needs a sequel and Raid 2 is a case in point.
.
