Bollywood star Ajay Devgn returns to the big screen as IRS officer Amay Patnaik in the much-anticipated sequel, Raid 2, which premiered on May 1, 2025. Following the success of its predecessor, the film has generated considerable buzz among fans and critics alike.
Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta and written by Ritesh Shah, Raid 2 dives into the gripping narrative of Amay Patnaik as he confronts the powerful Dada Manohar Bhai, portrayed by Riteish Deshmukh. The film also features Vaani Kapoor as Malini Patnaik, Amay's wife, and Saurabh Shukla in a supporting role. With a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes, the film has been released across approximately 4,000 screens in India.
As of its opening day, Raid 2 has reportedly earned around Rs 6.03 crore in net collections, with projections suggesting it could reach a total of Rs 15 crore by the end of the weekend. Despite facing competition from other films like Kesari Chapter 2 and HIT 3, producers remain optimistic about the film's performance, with Bhushan Kumar stating that these competitors are non-threatening.
Advance bookings for Raid 2 were promising, totaling Rs 9.68 crore, indicating strong interest from audiences prior to release. However, initial occupancy rates were just above 20%, leading some to speculate about the film's potential to break box office records. The film has received mixed reviews, with some praising its storyline and performances while others suggest it may not meet the high expectations set by its predecessor.
In Raid 2, Amay Patnaik embarks on his 75th raid, uncovering corruption and battling the influential Dada Manohar Bhai, who is hiding black money and assets worth Rs 500 crore. The film's narrative is rich with twists and turns, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. Critics have highlighted Ajay Devgn's performance as a standout, with one viewer stating, “What a movie yaar. Totally worth the money! Ajay Devgn nailed it.” Another commented, “TOTALLY GOOSEBUMPS! Powerful dialogues, intense visuals, and Ajay Devgn at his best. This one’s going to be a hit!”
The film also features notable performances from actors like Tamannaah Bhatia and Jacqueline Fernandez, who appear in the film's songs. The original Raid, released in 2018, was well-received, grossing Rs 154 crore worldwide on a budget of Rs 40 crore, setting a high bar for the sequel.
Ajay Devgn's career has been marked by a series of successful films, and his ability to draw audiences continues to be a topic of interest among industry experts. With an impressive track record spanning over three decades, Devgn has consistently delivered hard-hitting dramas, action thrillers, and content-driven films. His recent ventures have seen varied box office performances, particularly post-pandemic, with some films like Singham Again achieving remarkable openings, while others have struggled to gain traction.
As Raid 2 opens to mixed feedback, it is crucial for the film's performance to resonate with audiences, especially given the competitive landscape of the current box office. Experts are closely monitoring the film's trajectory, as its success could impact the future of Devgn's other franchises, including anticipated sequels like Drishyam 3 and Singham 4.
The film's plot begins in 1989 in Rajasthan, where Amay Patnaik conducts a raid at the palace of Kunwar Kuldeep, only to find himself embroiled in a web of deceit and corruption orchestrated by the seemingly benevolent central minister, Dada Manohar Bhai. The storyline unfolds with Amay navigating through challenges, showcasing a gripping tale of honesty versus power, which has resonated well with audiences.
The director, Raj Kumar Gupta, has been praised for his ability to blend thrilling narratives with social commentary, a hallmark of his filmmaking style. The film's background score, composed by Amit Trivedi and Amar Mohile, further enhances the viewing experience, adding depth to the storytelling.
As the weekend approaches, analysts predict that Raid 2 may see an uptick in audience turnout, especially as word-of-mouth spreads. The film's themes of corruption and integrity are timely and relevant, potentially appealing to a broad audience base.
In summary, Raid 2 represents not only a continuation of Amay Patnaik's story but also a significant moment for Ajay Devgn as he seeks to solidify his legacy within the industry. As the film navigates through its opening weekend, its ability to captivate audiences will ultimately determine its success and the future of similar projects in Bollywood.
