Ajay Devgn's highly anticipated sequel, Raid 2, has hit theatres across India on May 1, 2025, and is already making waves at the box office. Following the success of the 2018 film Raid, this new installment brings back Devgn as the principled Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, Amay Patnaik, who is on a relentless mission to tackle corruption.
As of the latest reports, Raid 2 has opened with impressive figures, earning approximately Rs 14.87 crore on its first day, according to industry tracker Sacnilk. This marks a significant start for the film, especially considering it had sold over 1.5 lakh tickets in advance, generating around Rs 7 crore before its release.
The film's performance at the box office has been bolstered by favorable occupancy rates. Overall, Raid 2 recorded a Hindi occupancy rate of 31.81% on its opening day, with morning shows drawing a turnout of 21.23%. This figure rose to 35.76% in the afternoon and peaked at 38.45% during the evening shows, indicating a growing interest among audiences.
Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, Raid 2 sees Devgn reprising his role as Amay Patnaik, who this time is conducting his 75th raid, targeting Dada Manohar Bhai, portrayed by Riteish Deshmukh. The film's plot revolves around Patnaik's determination to seize over Rs 4200 crores linked to white-collar crime, showcasing the intense clash between good and evil.
The film's release coincided with a partial Labor Day holiday, which likely contributed to its strong opening. In terms of regional performance, cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru have shown particularly high ticket sales, with Mumbai alone contributing nearly Rs 1.5 crore.
Despite the strong start, Raid 2 faces stiff competition at the box office. It is clashing with other major releases, including Suriya's Retro and Nani's HIT 3, both of which are also targeting the action-thriller audience. Early estimates suggest that Retro has outperformed Raid 2 on day one, earning around Rs 10.44 crore, while HIT 3 is close behind with Rs 10.37 crore.
Social media reactions have been mixed, with some fans praising Raid 2 as a "complete commercial entertainer" and highlighting the dynamic between Devgn and Deshmukh's characters. However, critics have expressed concerns about the film's pacing, with some reviews describing it as wrapped in a "strong whiff of sameness." Indian Express film critic Shubhra Gupta noted that the film's first half felt "entirely superfluous," leaving audiences wanting more substance.
In terms of technical aspects, the film has been produced under the banners of T-Series Films and Panorama Studios, with a runtime of 138 minutes. Filming took place in various locations, including Mumbai, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, in the first half of 2024.
As the weekend approaches, industry experts are closely monitoring the box office trends for Raid 2. With a strong opening and a promising audience turnout, the film is poised to have a successful run, provided it can maintain momentum against its competitors.
In conclusion, Raid 2 has made a significant impact on its opening day, setting the stage for what could be a blockbuster weekend. The combination of Ajay Devgn's star power, a gripping storyline, and a favorable release date may just be the formula for success, but only time will tell if it can sustain its momentum amid fierce competition.
