As the cinematic landscape heats up this May, three major films—Raid 2, Hit 3, and Retro—are set to clash at the box office, promising an action-packed showdown for moviegoers. Among them, Raid 2, the sequel to the 2018 hit, continues its gritty exploration of corruption and justice, featuring a star-studded cast led by Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh.
Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, who also helmed the original film, Raid 2 sees Devgn reprising his role as IRS Deputy Commissioner Amay Patnaik. This time, he goes up against Deshmukh’s character, Dada Manohar Bhai, a politician who appears virtuous on the surface but is deeply corrupt underneath. The film also features Saurabh Shukla returning as Rameshwar Singh 'Tauji', alongside Vaani Kapoor, who replaces Ileana D'Cruz as Patnaik's wife.
The narrative is set in the late 1980s, seven years after the events of the first film. It opens with a dramatic raid on a royal figure in Rajasthan, leading to Patnaik’s 74th transfer due to bribery allegations. This sets the stage for a cat-and-mouse game between the dedicated income tax officer and the cunning politician, who is revered by the local populace.
However, the film has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Some viewers found Raid 2 to be an average affair, rating it 2.5 stars. They noted that while the film started strong, it became patchy and slow in the first half, only picking up momentum in the latter half, which ultimately felt repetitive and predictable. One user highlighted that Ajay Devgn appeared tired in parts, while Riteish Deshmukh delivered a stellar performance, showcasing his range beyond typical roles.
Another viewer, however, thoroughly enjoyed the film, getting caught up in the unfolding story and the intense chase sequences. They praised both Devgn and Deshmukh for their strong performances, along with Amit Sial and Shruti Pandey, who also earned special mentions for their roles. Yet, they felt the inclusion of an item song was unnecessary, detracting from the film's overall tone.
Trade expert Sumit Kadel echoed similar sentiments, stating, "RAID 2 MOVIE REVIEW RATING - ⭐️⭐️(2 STARS). The film’s first half struggles due to slow pace and lackluster screenplay, not engaging enough. The second half is significantly better, featuring some impactful dialogues. However, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the film doesn’t quite reach the excellence of its predecessor." Kadel pointed out that the confrontational scenes between Saurabh Shukla and Ajay Devgn were the soul of the first film, but that same thrill and camaraderie are missing in the face-off between Devgn and Deshmukh.
In contrast, Retro, starring Suriya, has garnered positive reviews, with critics praising its engaging first half and emotional depth. One review rated it 3.5 stars, highlighting the film’s moving story about a gangster’s search for purpose in life. The film’s stunts and character development were noted as standout elements, making it a compelling watch.
Despite the competition, Raid 2 is expected to perform well at the box office, largely due to the popularity of its predecessor and the star power of its cast. The film’s themes of corruption and justice resonate with audiences, even if the execution has faced criticism.
As the release date approaches, Ajay Devgn and Suriya exchanged well wishes on social media, demonstrating camaraderie despite their films clashing at the box office. Devgn responded to Suriya’s tweet, saying, "Thank you for your wishes brother. All the love & luck to you for Retro too. Hoping we all make a mark and get the silver screens buzzing." This mutual respect among actors adds a layer of excitement as fans anticipate the opening weekend.
Overall, Raid 2 aims to outdo its predecessor but struggles with pacing and narrative coherence. Critics have pointed out that while the performances are commendable, they cannot fully compensate for the film's shortcomings. As audiences flock to theaters, the question remains: will Raid 2 live up to the high expectations set by its predecessor, or will it fall short in the face of fierce competition?
