Raid 2 Movie Review: A Sequel That Fails to Measure Up, Overswelled by Gloss and Repetition

When Raid released back in 2018, it made its impression. Ajay Devgn‘s subtle performance as the integrity-based income tax officer Amay Patnaik, a suspenseful script, and a realistic narrative all came together to form a tight, compelling drama that lingered with viewers. So of course, when Raid 2 was announced, there were high expectations.

Sadly, Raid 2 doesn’t merely fail — it stumbles, slips, and flounders beneath the burden of its own sheen and reused storytelling. It’s the type of sequel that appears to be because the first succeeded, not because there was a good story left to be told.

Let’s explore why this highly touted second installment fails to recapture the magic of its original.

Same Blueprint, Just More Shine

If you were expecting a fresh new direction or greater insight into Amay Patnaik’s universe, Raid 2 will be déjà vu. It hangs on to the original formula by its teeth: a corrupt, powerful local leader with political influence, a resolute officer who refuses to give up, and a raid that rocks the town.

But that’s the flaw. The plot, rhythm, and even a few scenes feel like they were taken directly out of Raid. The missing element is freshness. There is no fresh insight, no shocking turn of events — merely a different environment and a sparklier exterior.

The sequel swaps the intensity and multi-layered storytelling of the original for sheen. Director Raj Kumar Gupta, back for a second time, appears more interested in looks and spectacle than substance. The central concept is still good, but it’s served without urgency or imagination.

Dada Bhai: A Villain Without Bite

One of the more interesting new developments in Raid 2 is the casting of Riteish Deshmukh as villain Dada Bhai. In theory, it’s a compelling idea — Deshmukh playing a grittier, more complex role than his typical fare. In the movie, Dada Bhai is a boisterous personality in the village of Bhoj, the object of awe from villagers and defended by an army of staunch supporters.

But for all his political heft, Dada Bhai’s menace rarely translates onscreen. The writing does him no favors. His character arc is superficial, his motivations undercooked, and the stakes never feel high enough. Yes, there are flashes of brilliance — especially in moments shared with his mother, played by Supriya Pathak — but those are too few and far between.

Even the grand reveal of Dada Bhai’s shady past falls flat. It’s set up early on, only to be thrust in later without tact. We hear he’s menacing — but we never actually experience it.

Ajay Devgn's Amay: Still Stoic, But Distant

Ajay Devgn returns as Amay Patnaik with the same stoicism and upright posture that characterized the character in Raid. But here, he seems to be holding back — not only emotionally, but also narratively. The performance is so restrained that it becomes distant.

There are flashes of fire that Devgn displays — particularly when dealing with corrupt seniors or plotting with his colleagues — but for the most part, Amay appears to float through the film without the slightest apparent turmoil. Considering the fact that he’s been transferred 74 times, handed career-threatening suspensions, and endangering the lives of his family members, you’d expect a little more range emotionally.

It’s not that Devgn can’t do it — he just isn’t being given much to play with. The script makes Amay a representation of honor but doesn’t make him human.

A Lack of Narrative Tension

One of the largest issues with Raid 2 is its failure to generate actual tension. In the original, the raid was like chess — every move had a reaction, every reveal was a blow. Here, the investigation is hasty, the procedural elements are thin, and the tension ends too abruptly.

Take the character of Lallan Sudhir, played superbly by Amit Sial. He goes undercover to infiltrate Dada Bhai’s circle, which should be a thrilling subplot. But instead of developing it with tension and careful pacing, the film glosses over it, making Lallan’s success seem almost too easy — and too convenient.

In the same way, when Amay is threatened with suspension or when Dada Bhai tries to dig into his history, the tension is discussed and not experienced. It’s like the movie is checking boxes and not conveying a narrative.

Overproduction Overload: Gloss Without Grit

It’s hard to discuss Raid 2 without commenting on its glossy production. The cinematography is slick, the sets are tidy, and everything appears to be just that little bit too perfect — particularly for a film based in 1989.

That’s where Raid 2 falters badly. Although it is a politically volatile, semi-rural India of the late ’80s, the movie never quite takes you there. The production design is underwhelming, and the period specificity is thin. There’s no sense of time or place — only an aesthetic gloss that reads more like a music video than a period film.

And talk of music — the movie is co-produced by a music company, and it tells. Two unconvincing item songs with Tamannaah Bhatia and Jacqueline Fernandez break up the already shaky plot. They do not help in any way except to bring glamour, and in a movie that must be suspenseful and honest, they are jarring misfits.

Performances That Almost Save the Day

Apart from the flaws in writing and direction, the cast does attempt to bring life to the film.

Amit Sial as Lallan Sudhir is the highlight. His performance is taut, nuanced, and credible. He navigates the tightrope between dutiful officer and covert agent with ease, and it’s his storyline that looks the most realistic.

Riteish Deshmukh has a couple of pleasant moments, notably in scenes shared with Supriya Pathak. His portrayal of a person caught between publicly adored figure and privately immoral individual had possibilities — it was just that writing needed to become more robust.

Ajay Devgn, as much as largely one-dimensional he is here, still retains presence on screen. Even when script fails him, Devgn’s intensity shows through.

Saurabh Shukla reprises Rameshwar Singh (from the original Raid), providing some laughs and references. But his inclusion is more fan service than a genuine addition.

Vaani Kapoor as Amay’s wife is underwritten and forgettable in the end. She is largely visual support, and the character doesn’t add anything to the story.

A Sequel That Was Never Needed

Ultimately, Raid 2 is a film that wasn’t necessary. It doesn’t bring anything new, is not emotionally resonant, and trips over its own loftiness. While the first film was sustained by a gripping raid and realistic characters, this one relies too much on style and repetition.

Even the narrative itself — of discovering untapped riches and battling the establishment — rings false this time. The movie goes for safe, riding on star power and familiar tropes rather than progressing the story or the characters.

There’s a missed opportunity here. A deeper dive into the political ecosystem of the time, or a more nuanced look at Dada Bhai’s rise, could’ve added layers. But Raid 2 is content to skim the surface.

Final Verdict: When Nostalgia Isn’t Enough

Raid 2 relies too much on nostalgia. It expects that people will respond positively to recognizable characters and a recognizable premise. But in so doing, it neglects the only thing a sequel needs to do: explain why it exists.

The movie misses the tightness, grittiness, and emotional undertone that made Raid such an engaging watch. It trades soul for spectacle and is left with a story that’s neither interesting nor memorable. If you’re a die-hard fan of Ajay Devgn or enjoyed Raid enough to want to revisit that world, Raid 2 might offer a few fleeting moments of satisfaction. But for most viewers, it’s a missed opportunity — a sequel that could have soared but chose instead to play it safe.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Pros:

– Strong performances by Amit Sial and Riteish Deshmukh

– Occasional flashes of smart writing

– Emotional authenticity moments

Cons:

– Formulaic and repetitive storytelling

– Overproduced and not period realistic

– Gloss over grit strategy

– Poor suspense and disappointing raid sequences

– Flow-breaking item songs

Should You Watch It?

If you’re going into the theatres anticipating a wound-up thriller in the style of Raid, temper expectations. Raid 2 is styled over substance, repetition over reinvention. Perhaps it’s not worth the multiplex ticket cost unless you’re seeing it entirely for star value.
At other times, the greatest sequels are the ones that never come to be. And at times, the bravest artistic decision is to leave a good tale alone.