In 2018, Raid surprised audiences with its unique blend of suspense, patriotism, and realism. Now in 2025, Raid 2 returns to expand the story of IRS officer Amay Patnaik. With corruption, politics, and power at the center of its theme, the film attempts to recreate the gritty tension of the original. But does it succeed? Vibewaale investigates.
Plot Summary: Bureaucracy Meets Bravery Once Again
Set seven years after the original, Raid 2 follows Amay Patnaik (Ajay Devgn) as he is assigned a new high-stakes case involving Dada Manohar Bhai, a feared political figure in Maharashtra. The narrative takes a more pan-India approach, with political corruption, legal roadblocks, and personal threats all wrapped into one high-pressure investigation.
Character Spotlight: Performances That Carry the Film
Ajay Devgn as Amay Patnaik
Devgn once again shines in a role that perfectly suits his restrained charisma. His character remains emotionally grounded, and his stoic intensity gives the film its moral compass.
Riteish Deshmukh as Dada Manohar Bhai
A brilliant casting choice. Deshmukh plays a suave, intelligent villain with controlled menace. His dialogues and screen presence lend gravitas to the film’s central conflict.
Vaani Kapoor as Malini Patnaik
Unfortunately, Kapoor’s character feels undercooked. Unlike Ileana D’Cruz’s impactful presence in the first film, Malini is reduced to minimal screen time and emotional filler.
Music & Score: Background Roars!
The film’s soundtrack features names like Amit Trivedi, Rochak Kohli, Yo Yo Honey Singh, and Sachet–Parampara, offering a mix of massy and melodic tracks. However, the item songs and musical breaks feel disjointed from the film’s serious tone.
Amit Trivedi’s background score, though subtle and tense in key moments, doesn’t stand out as memorably as it should in a political thriller.
Pros of Raid 2
- Engaging Performances by Devgn and Deshmukh
- Topical & Relevant Themes around real-world political corruption
- High Production Values and grounded visual aesthetic
- Nuanced Dialogue writing that echoes real media
Cons of Raid 2
- Uneven Pacing in the second act
- Underdeveloped Female Lead
- Overuse of Songs that disrupt tension
- Predictability in courtroom and press drama
Final Verdict: A Worthy Yet Uneven Successor
Raid 2 is a worthy but imperfect sequel. It attempts to broaden the franchise’s focus from income-tax raids to systemic political rot. Strong lead performances and relevant social commentary keep it afloat, but its predictable storytelling and tonal inconsistencies pull it back from greatness.
⭐ Vibewaale Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5)
“Raid 2 delivers punches of truth but gets weighed down by its own ambition. Watch it for Ajay Devgn’s performance and Riteish Deshmukh’s chilling transformation.”
