Raid 2 Review: Ajay Devgn’s Amey Patnaik Returns in a Gripping Sequel That Surpasses the Original
Star Cast: Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Vaani Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla, Amit Sial
Director: Raj Kumar Gupta
Language: Hindi
Available On: Theatrical release
Runtime: 139 Minutes
Rating: 4.0/5 stars
Ritesh Shah, this time collaborating with director Raj Kumar Gupta and a team of writers, delivers a crackerjack script for “Raid 2” that elevates the franchise. While the original “Raid” was rooted in real events, this sequel embraces a more overtly fictional, yet thoroughly engaging, narrative.
The dialogue crackles with memorable one-liners (“Maine kab kahaa ke main paandav hoon? Main to poori Mahabarat hoon!”), and the film is rife with edge-of-your-seat moments showcasing the tenacity of revenue officer Amey Patnaik. The introduction of Amey to Dada Bhai’s mother and the character of Lallan Sudheer (Amit Sial), Amey’s successor with negotiable ethics, are particularly well-conceived and sharply written. The film culminates in a thrilling finale, the perfect capstone to this gripping and entertaining ride.
Star Performances: Ajay Devgn Leads a Stellar Ensemble
Ajay Devgn delivers a commanding performance as Amey Naik, conveying steely determination with subtle yet powerful expressions. Vaani Kapoor shines in her understated role as Malini. Riteish Deshmukh is excellent as the chillingly devoted antagonist, Dada Bhai. However, Amit Sial as Lallan and Saurabh Shukla as Tauji steal several scenes with their brilliantly written characters. Supriya Pathak Kapur brings a fresh and nuanced feel to the potentially melodramatic role of Amma. The supporting cast, including Shruti Pandey, Brijendra Kala, Mukesh Tiwari, and Rajat Kapur, all deliver effective performances.
Direction and Music: A Director at the Top of His Game
Raj Kumar Gupta, building on his previous successes with “No One Killed Jessica” and “Raid,” showcases impressive growth as a director, seamlessly blending commercial appeal with realistic storytelling. His vision, beautifully captured by DOP Sudhir K. Chaudhary, is both impressive and expressive. While the music is a mixed bag, with “Nasha” standing out, Amit Trivedi’s background score is exceptionally well-crafted.
The Last Word:
Rarely does a sequel outshine its original, but “Raid 2” achieves this effortlessly. A gripping narrative, stellar performances, and confident direction make this a must-watch cinematic experience. Amey Patnaik is back, and the anticipation for “Raid 3” is already high.
