Raid 2 Review Roundup – The Sequel to a Box Office Hit: Does It Live Up to the Legacy?

The original Raid (2018) was a major success at the box office, garnering praise for its gripping storyline and stellar performances. As fans eagerly awaited the sequel, Raid 2, expectations were high, given the first film’s popularity and Ajay Devgn’s strong presence in the role of the honest income tax officer, Amay Patnaik. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, the sequel promises more of the same intense drama but with a new antagonist in the form of Riteish Deshmukh’s political figure, Dadabhai. But does Raid 2 live up to its predecessor’s legacy? Let’s dive into the mixed reviews from various publications to get a clearer picture.

Review Roundup – Raid 2 Receives Mixed Reactions

Across multiple reviews, Raid 2 has generated a mix of reactions, with some praising the performances and intense moments, while others criticize the film for its uneven pacing and weak characterization.

India Today calls the film a “frail attempt” to continue the franchise’s success, pointing out that Ajay Devgn fails to fully embody his character, leaving a disjointed performance. Despite his usual intensity, Devgn’s portrayal of Amay Patnaik lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the protagonist. Meanwhile, Riteish Deshmukh’s portrayal of the corrupt politician, Dadabhai, although polished, doesn’t quite measure up as a fearsome antagonist.

On the other hand, News18 highlights the powerful dialogues and gripping visuals, especially Devgn’s punchlines, which resonate with the audience. Riteish Deshmukh’s performance as the villain is praised for being “top class,” and several early reviews on social media describe the film as a “masterpiece” for its gripping storyline and powerful confrontations between the lead characters.

However, Hindustan Times has a more critical take, suggesting that the film falls short in delivering the intensity seen in the first movie. The villain, Dadabhai, is said to lack the menace required to truly challenge Devgn’s character. The review notes that while the film succeeds in parts, the weak villain and some unnecessary subplots (like the romance) hinder its overall effectiveness.

According to Koimoi, Raid 2 is an engaging sequel that outshines its predecessor in some ways. While it still retains the essence of the first film, with its high stakes and tense cat-and-mouse chase, the film succeeds primarily due to the riveting performances by Devgn and Deshmukh, as well as its engaging direction. However, the review also points out that the narrative could have been tighter, as there are moments that feel stretched or unnecessary. Koimoi rates it 4/5, praising the action sequences, pacing, and strong performances.

Bollywood Hungama gives Raid 2 a 3.5/5, calling it a solid sequel that builds on the foundations of the first film. The review acknowledges the strong performances and gripping moments, but also critiques the film for some forced scenes and inconsistent pacing, which slightly detracts from its overall impact.

The Indian Express offers a mixed 3/5 review, praising the performances of both Devgn and Deshmukh but noting that the predictable plot and unnecessary elements weaken the film’s potential. The pacing falters in certain parts, leaving the film feeling uneven in places.

Rediff.com gives Raid 2 a moderately positive 3/5. While the review appreciates the tension-filled moments and the solid performances, it critiques the film for focusing too much on action and neglecting character development, which could have elevated the narrative.

Finally, News24 gives Raid 2 a relatively favorable review, calling it “watchable” and suggesting that while it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, the sequel still delivers enough action and intrigue to keep audiences hooked. Despite the familiarity, the film manages to maintain a level of excitement, particularly through the engaging performances of the leads.