Summary
Bollywood’s crime thriller Raid 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2018 blockbuster Raid, made its theatrical debut on May 1, 2025, and is now officially streaming on Netflix. Featuring powerhouse performances by Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh, Raid 2 is directed by Raj Kumar Gupta and blends themes of corruption, politics, and justice set against the rustic backdrop of Rajasthan. The film is currently available in Hindi, Spanish, and Portuguese, reflecting its ambition for global viewership.
Raid 2 OTT Release Expands Global Reach but Misses Key Indian Languages
The digital release of Raid Two on Netflix broadens the film’s reach by including international languages like Spanish and Portuguese. However, a significant portion of the Indian audience was left disappointed due to the lack of regional language options such as Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada. Considering the film’s Indian roots and pan-India appeal, this omission feels like a misstep in an otherwise well-planned digital strategy. Despite this, the movie’s gripping story and powerful performances are likely to attract a large number of viewers on the OTT platform.
Star-Studded Cast and Stellar Production
Raid Two is backed by prominent producers Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak, and Abhishek Pathak under the banners of T-Series and Panorama Studios. Music is composed by a blend of industry veterans like Amit Trivedi, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Rochak Kohli, and Sachet-Parampara. Sudhir K. Chaudhary handles the cinematography, while Sandeep Francis does the editing. A special dance appearance by Tamannaah Bhatia adds flair to the film’s musical landscape.
The ensemble cast includes:
- Ajay Devgn as IRS Officer Amay Patnaik
- Riteish Deshmukh as the influential antagonist Dada Bhai
- Vaani Kapoor in a key supporting role
- Saurabh Shukla, Rajat Kapoor, Supriya Pathak, and others in pivotal roles
Raid 2 Plot Summary
Continuing the journey of Income Tax officer Amay Patnaik, the story of Raid Two revolves around his 75th raid. This time, he targets Dada Manohar Bhai (Riteish Deshmukh), a well-respected and politically connected figure with a seemingly spotless record. However, the raid initially turns up empty, leading to Amay’s suspension. What follows is a suspenseful journey as Amay fights to uncover hidden assets and bring Dada Bhai to justice.
Performances that Stand Out
Ajay Devgn once again delivers a solid performance with restrained intensity, perfectly embodying the role of a righteous government officer. However, it is Riteish Deshmukh who steals the spotlight in a rare negative role, portraying Dada Bhai with a sinister charm that is both convincing and chilling. The two actors share electric screen presence, and their confrontations form the core of the narrative.
Vaani Kapoor, while underutilized, adds depth to her limited screen time, and Supriya Pathak, Rajat Kapoor, and Saurabh Shukla offer reliable support.
Strengths of Raid 2
- Powerful Performances: The lead actors deliver impactful portrayals that elevate the film’s emotional and dramatic quotient.
- Relevant Themes: The storyline addresses pressing issues like political corruption and black money, making it timely and socially relevant.
- Music and Background Score: Amit Trivedi’s background score in the second half adds intensity and supports the suspense.
- Cinematography: Sudhir K. Chaudhary’s visuals complement the gritty tone of the narrative, particularly the urban-rural juxtaposition.
- Interval Block: The interval twist grabs the audience’s attention, rejuvenating interest in the film’s second half.
Drawbacks and Missed Opportunities
Despite its many strengths, Raid Two is not without flaws:
- Slow First Half: The narrative takes too long to build momentum, testing the patience of the audience.
- Editing Issues: Several lagging scenes could have been trimmed to maintain tighter pacing.
- Familiar Storyline: The plot, although engaging, feels repetitive, especially for viewers familiar with the original Raid.
- Weak Climax: The film ends with a resolution that lacks the punch needed to make the finale memorable.
Technical Review
Director Raj Kumar Gupta deserves credit for maintaining thematic continuity between the original and the sequel. However, the execution falters due to uneven pacing and lack of novelty in storytelling. The cinematography is commendable, capturing the essence of Rajasthan’s landscape and interiors effectively. Editing, on the other hand, could have been more refined to ensure a smoother narrative flow.
The music department delivers a mixed bag. While the background score by Amit Trivedi is outstanding, the songs by other contributors feel inconsistent. Tamannaah Bhatia’s special appearance in a dance number provides a brief high point in an otherwise musically average film.
Digital Strategy: Good but Not Great
While the Netflix release marks an important milestone for Raid Two, its absence in major Indian languages curtails accessibility for a broader audience. Hindi films increasingly find pan-India acceptance when dubbed into South Indian languages. By skipping this opportunity, the makers have potentially limited the film’s domestic reach, even while successfully targeting international markets.
Viewer Reaction and Critical Response
The film opened to mixed-to-positive reviews from audiences. Fans of Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh have praised their performances and the gripping second half. However, critics and viewers have also pointed out the sluggish pace and predictable structure.
Raid 2 (2025) Movie Overview – Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Movie Title | Raid Two |
| Release Date | May 1, 2025 |
| Streaming Platform | Netflix (Available in Hindi, Spanish, Portuguese) |
| Director | Raj Kumar Gupta |
| Lead Actors | Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Vaani Kapoor |
| Genre | Crime Thriller, Political Drama |
| Production Houses | T-Series, Panorama Studios |
| Story Focus | Income Tax Raid on a powerful politician, black money crackdown |
| Character Highlight | Amay Patnaik (IRS Officer) vs Dada Bhai (Corrupt Politician) |
| Music Directors | Amit Trivedi, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Rochak Kohli, Sachet–Parampara |
| Box Office Performance | ₹200+ Crore Worldwide |
| Languages Available (OTT) | Hindi, Spanish, Portuguese |
| Languages Not Available | Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada |
| Critical Reception | Positive performances, mixed reviews for screenplay and climax |
| Audience Verdict | Engaging in second half, lacks depth in first half |
| Best Performance | Riteish Deshmukh as Dada Bhai |
| Special Appearance | Tamannaah Bhatia in dance number |
Final Verdict
Raid Two succeeds as a crime thriller in parts. While it doesn’t fully live up to the expectations set by its predecessor, it offers enough thrills, especially in the second half, to make it a one-time watch. The performances by Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh are the film’s biggest strengths. However, issues like a slow start, weak climax, and underwhelming editing prevent it from being a standout.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Is Raid Two Worth Watching?
Yes, if you enjoy crime dramas with strong performances and are a fan of Ajay Devgn or Riteish Deshmukh, Raid Two is worth your time. It may not be perfect, but it holds enough merit to be included in your weekend watchlist, especially now that it’s easily accessible on Netflix.
Note: All information and images used in this content are sourced from Google. They are used here for informational and illustrative purposes only.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Raid 2 on Netflix
Q1. Where can I watch Raid 2 online?
A: Raid Two is now streaming exclusively on Netflix. It is available in Hindi, Spanish, and Portuguese. However, regional Indian languages like Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada are currently not supported.
Q2. What is the story of Raid 2 about?
A: Raid Two follows IRS officer Amay Patnaik (played by Ajay Devgn) as he takes on a corrupt political figure, Dada Bhai (played by Riteish Deshmukh). The film highlights his 75th raid, political manipulation, and the pursuit of black money in India.
Q3. How is Riteish Deshmukh’s performance in Raid 2?
A: Riteish Deshmukh delivers a powerful and critically praised performance as Dada Bhai, a corrupt politician. His portrayal has been widely appreciated by both fans and critics, often stealing the spotlight from other characters.
Q4. Is Raid 2 better than the first Raid (2018)?
A: While Raid 2 offers an engaging second half and compelling performances, especially by Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh, many viewers felt the first half was slow and the story lacked originality. Still, it offers a decent watch for crime thriller fans.
Q5. Who directed Raid 2 and who produced it?
A: Raid 2 is directed by Raj Kumar Gupta and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak, and Abhishek Pathak under T-Series and Panorama Studios.
Q6. What is the runtime and genre of Raid 2?
A: Raid 2 is a crime thriller with political drama elements, and the runtime is approximately 140 minutes. It blends suspense, action, and government corruption into a gripping narrative.
Q7. Why is Raid 2 not available in South Indian languages?
A: Despite its pan-India theme and success at the box office, Raid 2 has not been dubbed in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, or Malayalam. This has disappointed regional viewers who expected broader accessibility on Netflix.
Q8. What are the major highlights of Raid 2?
A: Major highlights include:
- Riteish Deshmukh’s villainous performance
- Ajay Devgn’s subtle intensity
- Amit Trivedi’s background score
- Tamannaah Bhatia’s dance cameo
- A compelling second half with unexpected twists
Q9. Is Raid 2 worth watching on OTT?
A: Yes, Raid 2 is worth watching for fans of political thrillers and Ajay Devgn-Riteish Deshmukh’s performances. Though the first half is slow, the gripping second half and powerful dialogues make it a decent OTT weekend pick.
Q10. What is the budget and box office collection of Raid 2?
A: Raid 2 was made on a moderate budget and has reportedly crossed ₹200 crore globally, making it one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of 2025.