Seven years after the original Raid, IRS DCP Amay Patnaik (played by Ajay Devgn) is back to shake up another den of corruption. This time, the setting is Bhoj, a town ruled by the seemingly benevolent Dada Manohar Bhai (portrayed by Riteish Deshmukh), who is revered by locals. Dada Bhai, in turn, is a devoted son to his mother, Amma (played by Surpriya Pathak), presenting himself as a clean and upstanding ruler.
However, it’s Amay, the sharpest officer in the income tax department, who suspects that beneath the pristine façade lies a dark underbelly. Determined to uncover the truth, he begins to stir the pot, hoping to reveal the real situation.This approach mirrors what he did in the original film, inspired by a real-life raid from the 1980s. While the first film had predictable rhythms, it was enlivened by quirky characters and a few surprising moments. This sequel follows a similar template, featuring familiar faces alongside new ones. Ajay Devgn reprises his role as the principled, transfer-prone income tax officer, still a deputy commissioner after seven years, highlighting the irony that integrity does not lead to promotions.
Saurabh Shukla returns as the jailbird Tauji, and Amit Sial is back as Amay’s dubious colleague Lallan Sudheer. New additions include Vaani Kapoor as Amay’s supportive wife, who struggles to find her footing in the narrative. Rajat Kapoor plays Amay’s boss, always backing him, while Supriya Pathak is a solid presence as Deshmukh’s mother. The supporting cast features interesting characters that catch the eye.
Despite these efforts, the film feels heavily familiar, with its grand castle-like settings guarded by goons, fleets of official cars, and heavy-handed dialogue. The first half drags, raising the question of why so much time is spent on setup when Amay’s character is already well-established. After a series of tedious exchanges between Devgn and Deshmukh, the film struggles to engage.
Among the cast members embracing the loud approach, Sial as the crafty IT officer and Yashpal Sharma as a principled lawyer provide some comedic relief. Shukla, adorned in thick gold chains, remains a source of humor with his confident presence. Overall, the film suffers from a lack of excitement, leaving viewers with a sense of dullness and missed opportunities for fun.
