Ajay Devgn returns as the relentless IRS officer Amay Patnaik in Raid 2, and this time, the stakes are higher, the system murkier, and the villain infinitely more dangerous. Now streaming on Netflix India, the sequel takes the solid foundation of the 2018 hit and digs deeper—into both black money and character psychology. Get ready for a pulse-pounding dive into why this one deserves your attention, especially if you love a good cat-and-mouse game with a truly chilling villain.
The Raid Continues: Plot & Premise
Set years after the first film, “Raid 2” sees Amay Patnaik having completed 74 raids—each one leading to an immediate transfer. Yet, his resolve remains unbroken. But this time, his adversary isn’t just another corrupt businessman. We’re introduced to Dada Bhai (Riteish Deshmukh), a seemingly revered politician and “philanthropist” in Bhoj, who deftly masks his sprawling black money operation under layers of public adoration and impenetrable political clout.
After a politically motivated suspension, Amay launches an unofficial, relentless pursuit to expose the man no one dares to question. The reappearance of Tauji (Saurabh Shukla) adds a familiar, intriguing texture, while the film’s core remains a tense, bureaucratically entangled game of hunter versus hunted, where rules are bent, and shadows lengthen.
Performances That Hit Hard
At the heart of “Raid 2” are its truly stellar performances. Ajay Devgn is reliably stoic as Patnaik, bringing his signature intensity and understated power. His calm confidence continues to anchor the franchise, making his unwavering resolve utterly believable, even when faced with insurmountable odds.
However, the true revelation of “Raid 2” is undoubtedly Riteish Deshmukh as Dada Bhai. Shedding his usual comedic persona entirely, Deshmukh reinvents himself with a chilling and nuanced portrayal of the antagonist. He’s far from a loud, theatrical villain; instead, he embodies a calm, calculated menace who never raises his voice but makes your skin crawl with his subtle commands and piercing gaze. His confrontations with Devgn don’t explode with typical Bollywood bravado—they simmer with unspoken tension, elevating every shared scene significantly. This performance is a strong contender for one of the year’s best villain turns in Bollywood.
Vaani Kapoor capably handles her role, while Amit Sial delivers a memorable performance that truly allows him to flex his considerable range.
Direction & Craft
Director Raj Kumar Gupta returns to helm the sequel, navigating a bigger canvas with the same grounded tone that made the original so effective. While the first half might lean a bit heavily into exposition and setup—leading to some noticeable drag—the film truly picks up pace in the second half, delivering a tight, taut, and utterly captivating thriller.
The action sequences are more restrained than bombastic, reflecting the procedural, intelligence-driven nature of the narrative rather than relying on gratuitous spectacle. The background score, though used sparingly, is exceptionally effective, amplifying the drama and tension, particularly during the high-stakes face-offs between Patnaik and Dada Bhai.
plotwit Pulse: The Rise of the Understated Antagonist
What truly makes “Raid 2” stand out for plotwit readers is its fascinating evolution of the Bollywood villain archetype. Dada Bhai isn’t the roaring, gun-waving maniac we often see. He’s the epitome of insidious evil—the kind that hides behind public service announcements, gleaming political rallies, and generous temple donations. Deshmukh’s portrayal is unsettlingly real precisely because he’s so believable.
This significant shift—from cartoonish antagonists to intelligent, composed, and deeply influential threats—marks a welcome maturation in Bollywood storytelling. You’re no longer simply watching a hero beat down overt evil. Instead, you’re immersed in a complex battle of wits, where true power lies in pervasive influence and calculated optics, rather than mere physical intimidation. This approach doesn’t just make the villain more terrifying; it makes the entire conflict more cerebral and engaging. Dada Bhai reflects a chilling contemporary reality—where the most dangerous individuals often wear smiles, not scowls. His threat isn’t in what he does openly, but in the vast, unseen network of corruption he subtly controls. This elevates “Raid 2” beyond a mere action-thriller; it becomes a compelling character study about control, public perception, and the quiet, arrogant omnipresence of systemic corruption.
Beyond the Box Office: “Raid 2” and Societal Echoes
“Raid 2” isn’t just about a thrilling hunt for black money; it holds a mirror to contemporary Indian society. The film’s focus on corruption among powerful, publicly revered figures taps into widespread public discourse about accountability and transparency. It cleverly uses the bureaucratic machinery of the Income Tax Department to highlight the systemic challenges faced by those who dare to fight against the deeply entrenched nexus of money and power. For plotwit readers interested in how cinema reflects societal realities, “Raid 2” offers a gripping, albeit dramatized, look at these very real struggles. It’s a stark reminder that the fight for justice often extends far beyond official mandates.
The Franchise Factor: What’s Next for Amay Patnaik?
As a sequel, “Raid 2” naturally raises questions about the future of the franchise. While it delivers a satisfying standalone story, the ending leaves just enough room to wonder what formidable challenge Amay Patnaik might face next. Given the success of both films and the enduring appeal of the “upright officer against corruption” trope, a third installment seems highly probable. The evolution of the antagonists, moving from a formidable yet somewhat traditional “Tauji” to the nuanced “Dada Bhai,” suggests that future installments could continue to explore increasingly complex forms of systemic corruption, offering endless possibilities for plot twists and character development. Fans will surely be hoping for another chapter in Patnaik’s relentless crusade.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Riteish Deshmukh’s transformative performance: Arguably his best role to date, setting a new benchmark for Bollywood antagonists.
- Ajay Devgn’s consistent gravitas: Continues to own the role with his quiet, authoritative presence.
- Tension-packed second half: The narrative truly locks in, delivering edge-of-your-seat thrills that don’t let go.
- Sharp, impactful dialogue: Especially potent during the intense confrontational moments.
- Relevant subject matter: Tackles the persistent and pressing issue of black money and systemic corruption head-on.
Weaknesses:
- Pacing in Act One: The initial setup can feel a bit drawn out, delaying the full thrust of the plot.
- Familiar beats: The narrative structure occasionally mirrors the first film a little too closely, which some viewers might find slightly predictable.
- Songs feel inserted: While not numerous, the musical numbers sometimes interrupt the otherwise taut narrative flow.
Final Verdict: Stream It
“Raid 2” doesn’t set out to reinvent the crime thriller genre, but it certainly refines it. Anchored by two powerhouse performances—a consistently strong Ajay Devgn and a surprisingly nuanced Riteish Deshmukh—it delivers a solid punch, both narratively and thematically.
For plotwit readers, this film is a masterclass in how Bollywood is shedding old tropes and embracing more morally complex storytelling. If you’re looking for a thriller with brains, backbone, and a battle of ideologies rather than just bullets, “Raid 2” is absolutely worth your time on Netflix India.
