Raid 2 Movie Review: Ajay Devgn’s Attempts to Raise a Script-Adependent, Mind-Numbing Sequel Proves Futile
Anticipating an energetic face-off with corruption in Ajay Devgn’s signature role, fans marked their calendars three years later after watching the sensational Raid, expecting another rollercoaster in Raid 2. Unfortunately, the sequel feels like a poorly-done remake of the original that misses all the fun – it is simply a repetitive cyclic process without any of the appeal the first film had.
Let’s begin with the positive; unsurprisingly, Ajay Devgn doesn’t miss the mark. The actor’s casting choices continue to make sense, as he portrays Amay Patnaik, an IRS officer, with great pride. There is no denying, however, that he captures the attention due to his remarkable presence, if not his overwhelming gravitas that superbly commands the gaze. Quite fortunate for him. Alas, even with all that charm, nothing can redeem a tale that brings nothing fresh to the table with lethargically dragging arcs. The enterprising Amay has landed himself a new assignment; this one involves dismantling the money-laundering syndicate of a high-profile politician. Sounds good? Spoiler alert: In this case, they neglect to mention just how massively underwhelming the execution will be.
The Same Story With More Added Lengths
The biggest flaw in Raid 2 is the lack of originality. The cat and mouse game between Amay and the antagonists has been done before and the twists are guessable half way through the dialogue. Director Raj Kumar Gupta follows the blueprints of the first film while forgetting to include fresh stakes or urgency into the plot. The 2.5 hour runtime is grueling, especially when it consists of repetitive combat scenes, dull subplots, and never-ending confrontations.
What Happened To The Tension?
The first Raid thrived on nail biting tension, consisting of a single location, a countdown clock, and a high reward accompanied by risks. This sequel, however, seems aimless and devoid of any propulsion, with the action being shifted from one boring and bland location to another without adding any urgency or personal feeling. Generic suspense lines such as “Yeh jung abhi khatam nahi hui” are relied on instead of real built up energy.
A few Bright Spots In The Chaos
They are few, but not all is lost. A few scenes crackle with energy like Amay shutters down a goon in the middle of a raid. They might be few, but supporting actors Saurabh Shukla and Vaani Kapoor give it their all, yet their characters are poorly written. The production design and visuals, however, are still top-notch and breathtaking, displaying the grim realm of black money.
Conclusion: Only for the Most Dedicated Followers of Ajay Devgn.
Raid 2 isn’t the worst of the worst. It is placed beyond the reach of anything that could possibly be demmed amazing: pleasurable but deeply mediocre. If that is the description of what you seek on a lazy Sunday, go ahead, it might entertain you for while. But, if you are one of those people, who expects the boundaries created with the uncompromised pacing and keen writing of the first part, be prepared for let down after let down. Ajay Devgn’s commanding on-screen presence deserves the better scripts of original stories and fresh narratives.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Reasons to Watch:
For the dependable Ajay Devgn.
If you want answers to questions lingering from the first Raid.
Avoid If:
Coming in with low expectations didn’t help you at all.
Wishing for an entertaining sequel with original concepts is your game.
Slow-burns are your thing, but frustrated after no clear resolution is not.
