Anupama Chopra reviews RAID 2, where Ajay Devgn returns as the uncompromising IRS officer Amay Patnaik, now facing off against the seemingly untouchable Dada Bhai (Riteish Deshmukh). Unlike the tightly constructed original that thrived within its contained setting, this sequel suffers from excessive scaling-up – more locations, more villains, and notably, more writers. The film struggles to recapture the suspenseful cat-and-mouse dynamic that made the 2018 original so compelling, instead getting bogged down in predictable verbal sparring between its protagonist and antagonist.
Despite its shortcomings, the film does deliver some bright spots, particularly Amit Sial's chameleon-like performance as Amay's junior Lallan Sudhir and Saurabh Shukla's scene-stealing moments as Tauji, now relegated to a commentator role. However, the absence of sharp dialogue and the inclusion of somewhat absurd plot twists (including Vani Kapoor replacing Ileana D'Cruz as Amay's amateur detective wife) prevent the film from matching its predecessor's impact. With a third installment already teased, featuring both villains, one can only hope that Raid 3 will recapture the original's magic.
