Bollywood’s latest crime thriller Raid 2 has arrived with a bang, bringing back Ajay Devgn in one of his most admired roles — that of no-nonsense IRS officer Amay Patnaik. Directed once again by Raj Kumar Gupta, who helmed the original 2018 hit Raid, this sequel is packed with intense drama, political intrigue, and a gritty narrative set deep in the heart of Rajasthan.
Raid 2 has changed course and entered the digital sphere after its theatrical run was already deemed a box office success. The film is currently streaming on Netflix, broadening its reach to global audiences. However, while the movie’s powerful storytelling continues to attract attention, its OTT release has left many Indian viewers scratching their heads — especially those from southern India.
Ajay Devgn Returns to What He Does Best
Ajay Devgn slips back effortlessly into the character of Amay Patnaik, the upright IRS officer who’s determined to root out corruption no matter how powerful the enemy. His performance is as impactful as ever, portraying a man of principle in a system that’s riddled with compromise. Patnaik is calm, focused, and unshakeable — and Devgn brings those qualities to life with remarkable ease and conviction.
In Raid 2, the stakes are higher. The enemy is stronger. And the cost of truth is even more brutal.
Riteish Deshmukh Surprises as Dada Bhai
One of the film’s major surprises is Riteish Deshmukh, who plays the role of the antagonist Dada Bhai, a cunning, strong politician who conceals his criminal empire behind a façade of fear and influence. Known more for his comic roles, Riteish breaks away from his usual image and delivers a menacing performance that’s equal parts chilling and compelling. His layered portrayal adds much-needed depth to the story, providing a worthy opponent to Devgn’s principled officer.
Vaani Kapoor and Tamannaah Bhatia Bring Star Power
Vaani Kapoor plays a pivotal role, anchoring the emotional side of the story while also lending strength to the narrative. Her performance adds balance to the film’s largely male-dominated energy. Meanwhile, Tamannaah Bhatia makes a special appearance in a dance number that has already made waves online. Her energy and screen presence bring some glamour to the otherwise intense storyline.
Taking place in Rajasthan, yet aiming for the stars
Visually, Raid 2 is stunning. The dusty landscapes and political backdrops of Rajasthan give the film a unique and grounded texture. The brutal realism of the plot and the unadulterated beauty of the area are both captured by the cinematography.
The themes of Raid 2 — corruption, political power, and black money — are not just relevant to India but are globally resonant. It’s no surprise, then, that Netflix has chosen to make the film available in multiple international languages, including Spanish and Portuguese. This strategic move opens up Raid 2 to viewers across Europe and Latin America, bringing Indian storytelling to new frontiers.
But Where Are the Indian Regional Languages?
While the global outreach is commendable, it’s also confusing — and frankly disappointing — to see that Netflix has not released the film in major Indian regional languages like Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, or Kannada.
For a film that’s so deeply rooted in Indian soil, skipping regional Indian dubs feels like a missed opportunity — or perhaps a misplaced priority. Millions of movie lovers across southern India could have connected more intimately with the story had it been available in their native languages. After all, the first Raid found a solid fanbase in the South too.
This oversight has sparked conversations online, with many questioning why a globally released Indian film would ignore such a significant domestic audience.
Music by Amit Trivedi Elevates the Mood
The film’s soundtrack, composed by the talented Amit Trivedi, complements the narrative beautifully. The background score heightens tension without overwhelming the scenes, and the few songs in the film are both soulful and stirring. Trivedi’s ability to blend emotion with power gives the movie an additional emotional layer.
Backed by Big Names, Made with Bigger Ambitions
Produced by T-Series and Panorama Studios, Raid 2 was never meant to be just another sequel. It’s a high-stakes, large-scale production with a clear goal — to continue the legacy of the original while offering something fresh and gripping.
And for the most part, it succeeds. The storytelling remains grounded, the characters are well-developed, and the central conflict keeps viewers hooked till the end. The film manages to strike a balance between realism and drama, never losing sight of the social issues it tackles.
A Digital Journey With Room to Grow
Now that Raid 2 is on Netflix, its digital journey has just begun. The platform offers it the chance to be discovered by viewers who may have missed it in theatres. However, its potential impact within India could have been far greater had the film embraced its regional audiences.
Still, Raid 2 remains a strong watch — especially for fans of Ajay Devgn and lovers of taut, intelligent thrillers. With its robust performances, political undercurrents, and sleek execution, it offers a solid cinematic experience. But it also serves as a reminder that in a country as linguistically rich as India, true inclusivity on streaming platforms is about more than just global reach — it’s also about honoring the diversity at home.
Final Verdict
Raid 2 is a compelling follow-up that meets or exceeds the standards set by its predecessor. Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh deliver superb performances, and Raj Kumar Gupta’s direction keeps the plot fresh and focused. Its Netflix debut makes it available to a wider audience, but the absence of regional Indian dubs is a noticeable and unfortunate gap.
Still, for anyone who enjoys grounded thrillers with real stakes, Raid 2 is well worth a watch.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) – A powerful comeback with a global reach, but some regional hearts left behind.