Raid 2 (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online and What to Expect
When Raid hit theaters back in 2018, it carved a niche of its own in the thriller genre with a sharp screenplay and a grounded, realistic tone. Fast forward seven years, Raid 2 is here — bringing back Ajay Devgn as IRS officer Amay Patnaik, who once again sets out to expose white-collar corruption. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, this time the scale is grander, but does the soul remain intact? Let’s dig deeper.
Plot Summary: Same City, Different Sinner
Set seven years after the first film, Raid 2 opens with Amay Patnaik being transferred to a new city for his 75th raid. This time, his target is the influential and shrewd politician Dadabhai (played by Riteish Deshmukh). With a stronghold on the masses and immense political backing, Dadabhai isn’t just another corrupt man — he’s a symbol of how power can blind truth.
The story follows a familiar arc: resistance, failure, and eventual triumph. While the first film was lauded for its taut, character-driven drama based on real events, Raid 2 leans heavily on commercial tropes — bigger action, unnecessary songs, and a more dramatic tone. Sadly, this shift in storytelling style dilutes the gritty realism fans admired in the original.
Performance Highlights
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Ajay Devgn returns as Amay Patnaik with a controlled performance, though a bit too stoic this time. There’s a sense of déjà vu in his portrayal — the same righteous stance, same steely expression, and very little emotional range.
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Riteish Deshmukh, surprisingly, steals the show. As Dadabhai, he brings in menace, charisma, and unpredictability — easily outshining the hero in several scenes.
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Amit Sial as a fellow tax officer delivers a compelling performance, often grounding the film when it loses focus.
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Saurabh Shukla, though in a limited role, brings his signature wit and gravitas, reminding viewers of his impact in the first film.
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Vaani Kapoor, unfortunately, has little to do. Replacing Ileana D’Cruz, her role is underwritten and lacks depth.
Direction, Writing, and Technical Aspects
Director Raj Kumar Gupta sticks to a tested template but doesn’t push creative boundaries. The writing — by Gupta along with Ritesh Shah and Karan Vyas — lacks the tight grip of the original. The plot is serviceable but predictable, often telegraphing twists that seasoned viewers will see coming from a mile away.
The film runs for 2 hours and 19 minutes, and unfortunately, it feels like it. The pacing, particularly in the first half, drags. The second half picks up momentum but is weighed down by three forgettable songs that disrupt the narrative flow.
Visually, the movie is slick. The production value is definitely higher than the first, and that shows in the more expansive sets, action sequences, and courtroom drama.
What’s Missing: The Realness and Urgency
What made Raid work was its sense of realism, derived from actual cases and a grounded protagonist. In Raid 2, that urgency is missing. The story feels larger than life, but not necessarily in a good way. There’s no real threat to the hero — the struggle feels orchestrated, and conflict resolution often comes too easily.
Even the antagonist, while strong on screen, lacks a fleshed-out backstory. Why he turned corrupt or what’s at stake for him never gets the attention it deserves. This absence of depth robs the movie of emotional weight.
Streaming Availability: Where to Watch Raid 2 (2025) Online
As of the date of this review (May 7, 2025), Raid 2 is not yet available on any streaming platforms in the United States for rent, purchase, or subscription-based viewing.
To monitor its availability, you can check its JustWatch listing here, which will be updated as soon as the movie appears on platforms like:
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Streaming (Subscription):
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Likely contenders: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+ Hotstar (US), based on past Hindi film releases.
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Digital Purchase/Rental (TVOD):
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Apple TV (iTunes)
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Google Play Movies
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YouTube Movies
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Amazon Prime Video Store
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Vudu
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Based on previous release patterns, we can expect Raid 2 to become available for rental and purchase around mid-to-late June 2025, with streaming subscription release expected later in the year.
Final Verdict: A Mixed Bag with Sparks of Brilliance
Raid 2 is a film that plays it too safe. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, nor does it try to. The film caters to fans of the first movie but misses the opportunity to elevate the narrative. While performances — particularly from Riteish Deshmukh and Amit Sial — keep the film watchable, the rest feels overly familiar.
If you loved the first Raid and want a nostalgia trip with a grander setting, you might enjoy this as a one-time watch. Just keep your expectations in check.
Personal Take: Worth a Weekend Watch, Nothing More
As a fan of the original Raid, I walked into the sequel hoping for something equally gripping. Unfortunately, the screenplay felt like it was written on autopilot. Ajay Devgn’s performance, while consistent, lacked spark. Riteish Deshmukh was the only breath of fresh air — his controlled villainy added much-needed tension.
Would I recommend it? Sure — if you’re looking for something familiar and don’t mind a few predictable twists. But if you’re hunting for depth and originality, Raid 2 might leave you underwhelmed.
While Raid 2 tries to cash in on the goodwill of its predecessor, it ends up being just a glossier version of the same story. Still, the film delivers enough to satisfy fans of commercial Hindi cinema. Keep an eye on JustWatch to stream it once it’s online.
