As Sonu Tyagi, Editor of Approach Bollywood, I watched Raid 2 at PVR Lido with my colleague Prem Agarwal, and we both left the theater deeply disappointed. The original Raid (2018) captivated audiences with its taut narrative and compelling portrayal of an upright income tax officer battling corruption. Expectations were high for the sequel, but Raid 2 is a hollow imitation, lacking soul, authenticity, and engagement. From artificial dialogues to forced characters and uninspired scenes, this film underscores Bollywood’s recent struggle to deliver compelling cinema.
The script is a major letdown. Raid 2’s screenplay is a patchwork of clichés and contrived scenarios that fail to evoke emotion or suspense. The dialogues, meant to carry the weight of high-stakes tax raids, feel theatrical and unnatural. Lines intended to sound profound come off as rehearsed, better suited to a dated soap opera than a modern thriller. Compared to the original Raid, where dialogues were sharp and grounded, the sequel’s writing feels lazy, breaking any chance of immersion.
The characters are equally weak. The protagonist, presumably continuing Amay Patnaik’s story, lacks the depth that made him compelling in the first film. Supporting characters, including villains and sidekicks, feel like caricatures forced into the plot to check boxes rather than to serve the narrative. There’s no organic development—relationships are superficial, and motivations are either vague or overly simplistic. The antagonist is particularly disappointing, lacking the cunning or menace needed to drive a gripping conflict. It’s as if the writers prioritized quantity over quality, cramming in characters without giving them space to evolve.
Visually, Raid 2 is lackluster. The cinematography is passable but uninspired, with scenes that feel staged rather than cinematic. Action sequences, which could have injected adrenaline, are poorly choreographed and lack tension. The set design feels artificial—locations meant to depict gritty realism look like polished studio setups, further alienating the audience. The editing is jarring, with abrupt transitions that disrupt the film’s flow. The background score, while occasionally effective, often overpowers the scenes, trying to force emotion where the script and performances fall flat.
The wasted potential is what stings most. The premise of Raid 2—tackling corruption through high-stakes tax investigations—could have been thrilling and relevant. In an era where audiences crave stories that resonate with real-world issues, this film could have been a sharp commentary on systemic greed and power. Instead, it leans on tired tropes and predictable plot beats, squandering its chance to be a worthy successor. It feels like a product of a worn-out formula, churned out to cash in on the original’s success rather than to tell a meaningful story.
Sitting in PVR Lido, Prem Agarwal and I felt the sting of the experience. Spending ₹300 on a ticket, only to shell out another ₹300 for a samosa and Pepsi, feels like an insult when the film fails to deliver. Bollywood’s ticket prices keep rising, but the quality of mainstream films like Raid 2 seems to be plummeting. It’s disheartening to leave the theater feeling cheated, both emotionally and financially. This isn’t just about one film—it’s a wake-up call for the industry. Bollywood, you’re capable of brilliance! Films like Andhadhun, Tumbbad, or even the original Raid showed your ability to craft stories that captivate and challenge. Why settle for mediocrity?
For Raid 2 to have succeeded, it needed a tighter script, authentic performances, and a director willing to take risks. Instead, it feels like a cash grab, banking on brand recognition without earning its place. The box office and OTT platforms reward quality—look at the success of smaller, well-crafted films that outshine bloated blockbusters. If Bollywood wants to win back audiences like Prem and me, it needs to prioritize storytelling over star power, substance over flash.
In conclusion, Raid 2 is a forgettable addition to Bollywood’s 2025 slate. It’s not outright terrible, but it’s painfully average, and in an industry brimming with talent, average is unacceptable. I’m fed up with spending hard-earned money on films that feel like they were made on autopilot. Dear Bollywood, take note: make engaging, heartfelt films, and the audiences will follow. Until then, Raid 2 is a pass—save your ₹600 and wait for something worth your time.
- Sonu Tyagi, Editor, Approach Bollywood
