Raid 2 starring Ajay Devgn releases in theaters: The Return of Amay Patnaik
Ajay Devgn is back, and this time the stakes are even higher.
The fans of the stern and no-nonsense IRS officer Amay Patnaik are thronging theaters as Raid 2 featuring Ajay Devgn releases on Indian screens. Releasing on May 1, the sequel to the 2018 hit Raid hits the screen loaded with political intrigue, biting dialogues, and edge-of-the-seat tension.
But why the buzz?
Simple: The original Raid reshaped the way mainstream Bollywood handles real-life inspired films. Raid 2 doesn’t merely see Ajay Devgn reprise a character—he reboots a film movement that marries entertainment with integrity.
Raid 2 Box Office Collection Day 1: Ajay Devgn’s Film Kicks Off Well Despite Stiff Competition From HIT 3 And Retro
In spite of a loaded release window, Raid 2 opened like a storm in theaters with a Day 1 total of ₹18 crore, according to initial Sacnilk estimates. With 34.36% national occupancy, this is a muscle-packed start considering the intense competition it had from two other big releases.
How does that compare?
- HIT 3 also opened on May 1 and settled for ₹18 crore.
- Retro, featuring Suriya, narrowly led with ₹19.25 crore from its multilingual release.
So yes, Raid 2 may not be the biggest, but it’s certainly giving it a fight in a high-voltage box office showdown.
Raid 2 First Day Performance by Region: Maharashtra Takes the Lead
Ajay Devgn’s fan following turned out in full strength in Maharashtra, where the film fared really well. Here’s a brief regional split:
| Region | Approx. Day 1 Collection (₹ Cr) | Occupancy Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | 5.2 | 45% |
| Gujarat | 3.7 | 38% |
| Delhi NCR | 3.3 | 32% |
| West Bengal | 2.9 | 31% |
| Other Regions | 2.9 | 28% |
Evidently, the western belt is still Ajay Devgn’s domain.
What Makes Raid 2 Different from the Original?
Whereas the original Raid concentrated on a tax raid based on a real incident, Raid 2 raises the bar with an intricate narrative around political corruption, betrayal, and power struggles.
What’s New in Raid 2?
- Vaani Kapoor is seen playing a multi-dimensional character with agency and influence.
- Riteish Deshmukh lends an understated menace as the villain.
- More substantial action pieces and a more streamlined screenplay make for a better watch.
And don’t forget about the nostalgia element courtesy Saurabh Shukla’s guest appearance—a fan-pleasing throwback to the original.
Cast and Character Analysis: A Star-Studded Affair
Ajay Devgn as Amay Patnaik
Once again, Devgn bites into a role that is tailor-made for his gravitas. Stoic and scorching, Amay Patnaik returns to fight the corrupt, and Devgn is in top gear.
Vaani Kapoor as the Female Lead
She’s not mere eye-candy. Kapoor’s character adds emotional depth and narrative conflict that gives layers to the story.
Riteish Deshmukh as the Villain
A welcome surprise, Deshmukh discards his comedic mask and adopts a stern, nearly menacing tone that heightens the film’s suspense.
Behind the Scenes: Making of Raid 2
Director Raj Kumar Gupta returns with a bolder vision. This time, he explores the grey areas of power and justice. With cinematography by Alphonse Roy and music by Amit Trivedi, the film is as much a visual feast as it is a political thriller.
Production Trivia:
- Shot across Lucknow, Delhi, and Mumbai
- Took 110 shooting days
- VFX used sparingly but effectively
Critical Reception: Mixed But Hopeful
What Are Critics Saying?
- The Times of India: “A thrilling yarn with some stutters. Devgn carries the movie on his back.”
- India Today: “Could have been a tighter knit, but performances deliver.”
- Pinkvilla: “A sequel which has the audacity to enlarge. Vaani Kapoor takes a pleasant surprise.”
Overall critical opinion is mixed but leaned ever so slightly in a positive direction—good enough to help drive word-of-mouth momentum.
Weekend Projections: What Next?
Considering the trend, trade experts are estimating a ₹65–75 crore weekend collection. With Friday potentially witnessing a slight drop because of working hours, Saturday and Sunday will fetch larger crowds.
Will Raid 2 go past ₹100 crore?
If it maintains the weekend momentum and registers steady footfalls, yes, absolutely. The movie is well on its way.
HIT 3 and Retro: The Contenders in the Ring
HIT 3
Starring Nani, Srinidhi Shetty, and Prateik Smita Patil, this Homicide thriller is creating its own fan base.
Retro
Suriya-starrer multilingual release that’s gaining good momentum in Tamil and Telugu circuits.
Comparative Opening Day Table:
| Film | Day 1 Collection (₹ Cr) | Genre | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raid 2 | 18 | Thriller/Drama | Hindi |
| HIT 3 | 18 | Crime/Thriller | Telugu |
| Retro | 19.25 | Action/Drama | Multilingual |
FAQs
1. What is the opening day collection of Raid 2?
Raid 2 collected ₹18 crore on its opening day in India.
2. Who are the lead cast members in Raid 2?
Ajay Devgn, Vaani Kapoor, Riteish Deshmukh, and Saurabh Shukla have central roles.
3. How is Raid 2 ranking compared to HIT 3 and Retro?
While Retro marginally takes the lead, Raid 2 is hard on the heels of HIT 3, all within a ₹1.25 crore difference.
4. Is Raid 2 likely to cross ₹100 crore?
It’s possible. With weekend collections continuing to be good, the movie has a fair chance of crossing ₹100 crore in its opening week.
5. Is Raid 2 based on a true story?
Though derived from actual raids, Raid 2 is a fictionalized addition to the original film’s world.
6. Can I see Raid 2?
Raid 2 is playing in theaters everywhere in India. Check local listings or book through apps such as BookMyShow.
Conclusion: Raid 2 Starring Ajay Devgn Hits Theaters—And Hits Hard
In a congested market brimming with thrillers and action dramas, Raid 2 dominates with its potent opening, compelling narrative, and Ajay Devgn’s mesmerizing screen presence. Though competition from HIT 3 and Retro is tough, Raid 2 has sufficient gas in the tank to drive the long box office race.
As Raid 2 featuring Ajay Devgn releases, fans are obviously buying into the brand of gritty realism and patriotic fervor of the franchise. If word-of-mouth keeps spreading like wildfire, we could very well see another blockbusting hit in Ajay Devgn’s already star-studded career.
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