The Return of a Cult Hit with a Bang!
Ajay Devgn is back, and he’s not playing nice. With Raid 2, the Bollywood giant has rekindled the passion for action cinema and shaken up the box office charts in a big way. In spite of tough competition from regional behemoths—Suriya’s Retro and Nani’s HIT 3—Ajay’s gritty performance as the no-nonsense income tax officer Amay Patnaik has resonated with the masses.
Raid 2 welcomes back director Raj Kumar Gupta, who reunites with Devgn for another high-octane plunge into the depths of corruption, greed, and pure power. Opening to a massive ₹18.25 crores, the film is riding high, particularly given its battle against two other bigwigs of South Indian cinema.
Raid 2′ Day 1 box office collection: Ajay Devgn’s film battles Suriya’s
‘Retro’ and Nani’s ‘HIT 3,’ opens at ₹18.25 crores
What’s the buzz all about? It’s a true cinematic clash as three major releases jostled for dominance on the same day. While Suriya’s Retro raked in ₹19.25 crores, and Nani’s HIT 3 pulled in ₹18 crores, Raid 2 opened with ₹18.25 crores, making it a strong Hindi contender in a largely regional film-dominated release window.
Let’s break this down:
| Film | Opening Day Collection (INR Crores) | Language |
|---|---|---|
| Raid 2 | 18.25 | Hindi |
| Retro | 19.25 | Tamil |
| HIT 3 | 18.00 | Telugu |
Even though it lagged behind Retro by a mere ₹1 crore, Raid 2’s opening is noteworthy given the supremacy of South Indian cinema over the past few years.
Ajay Devgn Returns As Amay Patnaik – A Hero for the Times
Ajay Devgn reprises the role of righteous IT officer Amay Patnaik once more. With his stoic face and authoritative presence on screen, Devgn brings to life a character that directly appeals to a corruption-weary nation. He is not only a cop; he is a force to be reckoned with.
Why does this character strike so strongly with fans?
Simple. At a moment of systemic decay and public exasperation with administrative indifference, Raid 2 turns into more than a film —it’s catharsis.
The Plot: Corruption, Drama & Power Play in ‘Raid 2’
Raid 2, helmed by Raj Kumar Gupta, dives deep into the dirty corridors of black money and political influence. Amay Patnaik’s new adversary is Dadabhai, portrayed with wicked intent by Riteish Deshmukh, in his debut as a villain.
The script keeps you engaged with:
- Suspenseful interrogation sequences
- Whistleblower suspense
- Heart-stopping IT raids
- Moral dilemmas of civil servants
“It’s not another action film; it’s a commentary on our times,” wrote a review in The Hindu.
Occupancy Patterns: Where did ‘Raid 2’ Shine the Best?
According to figures provided by Sacnilk, Raid 2 fared particularly well at urban multiplexes:
| City | Occupancy Rate |
|---|---|
| Chennai | 64% |
| Bangalore | 59.5% |
| Mumbai | 56.3% |
| Delhi NCR | 54.8% |
While Retro performed best in Tamil Nadu and HIT 3 ruled Andhra and Telangana, Raid 2 performed relatively better in the northern metros as well as the tier-1 cities.
Star Cast Breakup: The Backbones of ‘Raid 2’
Beyond Ajay and Riteish, the film has a grand supporting cast
- Vaani Kapoor as the emotional anchor
- Rajat Kapoor in a turning point bureaucratic role
- Supriya Pathak as a torn mother between duty and fear
- Saurabh Shukla & Amit Sial bringing gravitas and realism
Together, their performance brings an imminent intensity, elevating the film beyond typical action cliches.
Production & Budget Insights
Raid 2 is made under T-Series and Panorama Studios’ flags with Bhushan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak, and Krishan Kumar at the production helm.
Budget Estimates:
- Production Expenses: ₹65 crores
- Marketing & Promotions: ₹20 crores
- Total: ₹85 crores
With the huge Day 1 pull, the movie is already set to recover its expenses at the box office this weekend.
Box Office Clash: Retro vs. HIT 3 vs. Raid 2
It’s not every week that three star-powered films release on the same day. The stakes were high:
- Retro banked on Suriya’s pan-India appeal and retro-styled storytelling.
- HIT 3 capitalized on Nani’s reputation for intense thrillers.
- Raid 2 rode on nostalgia, patriotism, and Devgn’s mass appeal.
Each film tapped into different audience bases. The Hindi belt leaned toward Raid 2, while Retro and HIT 3 dominated their respective linguistic markets.
Audience Reactions: What Are the Viewers Saying?
Here are a few Twitter and Instagram reactions:
“Ajay Devgn is back and how! Raid 2 is ????. Loved every second of it!” — @BollywoodBuff23
“Riteish Deshmukh steals the show as the villain. Totally unexpected!” — @CineCritique
“Better than the first one! The raid sequences had me sweating!” — @DesiFilmLover
Critical Review Summary: What the Experts Think?
According to The Hindu:
“Director Raj Kumar Gupta rehashes a sanctimonious policeman’s battle against corruption into an infomercial for the direct benefit transfer scheme.”
Not all reviews were enthusiastic. Some of the critics opined that the story was overly simplistic and didactic. Still, the robust box office opening indicates that the audience mood deviates from critical opinions.
Future Projections: Will Raid 2 Cross ₹100 Crores?
Based on current momentum:
- Friday (Day 2) Estimate: ₹19–21 crores
- Weekend Total Estimate: ₹55–60 crores
- Lifetime Gross Potential: ₹110–130 crores
If these trends continue, Raid 2 may surpass its original and become a certified hit.
Sequel Strength: Why Audiences Still Love ‘Raid’?
What made Raid (2018) a cult hit was its realism and Devgn’s restrained intensity. Raid 2 takes the formula to the next level by adding:
- A more complex antagonist
- Higher stakes
- Grittier visuals
- Wider narrative scope
This sequel is not fan service—it’s a compelling follow-up.
OTT & Satellite Rights: A Lucrative Add-On
The OTT rights of Raid 2 are apparently sold to Netflix India for an astonishing ₹35 crores.
Satellite rights have been purchased by Zee Network, with the pre-release recoveries already being high.
Cultural Relevance: Fighting Corruption on Screen
India’s film-going populace resonates well with anti-corruption themes. Satyameva Jayate, Gabbar Is Back, and Raid did that. Raid 2 rides the same sentiment wave, and that’s the primary reason why it has gained traction early.
Direction & Screenplay: Raj Kumar Gupta’s Evolution
Gupta, who has a reputation for coming up with harsh scripts (No One Killed Jessica), introduces layers of undercurrent commentary in Raid 2. The pacing of the screenplay leaves space for moments of fiery drama interrupted by thoughtful pauses, making for an engaging watch.
Music & Background Score: More Than Just Filler
The music by Amit Trivedi is low-key but powerful. Background music, particularly during raid scenes, heightens suspense. The song “Shaan Se Jeeyenge” has already reached Spotify’s Top 10 in India.
Industry Impact: What This Means for Hindi Cinema?
Following a tough 2023 for Bollywood, Raid 2 may be a harbinger. It shows:
- Star power continues to sell.
- Smart action-thrillers have their own fan base.
- Regional confrontations can be weathered with good storytelling.
FAQs
1. How much did Raid 2 earn on Day 1?
Raid 2 earned ₹18.25 crores on Day 1.
2. Who is the villain in Raid 2?
Riteish Deshmukh plays the villain, Dadabhai.
3. Is Raid 2 a sequel?
Yes, it’s a sequel of the 2018 film Raid.
4. Where did Raid 2 fare best?
Big cities like Chennai (64% occupancy) and Bangalore (59.5%) reported good response.
5. Is Raid 2 better than the first part?
Views differ, but most fans felt it was more intense and gripping.
6. How do I watch Raid 2 online?
Raid 2 will be released on Netflix India after its theatrical run.
Conclusion: A Raid Well Executed
Raid 2 is off to a storming start with ₹18.25 crores on Day 1, despite fierce competition. Ajay Devgn’s commanding presence, paired with a timely theme and taut direction, ensures the film will keep audiences engaged for days to come. Whether it ends up being a blockbuster or not, one thing’s for sure—it’s a raid that’s left a mark.
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