There are some movie franchises which guarantee entertainment and Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam is one of them. Raid could have been the other one, but unfortunately, it falls flat due to an elongated second half that introduces too many layers and tries to overcompensate in terms of scale.

Eventually, all these elements make a rancid dish which stands nowhere close to the first instalment.

The first half of the film does a commendable job at gripping the audience—it’s layered with suspense, unexpected twists, and a compelling setup that builds solid anticipation for what's to come. The narrative effectively establishes high stakes and introduces a menacing villain, giving us a strong foundation for Amay Patnaik’s journey.

© T-Series Films

However, the second half takes a sharp turn into over-the-top territory. Instead of continuing the grounded, methodical tone that defined the original Raid, the film veers into dramatic heroics and personal vendettas. Amay, who was once a calm, strategic officer rooted in realism and law, is now seen on a rescue mission involving kidnapped girls, who aren’t even tied to the core investigation, and getting entangled in a courtroom drama.

This deviation not only dilutes the film's premise but also compromises the integrity of Amay’s character. The climax feels like a typical cinematic showdown driven more by ego and action tropes than the calculated legal pursuit we saw in the first instalment.

© T-Series Films

Also, as this film is a continuation of Raid, I would have appreciated a clarification from the makers about the replacement of Ileana D’Cruz.

All the cast members deliver solid performances, which is expected, given their experience and talent. There’s hardly any room for criticism when it comes to their acting. However, one standout is Riteish Deshmukh, who truly shines in his negative role. 

© T-Series Films

His portrayal is both chilling and nuanced, adding depth to the film’s antagonist. That said, it would have been even better if his screen time had been extended, as his presence brings a captivating intensity that deserves more exploration.

All songs in this film add nothing to the story and could have been skipped. But I really liked how Raj Kumar Gupta used the iconic song “Paisa” for a crucial scene in the movie.

The BGM and cinematography are simple—nothing exceptional about it.

Raid 2 promised to be a worthy successor to its previous instalment, but it fell short by a huge margin.

If you are a hardcore Ajay Devgn fan, you can watch this movie. Otherwise, wait for its OTT release.

Ratings: 2.5/5