Ajay Devgn will be reprising his character as IRS officer Amay Patnaik in the highly anticipated sequel, now slated for a theatrical release date of Raid 2 on May 1, 2025. The movie, which is being helmed by director Raj Kumar Gupta, is set to deliver an engaging storyline revolving around a high-stakes income tax investigation, carrying forward the legacy of its 2018 predecessor.
Vani Kapoor: A New Face in the Franchise
In a significant casting alteration, Vaani Kapoor takes over the role of Patnaik’s wife, who was played by Ileana D’Cruz. Discussing the change, Devgn compared it to the changing portrayals in the James Bond franchise, highlighting the significance of the character and not the actor. He said, “That’s right, but the character can be altered. I mean, if you look at a lot of Hollywood movies, you realize Sean Connery isn’t James Bond anymore. It’s the character you are following”.
Following the success of the original Raid at the box office, Ajay Devgn Raid 2 looks to do the same. Experts expect the film to play an important role in boosting the post-pandemic box office in its release, hoping to become a part of high-grossing Bollywood hits over the last few years.
Shot largely in Delhi and Lucknow, Raid 2 strives to capture the spirit of its real-life inspirations. The story is inspired by actual income tax operations and showcases the difficulty and complexity officers encounter in the field.
With Raid crossing over ₹150 crore on a low budget, expectations are sky-high for its sequel. Industry experts expect Raid 2 to go a long way in fulfilling Ajay Devgn’s box office targets in 2025, along with his other big releases