Some films should remain as stand-alone gems, their magic not ruined by sequels. Iconic films like Sholay and Hum Aapke Hai Kaun are prime examples of this. But, Bollywood often tries to exploit old successes in the absence of new ideas, creating unnecessary and low-quality sequels. Raid 2 is one such disaster. Failing to capture the charm of the first Raid, the film disappoints the audience with unnecessary close-ups of Ajay Devgn, dull songs, and a forced shift to a detective genre.
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Story flow and structure
The story of Raid 2 does not do justice to the title. The trailer revolves around the raid of a powerful leader played by Riteish Deshmukh. However, as the film progresses, the story slips into a typical detective drama. The hero, beyond the role of an income tax officer, adopts the style of a police officer who collects evidence. However, the storyline is unpredictable and boring, and the audience can easily guess what will happen in the end. This film, instead of providing a fresh experience, becomes a mechanical money-making.
Overall Experience of the Film
The first Raid had captivated the audience with its unexpected twists and exciting moments. However, Raid 2 has lost that appeal. The film itself starts with a meaningless song, which leaves the audience disappointed. The songs of the film, instead of going along with the story, feel like a marketing ploy. Also, the slow pace of the film and unpredictable scenes lead the audience to boredom. Instead of being an exciting journey of an income tax officer, this film reduces to a detective cliché.
Quality of Acting
Ajay Devgn's performance is lifeless in this film. Despite being one of the leading actors in Hindi cinema, his monotonous expressions and lack of enthusiasm are evident. On the other hand, Riteish Deshmukh is impressive in his negative role, giving the film some life. Amit Sial's authentic performance is also noteworthy. However, Vaani Kapoor's presence feels unnecessary, and talents like Saurabh Shukla and Rajat Kapoor do not get the space they deserve.
Direction and Screenplay
The screenplay for Raid 2, a joint effort of five writers, still turns out to be a directionless mess. Raj Kumar Gupta and Ritesh Shah, who were behind the success of the first Raid, have failed in this sequel. The direction is weak and fails to provide the necessary charm or drama to move the story forward. Had there been a strong screenplay and direction, this film would have captivated the audience.
Music and Final Verdict
Amit Trivedi's music is another disappointment in Raid 2. The songs have no connection to the story, but rather feel like a marketing tool. Overall, Raid 2 is an unnecessary sequel, tarnishing the legacy of the first film. This film, which wastes the audience's time and money, is one that should be forgotten rather than remembered.