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At a time when films are not performing well commercially, Raid 2 seems to be having a decent run so far. Raid 2 has also performed a lot better than Ajay's last film, Azaad. But truly, is 'Raid 2' also losing shows.
It is the month of May, the sun is scorching, but still excited crowds and movie goers were seen eager to watch 'Raid 2'. Ajay Devgn's posters are there everywhere in which he is ready to take on the corrupt and the powerful. The question on everyone's mind is 'Will 'Raid 2' surpass the records of box office collection till date ?? But the answer is as complicated as the twists of a Bollywood story: Will “Raid 2” stand erect at the box office or will it be swept away in the storm of competition and changing tastes of the audience?
Let's dive into this cinematic storm in the hot month of May and see what's really at stake. Bollywood's probing machine says that Ajay Devgn's new film 'Raid 2' was creating a lot of excitement even before it hit the theatres on May 1st. The advance booking of the film 'Raid 2' was strong. The film had collected around Rs 5 crore in advance ticket sales, including blocked seats, just before its release on May 1, 2025. It had sold over 1.08 lakh tickets across India, with Maharashtra and Delhi leading the ticket sales. At top cinema chains like PVR Inox and Cinepolis, 'Raid 2' has sold around 82,000 tickets on the opening day itself. This made it one of the best advance bookings for a Bollywood film in 2025. But it is still a tad behind biggies like 'Chaava' and 'Sikander' as of today.
On the other hand, film pundits were concerned with their statistics that , 'Raid 2' may face tough competition from a few films, mostly the Sanjay Dutt starrer horror-comedy 'The Bhootni'. Though 'The Bhootni' has not generated much excitement, so it is not expected to have much impact on 'Raid 2'. From Hollywood, Marvel superhero movie 'Thunderbolts' had also released in India on May 2, and it may be a tough competition for 'Raid 2', especially among the big cities and young audiences. There is also the South Indian film 'HIT: The Third Case', which is attracting some audience. But still, overall, 'Raid 2' is expected to rule, due to its strong advance booking. When asked about this, Bhushan Kumar dismissed the idea of 'Hit 3', 'Bhootni' or 'Retro' being any real threat to 'Raid 2'. "Except for the A++ films, our film 'Raid 2' has been getting around 4000 screens across the country. We are getting the best performance. So, I don't think we are facing any threat," he asserted.
Film industry experts believe that the initial response of the film showed that 'Raid 2' can go for at the box office in long run.
In comparison to Ajay Devgn's previous films, Raid 2 had already surpassed the advance booking numbers of 'Maidaan' and 'Auro Main Kahaan Dum Tha'. Maidaan had an advance booking of Rs 1.11 crore and 'Auro Main Kahaan - - -' had a collection of 2.6 crore on the first day and sold tickets worth only Rs 49.79 lakh and opened with 1.85 crore.
This is the reason why Raid 2 is Dyer day attracting people's attention and experts to do very well after its release in theaters.
First of all, let us tell you that “Raid 2” is not a common sequel. It is a sequel to one of the most surprising hits of 2018. A film that made even the dull subject of income tax raids into a strange entertaining story. 2018's "Raid" was a breath of fresh air in the world of high-octane action and song-dance. It was a powerful story that told a real incident and appealed to audiences who were tired of watching the same old stories. His role as Income Tax officer Amay Patnaik is one people would want to see again. Ajay Devgn made a mark as the honest, officer Amay Patnaik. People saw themselves in him, or at least saw themselves as they wanted to, fearless, principled, and not willing to bow down to the powerful.
Now, seven years later, "Raid 2" is here with a stronger intention. Bigger stakes, deeper corruption story, and a new set of villains. The buzz is steady and strong. Social media is abuzz with memes, fan theories, and countdowns. Advance bookings were sky-rocketing, with BookMyShow reporting that nearly 200,000 people had shown interest in the film even before it had opened. The trailer had been viewed millions of times, and people were talking about it. Rickshaw pullers and chaiwallas had the same opinion—“Ajay bhai ki picture hai, paisa vasool hogi!”
But let’s not get carried away by the hype just yet. The world has changed a lot since 2018. The pandemic shook the film business, streaming platforms boomed, and the general audience has become choosier than ever. Gone are the days when a big star’s name alone guaranteed a blockbuster. Now people want more. First and foremost, an entertaining content—story, great acting, and something that feels fresh.
So, what’s special about “Raid 2”? First and foremost, Ajay Devgn. He’s not just a star, he’s a craze. Over the years, he has built a massive reputation for choosing important roles, playing tough and at times vulnerable characters, and carrying films on his shoulders. If "Raid 2" crosses the 100 crore mark, Ajay will tie Salman Khan for the most films in the 100 crore club. Is it just a number? It's a statement. It shows that the audience trusts him, that they come to see his films, and that he knows how to pick winners.
But even Ajay can't do it alone. The entire cast of "Raid 2" is packed with talent. Riteish Deshmukh has come on board as the new villain, a bold move for an actor known for comedy. His transformation into a dangerous villain has already got people talking. Vaani Kapoor brings glamour and spunk to the lead female role. The supporting cast also includes several seasoned actors like Rajat Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla, Supriya Pathak, Tamannaah Bhatia and Jacqueline Fernandez in special roles, whose dance numbers have already become viral hits. And let's not forget Yo Yo Honey Singh, whose music stays in your mind whether you like it or not.
But a film doesn't do crores of business just because of its cast. What makes "Raid 2" stand out is its story. Once again, it is inspired by real events. A massive income tax raid that shook the foundations of power. In a country where corruption is an everyday reality, where everyone knows someone who has bent the rules. The film, which is about an honest officer fighting the system, looks both thrilling and emotional. Such films go beyond entertainment. It is a wish fulfillment for the common audience. We all want to believe that someone, somewhere, is fighting the good fight.
The timing couldn’t be better for this film. With elections around the corner and corruption scandals in the news, “Raid 2” taps into the national mood. People are angry, frustrated and looking for a fighting hero. The marketing has been smart, with a real-life angle and Ajay’s character being projected as a symbol of hope. The tagline—“This time, no one is safe”—is everywhere, and it’s working wonders. People are curious. They want to see who gets raided next.
With all the strengths of the film, though, don’t forget the risks. Making a sequel is a tough job. For every record-breaking “Gadar 2,” a dozen sequels flops. The problem is expectations. The first “Raid” was new and unexpected. “Raid 2” somewhat same, people might lose interest. Something too different, might also alienate fans of the 2018 original. It’s a delicate balance, and even the best filmmakers can sometimes get it wrong and screw up.
And then there’s the new competitions. The box office is more crowded than ever. Big films are releasing every week, and audiences have more choices than ever. Streaming platforms are snapping up rights to new releases, and some people are rather waiting a few weeks to watch these same films at home. Today’s newly minted modern multi-commodity theaters are trying to lure people in with better seats, better sound and better snacks, but it’s not easy. For a long run, “Raid 2” needs to be more than just good. That can’t be ignored.
And what about the ratings? The film has received a U/A 7/13+ certificate, thanks to some controversial dialogue and possibly a song that some consider a bit too bold. This may keep many families with young children away. Especially in smaller towns where people are more conservative. Family audiences are a big part of the box office in India, and if they stay at home, it could impact the film's collections.
Marketing is another wild card. The campaign for "Raid 2" had been clever, but not too much. Instead of bombarding people with ads, the makers have focused on building curiosity through trailers, songs and social media. It's a dependable approach, but it could backfire if the film doesn't live up to the hype. In today's world, word-of-mouth publicity spreads fast. When people like the film, it could become a big hit. If not, it could disappear just as fast.
Let's talk numbers. "Raid 2" reportedly cost around Rs 85 crore to make, including marketing. To be declared a record breaking big hit, it has to earn at least double that worldwide. That's a high standard, but not impossible. The first "Raid" did that, and so did Ajay's recent film "Shaitan". Overseas markets may help, especially in countries with large Indian communities. But Hollywood films are also fighting for screens, and not everyone abroad cares about Indian tax raids.
Director Raj Kumar Gupta could be a factor behind the film being a hit. He is known for making smart, realistic films that don't insult the intelligence of the audience. But sometimes, his films are appreciated more by critics than the masses. If audience feel "Raid 2" is too serious, it may not connect with the masses looking for some escapism from their miserable lives. On the other hand, if people take it as too commercial, it may lose the edge that made the first film special.
Of course the Music of this movie is a game-changer. Songs are already popular, and sometimes a hit track can draw people to the theatres. Remember how "Kaala Chashma" helped. "Baar Baar Dekho" Now the question is, will it manage to break records ? If the music draws people in, it could give "Raid 2" an extra boost.
The release date was also smart. May 1 is a holiday in many parts of India. A strong opening day can set the tone for the entire weekend. But even after that, it all depends on word of mouth. If people walk out of the theater happy and excited and tell their friends, the film can be a long-term success. If not, it can quickly fizzle out.
Now let’s get creative for a moment. Imagine you’re in the audience on opening day. The lights go down, the music starts, and for the next two hours, you dive into a world of suspense, danger, and moral choices. You watch Ajay Devgn’s character face impossible odds, risk everything, and refuse to back down. You cheer when the bad guys get caught, you feel tense when things go wrong, and you walk out of the theater feeling like you’ve just witnessed something part of your life or something important. You pull out your phone and text your friends: “You have to see this.”
It's a dream scenario. If "Raid 2" delivers that kind of experience, there's no reason it shouldn't be a blockbuster. It has all the elements. A superstar who connects with the audience, a story that feels urgent and real, a director who knows how to build tension and a heroine who makes you feel good.
What makes "Raid 2" stand out is its story? It's not the star power. "Raid 2" touches something deeper. The thrill of seeing the corrupt brought to justice, the satisfaction of watching a weak person fight the powerful. In a country where headlines about scams and black money are almost daily, the film's subject feels urgent and relevant. The story is inspired by real-life tax raids, and this sense of realism is a big draw. Once again, it's been inspired by real events. A massive income tax raid that shook the foundations of power. In a country where corruption is reported to be an everyday reality. While everyone knows someone who has done whatever they want, by flouting the rules, a movie about an honest officer fighting the system can be both thrilling and emotional. We all want to believe that a hero is doing what we can't.
But the story is still on, my friend. There's another twist, the audience is the real hero of this story. In today's era, no amount of star power or marketing can save a movie if people don't like it. Social media has given everyone a voice, and a bad review can go viral in minutes. The fate of "Raid 2" will be decided not by critics or trade analysts, but by those who buy tickets, sit in the dark, and decide if the movie is worth their time and money.
So, will "Raid 2" rak in the money at the box office? The signs are good, but nothing is guaranteed. The buzz is real, anticipation is high, and all the elements intact to be a hit, are present. But no one in the world of cinema has ever been able to predict the future of a film. The movie business is unpredictable, and sometimes even the best-laid plans go awry. If "Red 2" captures the magic of the original, if it gives people a reason to be interested, and if it delivers on its promises, it could be one of the biggest hits of the year. If not, it could join a long list of sequels that failed to live up to the hype.
Music can be a game-changer. Songs are already popular, and sometimes a hit track can draw people to the theatres. Remember how "Kaala Chashma" helped "Baar Baar Dekho" get a big opening? If the music draws people in, it could give "Raid 2" an extra boost.
The release date was also smart. May,. It was a holiday in many parts of India, which means more people had gone to watch the film. A strong opening day can set the tone for the entire weekend. But after that, it all depends on word of mouth. If people walk out of the theater happy and excited and tell their friends, the film can be a long-term success. If not, it can quickly fizzle out.
It's a dream scenario. If "Raid 2" delivers that kind of experience, there's no reason it shouldn't be a blockbuster. It has all the elements. A superstar who connects with the audience, a story that feels urgent and real, a director who knows how to build tension and a heroine who makes you feel good.
Once again, it's inspired by real events. A massive income tax raid that shook the foundations of power. While everyone knows someone who has done whatever they want by flouting the rules, a movie about an honest officer fighting the system can be both thrilling and emotional. We all want to believe that a hero is doing what we can't.
So, will "Raid 2" surpass the recent releases? The signs are good, but nothing is guaranteed. The buzz is real, anticipation is high, and all the elements to be a hit are present. But no one in the world of cinema has ever been able to predict the future of a film. The movie business is unpredictable, and sometimes even the best-laid plans go awry. If "Red 2" captures the magic of the original, if it gives people a reason to be interested, it could be one of the biggest hits of the year. If not, it could join a long list of sequels that failed to live up to the hype.
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