RAID REVIEW : AJAY DEVGN RAIDS THE MOST CINEMATIC WAY

One of the favourites of the masses, Ajay Devgn is back with his ex co-star, Ileana D’cruz post their hit jodi in Baadshaho with their next, 'Raid'. Raid is based on real-life events involving one of the most high-profile income tax raids the country has ever known. The film is set in Uttar Pradesh during 1980s, which is why you see that Nawabi architecture of Lucknow in the background. Ajay’s character name is Amay Patnaik, who is the Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, Lucknow. As the tagline of the film suggests, 'Heroes don't always come in uniform' is true as Ajay Devgn is the hero without uniform who is up and against the odds. Will he be able to end up the corruption he always wanted to? Find out yourself :

PLOT

Amay Patnaik (Ajay Devgn), a super-honest Income Tax officer, conducts a raid on the corrupt and connected Rameshwar Singh (Saurabh Shukla). But it seems as if Patnaik has signed his own death warrant. Will the IT official cave into pressure or will he romp home victorious? The story revolves around the same throughout the movie.

PERFORMANCE

The protagonist, Ajay Devgn shines bright in this thriller. Ajay Devgn who plays Amay Patnaik with characteristic intensity and resolve. He’s the quintessential public servant. His ideals are taller than his lanky frame and his integrity is infallible. With great pride he assumes control of the IT department in Lucknow in the year 1981 and has totally nailed his part with perfection but the one who has outplayed everyone's character is undoubtedly, Saurabh Shukla’s performance as Tauji which also happens as the highlight of the film. He brings in quirks and shades that make his character the most interesting part of the film. Ajay Devgn does what he does best – he keeps the intensity high and delivers his punchy dialogues with effortless ease. Ileana D’Cruz and Amit Sial chip in with good supporting performances as well. 85-year-old Pushpa Joshi as Tauji’s mother is extremely charming.

DIRECTION, CINEMATOGRAPHY AND EDITING

Earlier directed films like ‘Aamir’, ‘No One Killed Jessica’, director Rajkumar Gupta takes the director’s chair after a span of four years and he has delivered his best once again! He has handled his 2 hours really well but the only nayy for the film is the last 10 minutes as The last 10 minutes seem a little fleeting, but that’s a minor grouse which can be avoided for a good piece of cinema. The low-light shots and editing is to the point with considering the length of the film.

MUSIC

The movie has three songs, out of which Sanu Ek Pal Chain and Nit Khair Manga — composed by Tanishk Bagchi and sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, both of which have a soothing point and is treat for the ears. The third song of the film could have been avoided though. The background score of the movie is to the point and intact.

CONCLUSION

With no other release this week, Raid hopefully will wipe out everything which comes it's way as it's a combination of good cinema, actors and the massy effect. For me, This one’s right on the money. It's a 3.5/5 for me. Cutting the 1.5 star for the over-hyped last sequence and the stretching of script and movie in between as the movie won't hold you to the edge of your seat throughout it's run time.