Ajay Devgn’s latest movie, Raid 2, released on May 1, 2025, has created quite a stir at the box office on its opening day. The film, which is a sequel to the 2018 blockbuster Raid, not only generated buzz for its thrilling storyline and talented cast but also performed impressively at the box office. The movie earned ₹18.25 crore on its opening day, a figure that surpassed expectations and even the opening-day collections of Drishyam 2, which had earned ₹15.38 crore back in 2022. This exceptional box office performance has set the stage for what could be a successful run for Raid 2, especially considering the ongoing competitive nature of Bollywood’s film releases this year.
Box Office Performance: A Strong Opening Day for Raid 2
According to Sacnilk.com’s latest update, Raid 2 achieved ₹18.25 crore in its opening day collection, which is a solid start for any film. The film’s performance is even more impressive when compared to other recent releases. For instance, Jaat 2, starring Sunny Deol, had a relatively lower opening of ₹9.50 crore, while Chhaava 2, starring Vicky Kaushal, led the pack with a massive ₹31 crore on its opening day. This shows that Raid 2 has managed to secure a strong foothold among audiences, despite the stiff competition.
The opening day collection for Raid 2 also reflects strong audience interest and positive word of mouth. With an overall Hindi occupancy rate of 31.81%, the film showed a healthy increase in audience attendance throughout the day. The morning shows saw a 21.23% occupancy, while the afternoon saw a jump to 35.76%. The film’s evening shows experienced a further surge, reaching an occupancy rate of 38.45%. This upward trend in attendance suggests that the film’s buzz is growing as more viewers choose to catch it in theaters, which could translate into higher earnings in the coming days.
Raid 2 Surpasses Drishyam 2 Opening but Falls Short of Chhaava 2
It is noteworthy that while Raid 2 had an impressive opening, it didn’t manage to match the opening-day performance of Chhaava 2. With ₹31 crore in collections, Chhaava 2 set the bar high for Bollywood releases in 2025. However, when compared to Drishyam 2, Ajay Devgn’s film came out on top. Drishyam 2, another strong performer from Devgn’s filmography, had earned ₹15.38 crore on its opening day, significantly lower than Raid 2. This puts Raid 2 in a good position, especially when considering that Drishyam 2 was a critical and commercial success.
Although Raid 2’s opening day collections don’t surpass those of Chhaava 2, the film’s performance against other recent releases is still impressive. The film’s solid start could signal an upward trajectory, particularly if it continues to build momentum and capitalize on positive reviews from both critics and audiences.
Overview of Raid 2: A Thrilling Sequel with High Stakes and Strong Performances
In Raid 2, Ajay Devgn reprises his role as Amay Patnaik, an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer who is tasked with conducting a high-stakes raid on the property of a notorious crime lord, Dada Manohar Bhai. The film takes place in the backdrop of the 1990s, offering a period piece aesthetic that adds to the tension and excitement. The addition of Vaani Kapoor, along with a special appearance by Saurabh Shukla, who reprises his role from the first Raid, adds to the ensemble cast and enhances the film’s appeal.
Director Raj Kumar Gupta, known for his work on thrillers like No One Killed Jessica, brings a strong sense of suspense and intrigue to Raid 2. The film unfolds with a series of twists that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Gupta’s ability to maintain tension while navigating through high-octane sequences allows Raid 2 to keep viewers hooked from start to finish.
However, some critics have pointed out that while the film delivers a thrilling narrative, it occasionally relies on convenience to move the story forward. The protagonist, Amay Patnaik, seems to get help from people with remarkable ease, which some feel undermines the stakes of the story. Despite this, Raid 2 has largely been appreciated for its pacing and compelling performances, especially from Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh, who play pivotal roles in the film.
Critical Reception: Positive Reviews and Some Drawbacks
The film has garnered largely positive reviews, particularly for its engaging plot and edge-of-the-seat moments. Critics have highlighted how the first half of the film is filled with twists and suspense, making it a thrilling ride for the audience. However, some reviews have noted that the film’s reliance on convenience and the ease with which the protagonist secures help from unlikely sources may detract from the overall tension. Riteish Deshmukh’s portrayal of the antagonist, Dada Bhai, also comes under scrutiny, with some feeling that his character arc could have been developed further to give the film more depth.
While Raid 2 may not be a perfect film, it successfully blends action, suspense, and drama, offering a thrilling cinematic experience. The film’s ability to maintain interest through a series of unexpected twists, along with its strong performances, has earned it a solid place in the current box office race.
Raid 2 Sets the Stage for Continued Success at the Box Office
With an opening day collection of ₹18.25 crore, Raid 2 has made an impressive debut at the box office. The film has surpassed expectations, especially when compared to Drishyam 2 and other recent releases like Jaat 2. The steady increase in occupancy throughout the day and the positive word of mouth indicate that the film has struck a chord with audiences.
The film’s strong opening, coupled with its engaging storyline and solid performances, suggests that Raid 2 has the potential for a successful theatrical run. If the positive reception continues, the film could see further growth in collections over the weekend. Fans of the first Raid and thriller enthusiasts are sure to keep Raid 2 on their radar, ensuring its place in the 2025 box office race.