Ajay Devgn’s 2024 calendar is packed, with a line-up of five major releases. Determined to make headway, Devgn commenced the year energetically, diving straight into the shooting of “Raid 2” in the initial days of January. Now, reports are flooding in that Raj Kumar Gupta’s directorial endeavor—which co-stars Riteish Deshmukh and Vaani Kapoor—has wrapped up its filming last month in the nation’s capital, Delhi.
Inside sources disclose that the sequel to Devgn’s 2018 crime thriller was completed on May 10 after an exhaustive shooting schedule that saw the team traverse through states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and culminate in Delhi. “The shooting began with a week-long schedule in Mumbai featuring both Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh. This was succeeded by an extensive month-long filming session in Lucknow, utilizing historic locations like Isabella Thoburn College and La Martiniere College. Following this, the team moved to Rajasthan, capturing scenes against the picturesque sand dunes of Khimsar, the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, and several other iconic sites in Jodhpur. Except for Mumbai, most of the film was shot on real locations,” revealed an insider.
The plot of “Raid 2” apparently draws from an actual tax evasion case that occurred in Uttar Pradesh, where a politician-businessman was accused of evading taxes amounting to over Rs 100 crore. This storyline promises to offer both a thrilling and realistic insight into the incidents that shaped the narrative. “The inspiration for the script is a real-life case involving a high-profile politician-businessman in Uttar Pradesh. This individual faced allegations of tax evasion exceeding Rs 100 crore,” shared another source.
Ajay Devgn reprises his role as senior income tax officer Amay Patnaik, a character much adored by fans from the original “Raid” film. The production team, including notable producers Kumar Mangat, Abhishek Pathak, and Bhushan Kumar, are already in the throes of post-production, working meticulously to bring the story to life. They’ve set November 15 as the release date, aiming to captivate audiences just as the first film did.
.
In “Raid 2”, Devgn, known for his intense and gripping performances, is expected to bring the same level of dedication and authenticity to his portrayal of the dutiful income tax officer. His role in the original film was well-received, praised for its gritty realism and heartfelt portrayal of a public servant fighting against corruption. The sequel promises to retain this essence, further delving into the dangers and intricacies of tackling high-stakes financial crimes.
Riteish Deshmukh and Vaani Kapoor join Devgn, adding their unique flair to the ensemble cast. While Deshmukh’s role remains wrapped in mystery, sources say he brings a fresh perspective and energy to the story. Vaani Kapoor’s involvement has also piqued curiosity among fans, as her character is expected to play a critical role in the unfolding drama.
The production trail covered diverse geographies—from urban Mumbai to the historic colleges in Lucknow, and the vast, arid beauty of Rajasthan’s sand dunes. These varied landscapes will lend the film an authentic and dynamic backdrop, enhancing the narrative’s depth. For instance, shooting at iconic locations like Mehrangarh Fort and Khimsar not only enriches the visual appeal but also grounds the story in a tangible reality that resonates with audiences familiar with these locales.
Post-production efforts for “Raid 2” are well underway, with Raj Kumar Gupta and his team sparing no effort to ensure the final product lives up to expectations. Known for his careful attention to detail and dedication to authenticity, Gupta’s direction is set to make “Raid 2” a compelling watch.
As excitement builds for the November 15 release, fans eagerly anticipate seeing how the new film will live up to the high bar set by its predecessor. The blending of real-life incidents with a dramatic storyline, combined with powerful performances by a stellar cast, positions “Raid 2” to potentially be one of the standout films of the year.
With the buzz growing and the final touches being added in post-production, “Raid 2” looks set to deliver a mix of suspense, drama, and reality, holding promise of another compelling chapter in the crime thriller series. Audiences will undoubtedly be watching closely as Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, and Vaani Kapoor bring this intriguing tale to the big screen later this year.
