KKN Gurugram Desk | As the much-anticipated sequel to the 2018 hit, Raid, Ajay Devgn’s Raid 2 is set to hit theaters on May 1, 2025. With just hours left for its release, the film is already creating a significant buzz in the entertainment industry, especially after its impressive advance booking performance. This excitement is evident as the film has outperformed Akshay Kumar’s Kesari 2 in the early stages, making it one of the most talked-about films of the year.

Raid 2: Advance Booking Numbers Break Records

In the lead-up to its release, Raid 2 has created a massive stir, not just for its star-studded cast, but also for its intriguing storyline and strong fan following. Ajay Devgn’s performance in the original film was highly praised, and expectations for Raid 2 are even higher. This new installment, while following a similar format, introduces an entirely fresh plot that has kept the audience intrigued.

According to Sacnilk, a popular website tracking box office and advance booking statistics, Raid 2 has already garnered an impressive figure, with over 7,980 shows booked before its release, accumulating over 10,000 tickets sold. As per the second-day data, the film has already achieved a remarkable ₹7.83 crore in advance ticket sales. This early success signals a promising start for the film at the box office.

Raid 2 vs Kesari 2: A Competitive Race for the Box Office

While Raid 2 has been making waves with its advance booking figures, Akshay Kumar’s Kesari 2 seems to have fallen behind in comparison. The advance ticket sales for Raid 2 have far outpaced Kesari 2, highlighting its overwhelming popularity.

Reports indicate that Raid 2 accumulated ₹4.94 crore through its block seat bookings, whereas Kesari 2 only managed to rake in ₹1.9 crore. The speed at which tickets for Raid 2 were sold in comparison to Kesari 2 speaks volumes about the heightened anticipation and excitement among moviegoers for this action-packed sequel.

Raid 2: Expectations and Early Trends for Opening Day

While Raid 2 is creating major buzz in the lead-up to its release, the pressure is on Ajay Devgn to live up to the high expectations set by his fans and critics. March saw the release of Salman Khan’s Sikandar, which failed to meet expectations, while Sunny Deol’s Jat performed well at the box office. Kesari 2, which was released in April, also didn’t achieve the kind of numbers anticipated by its makers. Now, all eyes are on Raid 2 to perform well and deliver a solid opening day collection.

Early trends suggest that Raid 2 could rake in between ₹6 crore to ₹8 crore on its opening day, which could provide the film with a strong start and pave the way for a successful run at the box office.

The Surprising Twist: Riteish Deshmukh in a Negative Role

A major highlight of Raid 2 is the casting of Riteish Deshmukh, who takes on a negative role in the film. This surprising casting choice has generated additional excitement, as fans are eager to see Riteish in an antagonist role, which is a departure from his usual on-screen persona. Along with Riteish, the film also stars Vani Kapoor, who plays a significant role in the storyline.

This mix of action, drama, and unexpected casting choices has contributed to the growing anticipation surrounding the film’s release.

Ajay Devgn’s Career and Impact of Raid 2

Ajay Devgn has long been a prominent figure in Bollywood, known for his versatility as an actor in films spanning across genres. His previous ventures like Singham, Tanhaji, and Drishyam have established him as one of the most bankable stars in the industry. With Raid 2, Devgn returns to his action-packed roots, this time as a character embroiled in more intense situations, adding to the appeal of the film.

Given his track record of successful films, Raid 2 is expected to further solidify Ajay Devgn’s position as one of Bollywood’s biggest stars. His fans are eagerly awaiting his return to the big screen, and based on early trends, Raid 2 could very well be another blockbuster in his career.

What Makes Raid 2 Stand Out?

While Raid 2 builds on the success of its predecessor, it brings a fresh story and deeper character arcs, making it stand out in the crowded action film genre. Some of the key elements that make Raid 2 stand out include:

1. Action Sequences: Known for its intense action scenes, Raid 2 continues this tradition with high-octane action sequences that promise to keep the audience at the edge of their seats.

2. Strong Character Development: While the action is central to the story, Raid 2 also focuses on developing its characters, providing them with more depth and motivation.

3. New Additions to the Cast: The casting of Riteish Deshmukh in a negative role has intrigued audiences, adding a fresh twist to the narrative. His performance in this different avatar will likely be one of the highlights of the film.

4. Fresh Plot with Familiar Elements: While the storyline in Raid 2 is new, it still retains the essence of the first film, which was loved by audiences. This mix of the familiar and the new makes it appealing to both fans of the original movie and new viewers.

5. Impressive Music: The film’s music has already garnered attention, with tracks that complement the intense scenes, adding to the emotional and action-packed moments of the story.

Box Office Potential: Can Raid 2 Break Records?

With its strong advance bookings, Raid 2 is already showing signs of becoming a major hit at the box office. The early success in ticket sales, combined with the anticipation surrounding the film’s release, sets it up for a fantastic opening. If the film performs well on its opening day and beyond, it could easily surpass initial expectations and break box office records.

Given the competitive nature of the Bollywood film industry, where films are constantly battling for audience attention, Raid 2 stands out as a major contender for success in 2025.

As Raid 2 gears up for its release on May 1, 2025, there is a sense of anticipation among fans and moviegoers. With Ajay Devgn at the helm, supported by Riteish Deshmukh in a never-before-seen role, and a strong storyline, Raid 2 has the potential to create new milestones in Bollywood history. The film’s success at the box office will depend on various factors, including audience reception, reviews, and word of mouth, but with its strong start in advance bookings, it is poised for a solid performance.