KKN Gurugram Desk | Ajay Devgn starrer Raid 2 has kickstarted its theatrical journey with a strong opening at the Indian box office. Released nationwide on May 1, 2025, the film garnered impressive numbers on its first day, setting the tone for a potentially successful run over the weekend.

The suspense-drama thriller, co-starring Vaani Kapoor and Riteish Deshmukh, is a sequel to the 2018 hit Raid, and brings back Devgn in his iconic role as IRS officer Amay Patnaik, a character inspired by real-life income tax officers known for exposing high-profile corruption.

 Raid 2 Day 1 and Day 2 Box Office Collection Report

• Day 1 Collection (Opening Day): ₹18.25 crore

• Day 2 Collection: ₹0.02 crore (early estimates)

• Total Box Office Collection So Far: ₹18.27 crore

Produced on a budget of ₹28 crore, Raid 2 had a promising start with ₹18.25 crore on Day 1, signaling strong audience interest. However, Day 2 witnessed a major dip, with early estimates reporting collections of just ₹0.02 crore as per tracking platform Sacnilk.

This unexpected drop could be attributed to early weekend lag or reporting delays. Industry insiders, however, remain optimistic, expecting box office figures to rise again on Saturday and Sunday due to positive word of mouth and strong advance bookings.

Plot & Star Cast: High-Profile Scandal, Familiar Hero

Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, the movie picks up where the original left off, plunging Amay Patnaik into a new investigation centered around a powerful political figure. Raid 2 blends action, courtroom drama, and investigative thrill, continuing its focus on white-collar crimes and systemic corruption.

Star Cast:

• Ajay Devgn as IRS Officer Amay Patnaik

• Vaani Kapoor in a pivotal role

• Riteish Deshmukh as the antagonist

• Supporting roles by seasoned actors like Rajesh Sharma and Zarina Wahab

The writing team includes Ritesh Shah, Akshat Tiwari, Jaideep Yadav, and Karan Vyas, who together contribute to the film’s tightly packed narrative.

 Censor Board Modifications: Dialogue Changes Before Release

Before its release, Raid 2 underwent minor modifications suggested by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). According to reports from Bollywood Hungama, the board requested changes to certain dialogues and terminology.

Key Modifications:

• An 8-second introductory dialogue containing references to “money, weapons, and power” was removed.

• The term “Railway Minister” was changed to “Senior Minister” to avoid political references.

• The film has received a U/A 7+ certificate, allowing it to be viewed by audiences above 7 years with parental guidance.

With a runtime of 2 hours and 31 minutes, the film maintains a crisp pace despite its investigative theme.

Raid 2 Budget and Profit Forecast

• Production Budget: ₹28 crore (approx.)

• Break-even Target: ₹35 crore (including P&A and profit margin)

If the film continues to perform well, especially over the weekend, it could recover its costs within the first 4–5 days of release. A significant chunk of the budget is expected to be recouped via digital and satellite rights, which are yet to be officially announced but rumored to be sold at high value due to Ajay Devgn’s brand pull.

 Audience Response and Weekend Outlook

Initial reactions from both audiences and critics are largely positive, with viewers appreciating the gritty storyline, Ajay Devgn’s restrained performance, and the film’s message-driven narrative. Social media trends under hashtags like #Raid2 and #AjayDevgn indicate sustained interest.

Weekend Predictions:

If Raid 2 manages to regain momentum, industry trackers predict:

• Day 3 (Saturday): ₹6–8 crore (expected)

• Day 4 (Sunday): ₹8–10 crore (expected)

This could push the weekend total to ₹30+ crore, taking it closer to profitability.

While Raid 2 started strong, the sharp drop on Day 2 has raised eyebrows. However, considering the film’s theme, cast, and timing around a weekend, trade experts believe that Raid 2 has the potential to sustain itself through strong word of mouth and multiplex footfalls.

The coming weekend will be crucial in determining whether this high-stakes drama will match or surpass the original Raid in terms of box office performance.