Ajay Devgn’s Raid 2 trailer arrived two days ago, but the response has been lukewarm. The trailer is a near-replica of the action-drama template of the 2018 original, with Riteish Deshmukh’s villainous act being the only fresh addition.
Critics refer to a lack of imagination in execution and storytelling as a “rehash of the prequel.” That being said, the trailer has raised a buzz of nostalgia among Ajay’s faithful fan base, which could translate to a good opening.
Opening on May 1 (a national holiday), the movie will look to cash in on the holiday weekend, likely opening in the 10-12 crore net range at the Indian box office. That would put it behind Ajay’s previous months’ releases of films like Drishyam 2 and Shaitaan (both opened at ~15 crore) but ahead of the respectable opening of the original Raid.
Sequels and franchises in the post-pandemic world have had inherent audience demand, but Raid 2 has a unique issue: its original was only a “decent hit,” not a blockbuster phenomenon. To survive beyond Day 1, the film needs to have exceptional material and good word-of-mouth.
While the trailer’s “decent” buzz and Ajay’s star appeal can gain a first-day jump, holiday release is not enough to guarantee longevity. The real test comes after Day 1, with word of mouth determining if Raid 2 sustains its first-day thrust or fizzles out.
For now, a 10-12 crore opening is possible, but the film’s ultimate fate depends on whether it delivers a Boost or a Bust.
