Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn recently made headlines at the trailer launch of his much-anticipated film Raid 2, engaging candidly with fans and the media. Reprising his role as the no-nonsense IRS officer Amay Patnaik, Devgn is all set to take on a new adversary in the form of a corrupt politician, played by Riteish Deshmukh. The film also features Vaani Kapoor in a leading role, marking her debut in the Raid franchise. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, Raid 2 is slated for a theatrical release on May 1, 2025.
The event had its fair share of serious discussions and light-hearted moments, with one particular question prompting laughter across the room. An audience member cheekily asked Devgn how he would react if he had to conduct a raid at Salman Khan or Shah Rukh Khan’s homes. Taken by surprise but always quick with his wit, Devgn responded:”I’m just playing an officer on screen—I’m not actually raiding anyone’s house in real life. If there ever is a raid at their place, I’ll be relaxing at home, and if it’s my turn, they’ll be doing the same. So really, there’s nothing for me to manage!”
His humorous remark drew a wave of laughter and applause, showcasing once again why the actor remains a fan favorite.
The conversation then shifted to the current state of cinema and theatre audiences. When asked about the observed decline in footfall, Devgn offered a balanced perspective.
“Audiences are coming to theatres. People who love movies still make the effort. A lot depends on how the trailer or songs connect with them. It all boils down to what they want to see,” he explained.
Another topic that came up was the replacement of Ileana D’Cruz by Vaani Kapoor in Raid 2. When asked about the casting change, Devgn responded thoughtfully, saying,”That’s true, but characters can evolve. If you look at Hollywood, for instance—Sean Connery isn’t James Bond anymore, yet the audience continues to follow the character. It’s the journey of the role that matters, not just the face playing it.”
Raid 2 promises to carry forward the impactful storytelling and realistic action sequences that made the original film a box-office success. With a fresh dynamic between Devgn and Deshmukh, and Kapoor adding new energy to the narrative, expectations are soaring.
As the countdown to May 1 begins, Raid 2 looks ready to deliver a compelling blend of suspense, power struggles, and whistle-worthy moments—with Ajay Devgn once again leading the charge with strength, sarcasm, and sincerity.