Movie Review | Raid

Last night Mr. K and I decided to keep it light and just grab a yummy bite (at Plenty – that avocado toast is divine na ?) followed by a movie. While I saw Sonu ki Titu ki Sweety last week with Bahar (I need to review it I know) we went to watch Raid . A movie that Mr. K and I would both enjoy – because we don’t see too many bollywood movies together.

Ajay Devgn, Ileana Dcruz and Saurabh Shukla starrer Raid is a good movie. Based on a famous Income Tax raid of the 80s we see the raids being led by Deputy Commissioner Amay Patnaik (Ajay Devgn) – an honest, dedicated officer, who is tipped off about crores of rupees in cash and valuables stashed in Sitagarh  — the ‘White House’ of Lucknow, which belongs to a goon-cum-politician – Rameshwar ‘Rajaji’ Singh (Saurabh Shukla).  While this is a big risk that can lead to Patnaik losing his job, dignity, and even bringing harm to himself and his life. Patnaik, believes in his instinct and raids the palace that belongs to Singh.

The first half shows that the raid is leading nowhere. Just then the team gets a lead on where the actual money and assets are hidden. Now it is for you to find out if the IT department will be successful in extracting all the black money out? Will Singh put his best shot to stop this raid? Also all through the movie I was dying to know who tipped off Ajay ! Well you will need to watch the movie to find out for yourself.

The film keeps you on the edge of your seat, I did think that the second half tends to get a little dragged. We went for the 9:40 pm show at INOX Metro and were ready to head back about 30 minutes before it actually ended…could have been shorter.

Known to all as Kalu Mama, Shukla’s portrayal of Rajaji might just be the next iconic role for him. He delivers a powerful act.  Illeana D’Cruz as Malini – the dutiful wife of Patnaik, is good. She rocks the Sari as always and I love that she is sporting night suits that will bring more people to enjoy wearing the ones available at my favourite Anokhi . She portrays the role of a strong and sensible wife but has limited screen presence. I always enjoy movies with Devgn. Here too, he delivers an intense, powerful performance.

The supporting cast is very impressive; especially Amit Sial as Lallan – a corrupt I-T officer, Sulagna Panigrahi and Sadanand Verma who play pivotal characters from Rameshwar Singh’s family.  My favourite character was the Dadi Amma , veteran Pushpa Joshi, who plays Saurabh Shukla’s mother in the film. She is so cute and breathes life and adds an element of comedy to the movie.

Verdict: Edgy & gripping. Go watch the movie for the incredible performances, Raid is very relevant in India, I hope the movie will inspire more ‘Amays’ to step up and take their jobs seriously. 

☆☆☆☆

What is your verdict on the film ?

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