Filmmaker Rajkumar Gupta is all set to return with Raid 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2018 hit starring Ajay Devgn. Set for a theatrical release on May 1, the director promises that the film will carry the same grounded tone and intensity of the first, while also delivering a strong dose of real-life-inspired humor. “Raid 2 has a lot of humor and that’s connected to real life. Aur Tauji toh garaj hi rahe hain na,” he quipped, referring to fan-favorite character Tauji, played by Saurabh Shukla, who returns for the sequel.
Gupta shared that Raid 2 was not planned during the making of the original. The idea emerged only after the first film became a success. “We spent nearly a year and a half crafting the screenplay. Once everyone loved the story, we knew we had something worth pursuing,” he said. While the film is rooted in real events, the director admits that there are several fictional elements to keep the narrative engaging and fresh.
The sequel introduces Riteish Deshmukh as the new antagonist, and Gupta praised the actor for his versatility and performance. He also had high praise for Ajay Devgn, calling him a “fabulous actor” whose portrayal brought several key scenes to life beyond the script. The natural casting process, combined with the film’s strong writing, has created what Gupta describes as an “honest sequel.”
As for the possibility of Raid 3, Gupta remains cautious. “It’s too early to talk about that. We always start with a good story and see how audiences respond,” he explained. The director also confirmed that his previously announced project Black Tiger, which was once supposed to star Salman Khan, is no longer in development due to expired rights and creative differences.