Devgn’s latest release Raid takes inspiration from real life high-stakes income tax raids conducted in the 1980’s

Starring: Ajay Devgn, Ileana D’Cruz, Saurabh Shukla
Directed by: Raj Kumar Gupta

Set in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in 1981, Raid is a brave story of an income tax officer with an agenda to recoup the Indian government’s tax money that illegally rests in the pockets of corrupt politicians.

This period crime drama begins when Amay Patnaik (Ajay Devgn) receives an anonymous tip off about the biggest tax evasion led by Lucknow’s most powerful and obnoxious man, Rameshwar Singh (Saurabh Shukla). As Rameshwar aka Tau Ji attempts to hide crores worth of unaccounted jewellery and black money in his family home, a series of events unfold in the house that continually test Amay’s honesty, courage, and loyalty as a government officer.

Raid’s strongest performance comes from Saurabh Shukla, an actor who possesses the rare ability to mould himself immaculately for every role he takes on. His award-winning act will keep you hooked as the reel uncovers different shades of grey within his character. This is also arguably Ajay Devgn’s finest performance since his 2015 release Drishyam. As Amay, he comfortably shuffles between the role of a truthful government officer, a dynamic leader, and a sincere husband.

What holds Raid together are not only performances by the main leads, but also the well-crafted supporting cast. Shukla’s mother Amma brings in roars of laughter to the otherwise serious tonality of the film. On the other hand, Ileana D’Cruz’s character seemed forced into the narrative and she gets very limited screen time. Perhaps the biggest downside of the film are the songs that deter the flow of the story, especially Sanu Ek Pal Chain that is abruptly placed in the midst of an important revelation.

Other than that, Raid is an interesting, fast paced drama that will keep you gripped till the very last scene.

Rating: 3.5/5

Raid is currently playing in VOX Cinemas across UAE. You can book your tickets by clicking here.