Ajay Devgn’s latest film ‘Raid 2’ has kickstarted its theatrical run with an impressive ₹18 crore nett on day one, making it one of the strongest Bollywood openings of 2025 so far. The film, directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, is a sequel to the critically acclaimed 2018 hit Raid, and carries forward the same gritty tax investigation drama that struck a chord with audiences in its first outing.
The film’s release strategically coincided with the Maharashtra Day and Labour Day holiday, which significantly boosted footfalls across major territories. Despite receiving mixed critical reviews, the movie has been well received by the masses, many of whom were drawn by the familiarity of the franchise and Devgn’s enduring star power.
In a year where most Hindi films have struggled to pull audiences to theatres, Raid 2 is shaping up to be a game-changer. Industry insiders believe it could become the first Bollywood film of 2025 to cross the coveted ₹100 crore mark within its first week, provided the current momentum holds through the weekend.
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The film is facing competition from ‘Kesari: Chapter 2’, another theatrical release that is performing steadily. However, early signs suggest Raid 2 is leading the race and could dominate the box office at least until the next big release hits theatres.
Box office analysts predict that Raid 2 could earn between ₹65 to ₹70 crore nett over its first weekend, driven by positive word-of-mouth from viewers who appreciate its gripping storyline and action-packed sequences. The presence of a strong supporting cast and a patriotic undertone may also work in its favor among family audiences.
Watch the trailer of Raid 2 here:</p>
Meanwhile, in the South, Nani’s ‘HIT: The Third Case’ opened with an equally strong ₹18 crore nett on Day 1. The Telugu thriller was among the most anticipated releases of the season and, like Raid 2, has received a mixed critical reception but strong audience turnout.
With no other major Hindi-language releases this weekend, ‘Raid 2’ has a clear runway to extend its lead and possibly become the breakout box office hit Bollywood has been waiting for this year.
