Ajay Devgn returns as Amay Patnaik in Raid 2, drawing attention to whether the events in the film, just like its predecessor, are rooted in reality. The question of whether Raid 2 is based on a true story has become central to its conversation, especially after its premiere on OTT on June 26, 2025, following its theatrical release on May 1, 2025. With the focus keyword ‘Ajay Devgn Raid 2 true story’ driving much of the public search, viewers are eager to separate fact from fiction in the new film, which features a star-studded cast including Riteish Deshmukh, Vani Kapoor, Rajat Kapoor, Amit Sial, and a cameo by Saurabh Shukla as Tauji.
Background and Release of Raid 2
Raid 2, a sequel to the acclaimed 2018 crime thriller Raid, continues the tale of Amay Patnaik, a determined IRS officer portrayed by Ajay Devgn. The new chapter introduces Riteish Deshmukh as Manohar Bhai, famously called Dada Bhai—a formidable political figure in Bhoj. Vani Kapoor, Rajat Kapoor, and Amit Sial also play integral roles, with Saurabh Shukla briefly returning as the well-remembered Tauji.
Upon its massive theatrical success, Raid 2 landed on an OTT platform on June 26, 2025. The film’s gripping narrative, centered on high-stakes income tax operations, not only attracted fans of the original but also reignited curiosity about whether the cinematic plot has real-life counterparts, much like the real events that inspired the first film.
Investigating the Real-Life Basis of Raid 2
Questions rose quickly after the release: Is Raid 2, similar to the original Raid, built on genuine events? Unlike its predecessor, which had a direct connection to history, Raid 2 is not fully based on actual events. However, reports from multiple sources indicate that the storyline takes cues from a real income tax operation in Uttar Pradesh. This incident reportedly involved a prominent politician-businessman who was accused of tax fraud exceeding Rs. 100 crores.
While the core inspiration can be traced to this well-known case in Uttar Pradesh, the film blends fact with creative license to develop its plot. The filmmakers appear to have taken the premise of a political figure under investigation for tax irregularities and built a dramatic, fictionalized account around it.
The Character of Dada Bhai: Inspired by Reality or Pure Fiction?
The role of Dada Bhai, played by Riteish Deshmukh, stands out as one of Raid 2’s most talked-about elements. The character is depicted as the popular leader of his constituency yet remains inaccessible to law enforcement due to both political power and public favor. His layer of complexity deepens with his portrayal as a ‘Godfather’ figure, showing fierce loyalty to his mother while maintaining a shadowy, corrupt persona.
Despite these detailed character traits and the depth given to Dada Bhai, the role is not based on any single real-life politician or fraudster. The character is an original creation, constructed by merging observed traits and mannerisms from numerous real-life leaders.
Riteish Deshmukh’s Approach to Dada Bhai
Riteish Deshmukh’s background as the son of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh provided him unparalleled insight into Indian political life. Drawing from his personal experiences and widespread exposure to Indian political circles, Deshmukh crafted his performance to reflect the nuances of various real politicians while not directly mirroring any one individual.
“I knew how a political leader lives among people, what the atmosphere is like during public speeches. I have been fortunate to meet many leaders from different parties. They all have their own style and swag. Some are good at public speaking, some have composure, and some have simplicity. For this role, I took something from the characters of many leaders. But I cannot say that the character I played exactly matches anyone in particular.”
—Riteish Deshmukh
This approach resulted in a multifaceted character that is fictional in origin but enriched by authentic references and observations.
The Roots of Raid: Comparing the Prequel’s Real Inspirations
To understand the expectations set by Raid 2, it’s essential to look back at Raid, the first film in the series. Raid (2018) drew inspiration directly from a historic income tax operation in India. The real-life event occurred in 1981 in Kanpur, under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s government. The operation was led by Sharda Prasad Pandey against Sardar Inder Singh, a Congress party member, making it one of India’s most significant document raids.
Reports from the time state that calculating the cash and gold retrieved during the Kanpur operation involved forty-five officials and required eighteen hours. The total unaccounted wealth found during the raid reportedly reached an estimated Rs. 420 crores, encompassing both cash reserves and gold holdings. This historic event provided a strong factual skeleton to the cinematic storyline and set the tone for the franchise’s reputation for blending fact with fiction.
Character Depth and Political Themes
Although the storyline of Raid 2 finds some roots in actual incidents, much of the cast and character development is a result of creative vision. Ajay Devgn’s Amay Patnaik stands at the center, embodying the relentless spirit of an IRS officer combating corruption at senior political levels. Dada Bhai, meanwhile, serves as a formidable, layered opponent, revered by his constituents but untouchable due to his influence and favor among the public.
This dynamic highlights common themes in Indian political dramas, particularly the tension between power, reputation, and evidence. Despite presenting ample proof of Dada Bhai’s illicit activities, Patnaik struggles with the barriers posed by political stature and public sympathy, reflecting ongoing complexities in India’s real battle against corruption.
Cinematic Inspiration and Artistic Liberties
Raid 2 exemplifies how cinema adapts real events and people into its narrative fabric. While the essence stems from notable news—especially a tax fraud case involving a politician-businessman in Uttar Pradesh—the makers skillfully rework facts, personalities, and timelines to fit the requirements of an engaging thriller. Creative liberties allow characters like Dada Bhai to become amalgams, reflecting broader political archetypes rather than tracing to any specific figure.
Riteish Deshmukh’s process in shaping Dada Bhai supports this approach, as he synthesizes manners, speech styles, and charisma from leaders he encountered, while ensuring his portrayal remains unique. Ajay Devgn, too, anchors his character’s unwavering ethical resolve in real-world IRS officers but personifies him with a sense of drama and cinematic intensity expected in major Bollywood productions.
Raid 2’s Place in Franchise and Indian Cinema
Raid 2’s use of real-life events as loose inspiration connects the film to a tradition in Indian cinema that dramatizes societal issues based on actual cases. The franchise’s foundation in high-profile income tax raids reflects the nation’s ongoing fascination with stories of justice and the power struggles underpinning them. With Raid 2, the narrative continues this theme, evolving from the specific Kanpur incident of the 1980s to broader and more fictionalized scenarios rooted in modern headlines from Uttar Pradesh.
The return of Ajay Devgn as Amay Patnaik and the addition of new antagonists and plotlines ensure both continuity and freshness, encouraging audiences to reflect on recurring political realities and the continued relevance of battling financial crime and corruption.
What Audiences Can Expect Next
With its OTT debut, Raid 2 is set to reach a newer, broader audience, continuing discussions about the nature of its story. While the details deviate from actual cases, the film’s blend of inspiration and invention invites viewers to engage with the enduring problem of corruption in Indian society.
Ajay Devgn fans and those interested in political dramas will find both action and complexity, as the lines between truth and fiction remain artfully blurred. The success of the Raid franchise could lead to further sequels or similar projects exploring real-life events through an interpretative, cinematic lens. For now, Raid 2 stands as a testament to how Indian cinema draws from history and current affairs to craft stories that resonate emotionally and intellectually with a wide range of viewers.
