Is Ajay Devgn's Crime Thriller, Raid 2 Based On A True Income-Tax Raid? Here's What We Know So Far

Ajay Devgn is finally back as 'Amay Patnaik' with his much-awaited film, Raid 2. The sequel to the 2018 crime thriller, Raid, the current instalment featured Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Vani Kapoor, Rajat Kapoor, and Amit Sial in pivotal roles. Saurabh Shukla also makes a special cameo, reprising his role as ‘Tauji’. 

Released on May 1, 2025, Raid 2 has officially made its OTT debut on June 26, 2025. As Ajay Devgn reprises his role as IRS officer, ‘Amay Patnaik’, Riteish will be seen in the role of ‘Manohar Bhai’, popularly known as ‘Dada Bhai’. As 'Amay Patnaik' conducts high-stakes raids, it lands him at the doorstep of 'Dada Bhai', who is a powerful and corrupt politician.

Raid 2 was a massive theatrical success, and the stakes are quite high on its OTT release. As the Raid 2 released on OTT, one question people are eagerly looking for is whether the film is based on a true story, just like its prequel, Raid. Read on to know more details about the same.

Is 'Raid 2' based on a true story?

Unlike its prequel, Raid 2 is not completely based on true events. However, according to multiple reports, a real-life raid in Uttar Pradesh has served as inspiration for the sequel. As per multiple sources, the film is based on a situation where a politician-businessman from UP was accused of tax fraud involving more than Rs. 100 crores.

Is Riteish Deshmukh’s character in 'Raid 2' based on a true fraudster?

Apart from Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh’s character of ‘Dada Bhai’ surprised many. The politician is a favourite of his constituency in Bhoj. However, there are multiple layers to his character. Despite having many pieces of evidence against ‘Dada Bhai’, ‘Amay Patnaik’ (Ajay Devgn) cannot touch him as he not only possesses’ political power, but is also the favourite of the masses.

'Dada Bhai' is presented as a Godfather with an equally strong devotion towards his mother. However, his corrupt nature makes him a complex character. The film is partially based on true events, but the character of ‘Dada Bhai’ is fictional.

Riteish Deshmukh reveals whether he took inspiration from any politician for Dada Bhai’s role

Riteish Deshmukh is the son of former CM of Maharashtra, Vilasrao Deshmukh. He belongs to a political family and has witnessed the life of a leader. In an interaction with Dainik Bhaskar, Riteish revealed whether he took inspiration from any political leader for his role in Raid 2, the actor stated:

“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."

Raid 2’s prequel was based on the actual 1980s income tax raid

The prequel to Raid 2 was inspired by one of the biggest raids of 1981, under the then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's government. The raid was conducted by Sharda Prasad Pandey on Sardar Inder Singh, a member of the Congress party. Conducted in 1981 in Kanpur, it remains one of the longest and largest events in India's history.

In the real-life incident, reportedly, it took forty-five people and eighteen hours to calculate the amount retrieved from the raid. The undeclared wealth amounted to approximately Rs. 420 crores, comprising both cash and gold.

Have you watched Raid 2 yet? Let us know your thoughts about the film.

Also Read: 'The Diplomat' Is Based On Real-Life Story Of Uzma Ahmed: How Factually Correct Or Farcical Is It?

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