Raid Review: Ajay - Saurabh's Banter shines in this Powerful Drama

Raid is a film based on a true incident of India's most high-profile and longest raid conducted during the 80's in the city of Lucknow.

The plot:

Set in the 1980's starts with an incorruptible IT officer Amay Patnaik (Ajay Devgn) who conducts a raid at the house of a powerful, well-connected local MLA of Lucknow, Rameshwar Singh aka Tauji (Saurabh Shukla). Amay is a fearless IT officer who hails on the path of honesty while building up all the motivation needed for his team. After receiving a strong tip-off from a family member of Tauji (whose name has been revealed at the end of the story), Amay decides to embark on this surprise income tax raid which later results in the longest raid that happened in the history of India. While Amay is determined to find the black money in Tauji's house, Tauji, on the other hand, does his level best while using all his connections (he even meets the then PM Indira Gandhi) to stop this raid. Who succeeds in this game of Raid and how is to be seen in the movie.

The Characters:

Ajay Devgn as Amay Patnaik - Ajay has yet again done a sincere job as the high-principled, virtuous IT officer who has been transferred 49 times (credits = his honesty). While he portrays the role of a righteous officer, Ajay is also a kind and caring husband to his wife. The determination and will in Ajay's character is the driving force in this engrossing film.

Saurabh Shukla as Rameshwar Singh - Saurabh is the highlight of this film with the phenomenal performance that he has given. By portraying the rightful nuances of a well-connected politician, Shukla brings in the entertaining element needed in this high-octane drama.

Ileana D'Cruz as Malini - She essayed the role of a dutiful and worried wife who also at the same time puts up a brave front in the film. Although Illeana's screen presence is very little in the film, her effortless chemistry with Ajay brings a lighter note in the film.

All that we Liked:

The well - crafted performances by the supporting cast add up to the otherwise superb performance in the film. Humorous instances between Ajay and Saurabh, the innocence of Tauji's mother Amma Pushpa Singh, the amount of gold that falls from the ceiling (you'll get the reference once you watch the film) and the comic timing of Lallan (Amit Sial) manages to bring a cheerful laughter. Director Raj Kumar Gupta has rightly gripped this tale of Raid. With a good number of clap-worthy dialogues and punchy one-liners, writer Ritesh Shah has done a fair job.

All that we Disliked:

The unwanted songs added in the film - especially when Sanu Ek Pal Chain starts playing right before the revelation of an important element.

Final Verdict:

Watch this film if you are undone with Ajay's repetitive style of acting and moreover for the interesting banter between Ajay and Saurabh. This engrossing raid is sure making you glued to your seats.

Rating: 3.8 stars