After generating considerable buzz and excitement in its early promotional phase, Ajay Devgn’s much-anticipated sequel Raid 2 is now facing an unexpected slowdown at the advance booking windows. The initial surge in pre-release ticket sales had pointed toward a strong opening for the film, but recent trends suggest that the momentum may be tapering off as the release date draws closer.
The film, which serves as a follow-up to the successful 2018 hit Raid, had sparked significant anticipation thanks to Ajay Devgn’s return as the no-nonsense IRS officer Amay Patnaik. With fans expecting another gripping narrative filled with high-stakes drama, corruption takedowns, and Devgn’s signature intense screen presence, early booking numbers seemed to confirm that excitement was running high.
However, trade analysts have observed a shift in the pace of ticket reservations. While the initial 48 hours after the opening of advance bookings showed a strong turnout — particularly in metro cities and tier-1 multiplexes — the enthusiasm appears to have dipped somewhat in the following days. The decline, though not drastic, has prompted conversations in industry circles about whether the film will be able to maintain the buzz until its theatrical release.
One of the potential factors behind this slowdown could be stiff competition from other simultaneous releases, including mid-budget entertainers and regional cinema drawing local crowds. Additionally, some industry observers believe that the marketing campaign for Raid 2 — while effective in teasing the film’s premise — may have lacked the sustained engagement needed to keep audience interest consistently high in the days leading up to release.
That said, insiders remain cautiously optimistic. “The slowdown doesn’t necessarily spell trouble,” one trade expert noted. “Ajay Devgn has a loyal audience base, especially when it comes to patriotic and socially relevant dramas. Word of mouth and opening-day audience reactions can still play a major role in boosting footfalls.”
Moreover, the film’s reputation as a socially charged thriller, combined with its connection to the well-received original, may still provide a strong foundation for a solid theatrical run — especially if it can win over early audiences and generate positive reviews.
Raid 2 continues to be one of the more anticipated releases this season, and while the current booking trend may be cause for recalibrated expectations, it certainly hasn’t written off the film’s box office prospects. With Ajay Devgn at the helm and a gripping story to tell, the film’s real test will begin once the first show rolls out in cinemas.
