RAID Review – Ajay Devgan and Saurabh Shukla shine in this genuinely intended film.

When the film begins, we see that it is based on several true stories. Indeed, this does make sense, since IT raids are quite common. Also, since the fight against black money and the publics distaste for the corrupt is at an all-time high (And still increasing), this was the perfect time for a film like this. In fact, a film where a man fights against a corrupt system or a corrupt politician, or a corrupt businessman, will always find takers.

So the story a simple. A squeaky clean, idealistic and incorruptible income tax office by the name of Patnaik (Ajay Devgn) is given a tip-off, and sets out on an IT raid. His target? A corrupt, shameful politician by the name of Rameshwar (Saurabh Shukla), who has connection at high places, including that of the prime minister herself. Since this film takes place in the 80’s, that ‘herself’ is Indira Gandhi. The face off between Patnaik and Rameshwar is what the majority of the film focuses on. Then of course there is a love track and the forced comedy here and there.

The films main strength is the fresh story, and the performance by Ajay Devgn and Saurabh Shukla.
They light up the screen. Ajay devgn is subtle, yet impactful. He truly comes across as a man who can do no wrong. Meanwhile Saurabh Shuklas body language and dialogue delivery is bang on. Both of these actors do justice to the film.  The second positive point of this film would be the hummable music. It’s soothing. Technically also, this film is decent, however at times there doesn’t seem to be a connectivity between the shots, and the editing seems patchy. At one moment you have a steady shot, and the next you have a zolly shot (Zoom plus dolly). So visually the film does not flow as smoothly as it should, but that is forgivable.

The screenplay has its strengths and weaknesses. While the drama within the IT Raid portions seem natural, the comical moments in-between seem forced.  There are certain moments in the film that weren’t required and could have been substituted for better moments, with a greater impact.  The romantic track between Ajay Devgan and Ileana D’Cruz and the songs are also speed-breakers in the film, and could have been handled better. The love story is laced with cliché dialogues, and seems staged. Meanwhile the placement of the songs are bizarre, and comes in the way of the narrative. Perhaps a tighter script, with more focus on the raid, and a realistic approuch, would have worked wonders for the film!

However, overall, this film is made with genuine intentions, and a purpose. I would recommend it if you enjoy films where one man tries to fight against corruption, something which the entire country is trying to fight against.

3 out of 5 stars.