- Thursday, April 17, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn recently shared candid insights on the ongoing challenges faced by the Hindi film industry in the post-covid era. Speaking at the trailer launch event of his upcoming film Raid 2, the actor addressed the changing tastes of audiences and how filmmakers are constantly trying to adapt.
“We’re still struggling. We’re not sure what the audience would come in (theatres) for and what not. But we think we have an idea of how the audiences have evolved and changed during the pandemic. Also, too much exposure of international content. We are adapting to it and that’s how we are also changing… trying to figure things out,” said Devgn, who returns to play the no-nonsense IRS officer Amay Patnaik in the sequel.
Raid 2, directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, is a follow-up to the successful 2018 film Raid. The original film was based on a real-life high-stakes income tax raid and earned critical and commercial success. The sequel promises a fresh, gripping narrative inspired by a true story from the files of the Income Tax Department and aims to highlight the work of India’s unsung tax heroes.
Ajay Devgn, 56, emphasised that the issue of unpredictable box office performance isn’t unique to Bollywood. “It’s not that Bollywood films are not working. Films from all over the world—some are working and some are not. It could be Bollywood, the South film industry, or Hollywood. The situation is the same everywhere,” he pointed out.
When asked whether high ticket prices are deterring moviegoers, Devgn dismissed the claim. “I don’t think ticket pricing is the reason because if the audience is coming, they are coming at the same price. The audience is deciding what film to watch and what not to watch,” he explained.
Devgn stressed that audiences today are more discerning and seek quality content. Promotional gimmicks, he noted, don’t hold the same influence they once did. “The audience doesn’t get attracted to promotion. They want content. If your trailer or teaser is liked, or if they like the songs, then the audience definitely comes. Basically, it all boils down to what they want to see and if they are getting it in the trailer or not,” he said.
Raid 2 also stars Vaani Kapoor and Rajat Kapoor in key roles, with Riteish Deshmukh taking on the antagonist’s part. Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak, and Abhishek Pathak under T-Series and Panorama Studios, the film is set to release in theatres on May 1, 2025.
As Bollywood continues to experiment with genres and narratives to regain its stronghold, Raid 2 is being watched closely as a potential game-changer—especially with Devgn’s solid fanbase and the intrigue surrounding the true story behind the plot.
