Raid could possibly be the best income-tax based film out there in world cinema at the moment and carries the world entertainment on its head. It stars Ajay Devgn and Saurabh Shukla in main roles and is directed by the wonderful Raj Kumar Gupta (Aamir, No One Killed Jessica, Ghanchakkar).

STORY: Honest Income-Tax officer Amay Patnaik (Ajay) is transferred for the 49th time in his career to Lucknow along with his wife (Ileana) where he gets a tip while settling down. He is given lots of information and also does his own investigation. Still unsure whether the information is correct, he conducts a raid from the info, leading him into the household of the notorious Tauji, the most powerful man in Lucknow. The film is based on one of the biggest raids in India. The plot contains lots of twists, which creates a ton of suspenseful moments throughout the film making this a gripping watch.

CAST: I can't hesitate in saying that this is one of Ajay Devgn's best performances till date. Ajay's acting looks effortless and amazing on screen, making him one of my favourite actors in Bollywood. Saurabh Shukla is also fantastic and thee two actors cannot be compared. Ileana D'Cruz Iooks pretty but doesn't really have much to do. But in whatever she has been given, it is completed very nicely. All the supporting cast members carry very strong performances as well and there is not one complaint with the casting.

TECHNICAL: The direction is absolutely amazing from Gupta and feels seamless when watching the movie. Writing is one of the films biggest plus points and is done in such a way that the audience will never be given a chance to feel bored. The dialogues given to Devgn and Shukla and punchy and powerful and give the film strength. Ritesh Shah has written an impressive script and a gripping screenplay which makes this film the success it is. The editing is a job well done and at a runtime of 120 mins, the film never feels prolonged and the interest does not get lost midway.

MUSIC: To be honest, I loved the soundtrack. The songs are soulful and full of heart. Sanu Ek Pal Chain is a slow paced remake sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and is nice to the ears. Nit Khair Manga is a tad faster, also sung by Khan, and is a bit too heavy on the Punjabi lyrics, and while it also misses out on that trademark essence from Rahat, it's still not a bad listen. Black by Sukhwinder Singh acts as the title track if the film and with its punchy bass and strong vocals, it is undoubtedly one of the strongest in the album. Jhuk Na Paunga is my favourite, sung by the soothing Papon and just has a good feel to it, and is a song that perfectly suits Ajay's character in the film.

To conclude, this film contains all the suspense, tension, action, and moments that a film in this genre should have. This film is one of the best watches of 2018 so far, and can be watched multiple times. But the best effect is in the cinema. Hats off to the entire team of Raid, but especially Raj Kumar Gupta. Well done