The formidable partnership between director Rajkumar Gupta and superstar Ajay Devgn is officially set to continue as they reunite for the third instalment of the hit franchise, Raid 3. Following the massive success of Raid (2018) and Raid 2 (May 2025), the makers have fast-tracked the development of the sequel, confirming that the film will embark on its new high-stakes mission in late 2026.
The production team has been quietly developing the script over the past few months, ensuring the narrative maintains the gripping, realistic tone that defines the franchise. Raid 3 will once again showcase Ajay Devgn reprising his iconic role as the fearless Income Tax Officer Amay Patnaik, who faces his most complex and geographically extensive raid yet.
The decision to immediately launch the third film underscores the producers’ faith in Rajkumar Gupta’s vision and the enduring popularity of the Raid series. The director himself has confirmed the team is actively engaged in the scripting phase, where they are elevating the stakes beyond the previous films’ large-scale operations.
Sources close to the development reveal that Raid 3 will unleash a conflict far bigger than those encountered in the first two installments. The creative team has carefully designed the third part to take the narrative to a more complex and intricate terrain. The film will reportedly deal with a black money operation that spans across multiple states or even countries, making the raid itself a much grander, multi-location endeavour.
Director Rajkumar Gupta, known for his meticulous research and commitment to realism, insists on maintaining the authenticity that made the first two films resonate with audiences. He and his writing team focus on crafting a powerful, high-impact screenplay that stays true to the gritty, suspenseful essence of the franchise while pushing the cinematic boundaries.
The production schedule for Raid 3 is strategically aligned with Ajay Devgn’s famously packed slate of upcoming commitments. The film is currently slotted to begin its pre-production work in mid-2026, allowing Devgn ample time to wrap up his existing major projects, which include Drishyam 3, Golmaal 5, and Dhamaal 4.
Once the superstar clears his dates and concludes his current filming assignments, the official commencement of Raid 3 will follow. The film is officially set to go on floors in late 2026, suggesting a potential late 2027 or early 2028 release window. This deliberate pacing allows the production to achieve the necessary scale and logistical complexity demanded by the larger narrative.
The franchise’s success, with Raid 2 crossing the ₹200 crore global mark, further solidifies the box office viability of this timeline, ensuring that the anticipation remains sky-high until filming officially begins.
Ajay Devgn’s portrayal of the righteous and sharp IRS officer Amay Patnaik has become one of the most celebrated characters in his career. Patnaik embodies integrity and fearless conviction, making him a grounded yet heroic figure in the face of insurmountable political corruption.
The initial films successfully established a cinematic world built on intellectual sparring, psychological pressure, and thrilling, cat-and-mouse raids. The reunion of Devgn and Rajkumar Gupta guarantees that Raid 3 will continue this legacy, delivering a powerful performance from Devgn as he faces off against a new, possibly more influential adversary.
Furthermore, speculation remains high about the potential return of key characters, particularly the charismatic antagonist from the second film (Riteish Deshmukh) and the popular Tauji (Saurabh Shukla) from the original. Director Gupta previously teased that the final scene of Raid 2, where the antagonist and Tauji meet in jail, could serve as the starting point for the next story, hinting at a formidable alliance against Patnaik in the third chapter.
This third instalment is not just another sequel; it is a meticulously planned continuation that promises to be the biggest and most complex film in the Raid series, cementing its place among India’s top investigative thrillers.
