Raj Kumar Gupta Drew Inspiration from ’70s and ’80s Films for ‘Raid’ Franchise

Director Raj Kumar Gupta revealed that the inspiration behind the gripping “Raid” film franchise came from the golden era of Hindi cinema, particularly classics from the 1970s and 1980s.

Speaking about the creative process behind the Ajay Devgn-led series, Gupta said he consciously infused storytelling elements and character depth reminiscent of iconic films from that period. The “Raid” franchise centers around Amay Patnaik, a principled income tax officer portrayed by Devgn, who fearlessly goes after corrupt elites and exposes white-collar crime.

“In my office, I have posters of classics like Deewar and Sholay, but the inspirations for ‘Raid’ go far beyond just these films,” Gupta said, pointing to a broader influence drawn from the era’s strong narratives and morally complex heroes.

The director, known for critically acclaimed works such as Aamir and No One Killed Jessica, emphasized that the vintage films influenced not just the tone and drama of Raid, but also its portrayal of justice, duty, and resilience.

Gupta’s cinematic homage through the “Raid” franchise has resonated with audiences, successfully blending contemporary themes with a nostalgic storytelling style that pays tribute to the era of bold, principled heroes and compelling socio-political narratives.