Netizens REACT to Ileana D'Cruz being replaced by Vaani Kapoor in Ajay Devgn starrer 'Raid 2': 'So many female leads are replaced in sequels...'

Ajay Devgn is ready to return as Amay Patnaik in Raid 2. The trailer, released on April 8, got people excited—but also curious. Many wondered why Ileana D’Cruz, who played Ajay’s wife in the first film, isn’t in the sequel. Instead, Vaani Kapoor has taken over the role.
Fans Question Ileana’s Replacement
A post on Reddit read, “In my opinion Ileana was good, she had a nice chemistry with Ajay and they shared a good bond, and looked pretty as well. Then why did they replace her??”
While one user wrote, “Is Vaani the 2nd wife ? Or are they expecting the audience to forget altogether that Illeana was cast as wife in the 1st movie! I think it’s becoz Illeana was pregnant 🤰 during shooting,” while another one added, “Valid question.Not only her,so many of the female leads are replaced in sequels even though the male lead remains same. Singham,BB3 and many other movies.”
Ajay Devgn Reacts to Casting Change
At the trailer launch, Ajay spoke about the casting change, while Vaani dismissed any rumours of rivalry. When asked about the new actress playing his wife, Ajay said it’s common, even in Hollywood. He explained that like James Bond, the main character stays while other roles change.
Vaani Kapoor Shuts Down Rivalry Rumours
Vaani also addressed whether she felt any pressure or rivalry with Ileana. She said there was no jealousy and that they share a good bond off-screen. Vaani added that she focused on playing her role honestly as per the director’s vision, and the film shows a new side of her.
Plot and Star Cast of Raid 2
Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, Raid 2 is the sequel to the 2018 film Raid. The story continues with IRS officer Amay Patnaik taking on a new white-collar crime case. Ajay Devgn and Saurabh Shukla return to their roles, while Riteish Deshmukh and Vaani Kapoor join the cast.
Raid 2, produced by Bhushan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak, and Krishan Kumar, is presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series under the Panorama Studios banner. The film is all set to hit theatres on May 1.