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Hans India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
‘Special Ops 2' review: A slow-burn thriller that tackles cyber threats
Kay Kay Menon's iconic spy is back, navigating the digital dangers of AI and cyberterrorism in a layered yet slow-paced second season Rating: 2.75/5 After a long hiatus, Neeraj Pandey's gripping espionage series Special Ops returns with a fresh storyline, shifting its focus from traditional terror plots to modern-day threats — cyberterrorism and artificial intelligence. In Special Ops 2, the ever-reliable Himmat Singh, played with conviction by Kay Kay Menon, takes centre stage yet again as he and his team attempt to stop a major digital catastrophe threatening India. The season kicks off with the kidnapping of Dr. Piyush Bhargava (Arif Zakaria), a top American cybersecurity consultant and AI specialist who possesses critical access to India's technological nerve centers. With the possibility of a nationwide cyber breach looming large, Himmat is entrusted with the mission to find Bhargava and thwart the cyber-attack. As he assembles his elite team, they delve into a conspiracy that stretches from local traitors to global digital threats. Returning cast members Karan Tacker, Vinay Pathak, Saiyami Kher, Muzammil Ibrahim, and Meher Vij continue to lend strength to the ensemble, while new entrants like Prakash Raj and Tahir Raj Bhasin bring fresh conflict. Bhasin's portrayal of Sudheer Awasthi aka 'The Collector' is chillingly cold and calculated — a villain well matched to Himmat's calm resolve. What truly elevates the series is its refusal to stick to old Indo-Pak terror tropes. Instead, Special Ops 2 explores AI warfare, data privacy concerns, and the growing vulnerability of digital infrastructures. This makes the narrative feel timely and relevant. Filming in locations like Budapest, Türkiye, Georgia, and India also gives the show a global scale and a cinematic visual appeal. Yet, the series is not without its flaws. Across its seven episodes, the pacing feels slow, and at times the momentum dips. The emotional subplot involving Himmat's daughter (Revathi Pillai) discovering painful family truths adds depth, but also slightly derails the tempo of the main operation. Still, Himmat's character arc is beautifully handled — a patriot balancing his national duty with personal turmoil. The writing and direction succeed in maintaining audience engagement, though a few more moments of high-stakes tension could have sharpened the thrills. Despite this, standout scenes — like the reveal of Chadda's (Parmeet Sethi) betrayal — pack a punch. And in classic Himmat Singh fashion, the finale leaves viewers with a satisfying sense of justice and longing for a potential third season. Special Ops 2 may move at a slow pace, but it's layered, well-acted, and anchored by Kay Kay Menon's masterful performance. The digital warfare premise makes it refreshingly current, and though it lacks relentless suspense, it holds your attention till the end.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Himmat Singh's Special Ops season 2 dialogue is internet's new obsession: ‘Jitna watan se pyar...'
A gripping scene from Special Ops Season 2, featuring Kay Kay Menon, has taken the internet by storm. In the sequence, Menon's character, Himmat Singh, confronts a key informant in his investigation, sharply questioning their commitment to the nation. The emotionally charged exchange, marked by Menon's intense performance and impactful dialogue, was first posted on X (formerly Twitter). Since then, it has gone viral, with audiences widely applauding both the powerful lines and Menon's delivery. Many viewers have hailed it as a standout moment of the season. Here's a deeper look at the scene that has captured the attention of fans and sparked a wave of appreciation online. Must Watch Scene from Special Ops 2 No Muslim was Harmed Here! Special Ops season 2 dialogue goes viral, here's why! In the scene, we see Himmat Singh confronting the source, stating that he hasn't received the money they had agreed upon. The source claims the money was sent to one of his men, but Himmat insists that it wasn't. During the exchange, the source swears on his two wives and four children, and while getting out of the car, he says that he, too, loves the nation. After a brief pause, Himmat asks him to transfer money to a specific bank account. When the source asks how much to transfer, Himmat replies, 'Transfer as much as you love the nation.' Reacting to this, one wrote, 'Jitna watan se Pyaar hai utna paisa daal dena. Perfect scene which is equal to reality.' Another added, 'Himmat singh should never retire! On duty!. A third one went on to add, 'Watan se pyaar=0 ...paise daalega 0.' Special Ops, created by Neeraj Pandey and produced under the Friday Storytellers banner, first premiered in 2020. The latest season brings together a stellar ensemble cast, including Prakash Raj, Vinay Pathak, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Parmeet Sethi, and Kali Prasad Mukherjee. Where to watch Special Ops season 2? You can stream Special Ops season 2 on JioHotstar.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Special OPS Season 2 Review: Slick, scattered, and saved by Kay Kay Menon and Tahir Raj Bhasin
Story: RAW officer Himmat Singh and his elite team return to tackle a new-age threat—massive cyberattacks targeting UPI systems, national databases, and digital identities. As digital India hangs by a thread, they must outsmart unseen enemies in a race against time. Review: In a time when digital warfare looms larger than ever, Special Ops returns with its second season—more ambitious, more polished, and thematically timely. Shifting its gaze to the threat of cyberterrorism, the show widens its scope across continents, yet struggles to maintain a consistent grip on pace and coherence. Led once again by Kay Kay Menon's stoic brilliance, this season builds on the original's strengths but also inherits some of its flaws, particularly its overindulgence in globe-trotting subplots that dilute the core tension. The story kicks off with the mysterious abduction of Dr. Piyush Bhargav (Arif Zakaria), a top AI scientist, and the simultaneous assassination of RAW agent Vinod Shekhawat (Tota Roy Choudhury). With the cyberattack threat growing, the government turns once again to the resourceful Himmat Singh (Menon) to lead a covert investigation. Himmat assembles his team of trusted operatives spread across borders—Farooq (Karan Tacker), Juhi (Saiyami Kher), Ruhani (Shikha Talsania), Avinash (Muzammil Ibrahim)—alongside a new cyber expert, Dr. Harminder Gill (Kamakshi Bhatt). The narrative pivots around the escalating digital threat to India's infrastructure, namely UPI servers and data networks, but while the premise is compelling, the execution is a mixed bag. What works in Special Ops 2 is its urgency. The screenplay, courtesy of Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani, and Benazir Ali Fida, packs in political intrigue, international espionage, and emotional undercurrents without ever losing sight of the high-stakes operation. The tension peaks when Sudheer Awasthi aka "The Collector" (Tahir Raj Bhasin) is introduced, offering a compelling, enigmatic antagonist whose moral ambiguity elevates the drama. Bhasin is outstanding in his role—his arc has enough texture and nuance to make him more than just a shadowy villain. Yet, his climactic confrontation with Himmat and his agents fizzles into convenience, undercutting the gravity the story had worked so hard to build. Kay Kay Menon remains the heart of the show. As Himmat Singh, he brings gravitas, restraint, and emotional depth, particularly in his scenes with his daughter Pari (Revathi Pillai). Vinay Pathak as Inspector Abbas Shaikh continues to lend warmth and grit in equal measure, while the ensemble team of field agents perform their parts with flair, even if the writing doesn't fully flesh out their motivations. Karan Tacker delivers a steady performance as Farooq, and Kamakshi Bhatt's Dr. Gill adds freshness to the tech-driven arc. Gautami Kapoor, though underutilized, leaves a quiet impact as Himmat's wife. An interesting new layer is added by Parmeet Sethi and Kali Prasad Mukherjee, reprising their roles as Chaddha and Banerjee, investigators who previously scrutinized Himmat and now find themselves on the other side of the table. Visually, the series is a treat. From Budapest to Georgia to the streets of India, the production design and cinematography give the show an international sheen. But the show's rapid movement between global locations often comes at the cost of narrative clarity. At times, viewers are left scrambling to track who's where and why, weakening the emotional stakes. The subplot involving Subramanium (Prakash Raj), an ex-trainer of Himmat-turned-investigator, feels redundant and overstretched, adding more bulk than depth. Neeraj Pandey's direction is steady, but the season lacks the tight, claustrophobic tension that made the original a surprise hit. There's no doubt that the writing team has a solid grasp of geopolitical threats and modern surveillance, but what's missing is a sustained sense of dread. For a show that opens with the ominous line—'Artificial Intelligence is beautiful but very dangerous'—it only occasionally captures the terror of an invisible digital war. In the end, Special Ops Season 2 is an ambitious follow-up that aims higher but only partially delivers. It entertains, often grips, and at times surprises, but rarely astonishes. The show's biggest weapon is its cast, especially Menon and Bhasin, but its weakest link remains a tendency to oversimplify complex stakes with convenient resolutions. There's still enough here to warrant a watch, but it's best consumed with tempered expectations and a willingness to let logic take a back seat.
India Today
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Special Ops 2 review: Kay Kay Menon anchors ambitious but uneven spy thriller
"AI has been our biggest blessing, but this is also something we need to guard ourselves against," Professor Piyush Bhargava (Arif Zakaria) says while addressing an AI summit in Budapest, Hungary. These are the days of cyber warfare, and that's what 'Special Ops' Season 2 is all the very first episode, 'Special Ops 2' signals a shift in tone. This is not just about intelligence, it's about Artificial Intelligence. The narrative warns us that future wars won't just be fought on borders, but in data farms and digital trenches. With mentions of AI-driven warfare, slaughter bots, cyber espionage, and even 'virtual soldiers', the show taps into very real anxieties about the weaponisation of technology. It's timely, ambitious, and, for the most part, the success of' Special Ops' and its spin-off 'Special Ops 1.5 – The Himmat Singh Story', Neeraj Pandey returns with the second season, diving straight back into the geopolitical mayhem and personal complexities that define the life of RAW officer Himmat Singh. For viewers who haven't caught Season 1.5, do yourself a favour and catch up first. This season picks up right where it left off. But it's not all futuristic threats and high-tech chaos. 'Special Ops 2' keeps things grounded with a good old-fashioned spy drama with secret missions, double crosses, and agents running across continents with barely enough time to breathe (or flirt, in Farooq and Avinash's case).We kick off with a shocking double whammy. A RAW agent Vinod Shekhawat is killed in Delhi, and scientist Piyush Bhargava is kidnapped in Budapest, all around the same time. Farooq (Karan Tacker) gets rescued from Kathmandu to help out, while Avinash (Muzammil Ibrahim) is rerouted from Vienna mid-mission (and mid-date).And then there's Sudheer (Tahir Raj Bhasin). Remember this name. He's a classical music aficionado holed up in Georgia (at least it appears to be when we are introduced to him), seemingly calm on the outside but orchestrating chaos behind the scenes. He's responsible for Bhargava's kidnapping and Shekhawat's murder and possibly something much more when you think Himmat (played brilliantly, again, by Kay Kay Menon) has enough on his plate, in walks Subramanyam (Prakash Raj), his mentor. He's lost his life's savings when he needed it the most. All because of a shady billionaire named Jignesh Dholakia (think: a Nirav Modi-style scammer). He gives Himmat a deadline to bring him back to India or else there will be consequences. So now, in addition to preventing a cyberattack on India, Himmat also has to catch a slippery white-collar criminal. No big deal, right?Oh, and let's not forget the emotional layer. Himmat's relationship with his daughter Pari. She doesn't know Himmat is not her real father, and the otherwise fierce RAW officer dreads the day she finds out the truth. He isn't afraid that it might cause a rift, but he is certain it will. It adds a tender, aching layer to an otherwise high-octane the trailer of Special Ops 2: Kay Kay Menon continues to be the backbone of the series. His portrayal of Himmat as both a stoic agent and an uncertain father is quietly powerful. Karan Tacker brings charm and energy to Farooq, while Prakash Raj is effortlessly commanding as Subramanyam. Even the antagonist Tahir Raj Bhasin, though more reserved, leaves an impression. But, we would have loved to see more of Muzammil Ibrahim and Saiyami Kher. This season we are introduced to a new agent - Abhay Singh (Vikas Manaktala). While Hooda's 'Left Right Left' days are over, he shines in whatever little screen time he gets on the production values are top-notch. From Georgia, Budapest, Turkey to the buzzing streets of Delhi, these locations are a visual treat. The international locales aren't just for the show, but they are important to the storyline and make the plot feel more let's talk about what works, and what doesn't. The themes are sharp, the performances are solid, and the global scale is impressive. But the storytelling? That's where things get a little wobbly. Makers bring in fresh ideas, but the execution doesn't always match the ambition. The pacing occasionally drags, and the multiple subplots risk cluttering an otherwise sharp espionage thriller. At times, you'll wish the story would just get to the said, even when the pacing slows, the tension doesn't completely fizzle out. You're still hooked, still wondering what Sudheer's next move will be, and whether Himmat will be able to juggle everything he's up against.'Special Ops 2' isn't perfect, but it's still a gripping, relevant, and often thrilling ride. The show leans into a more tech-driven narrative without losing the human drama that made the earlier seasons click. Sure, it could've been tighter, but if you're into espionage thrillers with a modern twist and solid performances, this one's worth your time.- Ends3 out of 5 to 'Special Ops 2'.You May Also Like
Pink Villa
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Special Ops 2 Review: Neeraj Pandey and Kay Kay Menon return with yet another thrilling and exhilarating season of their acclaimed show
Plot: Special Ops 2 is the third season of the espionage-thriller series Special Ops. While the first season followed Senior RAW officer Himmat Singh (Kay Kay Menon) as he hunted criminal mastermind Ikhlaq Khan, responsible for multiple attacks in India, and tackled an internal audit over unusually high miscellaneous expenses, Special Ops 1.5 explored Himmat's origin story, revealing how he became the skilled RAW officer he is today. Special Ops 2 raises the stakes, focusing on a looming cyber threat that could devastate India's banking system. The season kicks off with the kidnapping of Dr. Piyush Bhargav, a brilliant scientist pioneering cutting-edge technology, and the murder of top RAW agent Shekhawat, all within six hours. Himmat and his team must race against time to locate Dr. Bhargav and uncover the motive behind his abduction. The mastermind, Veer Awas (Tahir Raj Bhasin), a cunning data manipulator based in Europe, orchestrates the kidnapping. Himmat's team must track down Veer, rescue Dr. Bhargav, and prevent a catastrophic cyber war that could jeopardize countless civilian lives. Watch Special Ops 2 to find out, whether or not, Himmat and his team is able to take Veer down and save Dr. Bhargav. What Works for Special Ops 2 Special Ops 2 kicks off with a bang, wasting no time diving into a fresh conflict. The scale is massive, with a gripping narrative that hooks you early. The fast-paced storytelling keeps the adrenaline pumping. It is supported by excellently orchestrated action sequences. Spectacular camera work, featuring well shot chasing scenes and long-take scenes, adds a cinematic flair. The emotional core resonates strongly, as it balances the heart with high stakes. The phenomenal finale ties up the season with a thrilling payoff that leaves you wanting more. Neeraj Pandey proves he's a master of long-format storytelling, weaving global issues and internal politics with great finesse, along with Shivam Nair. What Doesn't Work for Special Ops 2 Despite its strengths, Special Ops 2 isn't flawless. A few scenes and conflicts feel clichéd and filmy, in quite a realistically shot season. While the storytelling is engaging overall, the middle episodes slow down slightly, briefly disrupting the momentum. These moments don't derail the show, but they keep it from being perfect. Still, these are minor hiccups in an otherwise super ride. Watch the Special Ops 2 Trailer Performances in Special Ops 2 Kay Kay Menon is at his A-game as Himmat Singh. He delivers a commanding performance that anchors the series. Karan Tacker, Saiyami Kher, and Muzammil Ibrahim stay true to their characters. They are all very good in the action episodes. Revathi Pillai is endearing as Himmat's daughter Pari. Vinay Pathak is a joy to watch, even after so many years. Prakash Raj is ever-so-dependable, and so is Dalip Tahil. Tahir Raj Bhasin is evil and easy to dislike, and that's a compliment. Arif Zakaria as Dr Bhargav adds layers to this new season, with his stellar act. Every other actor elevates the material, making Special Ops 2, yet another classy addition to the successful series. Final Verdict of Special Ops 2 Special Ops 2 is a must-watch for fans of espionage thrillers. Neeraj Pandey 's knack for blending global stakes with grounded and emotional storytelling makes this season a winner. Despite minor clichés and a slightly sluggish middle portions, the show's scale, action, and performances make it a gripping ride. With a phenomenal finale, Special Ops 2 warrants a definite watch. Special Ops 2 plays on JioHotstar. Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more reviews like this.
