Special Ops 2 review: Kay Kay Menon leads the show which scores high on thrills, but falls short on depth

Special Ops 2 review: Neeraj Pandey show brings back Kay Kay Menon, Karan Tacker, Vinay Pathak, Saiyami Kher for thrilling chapter, which comes with its flaws.

Special Ops 2 review

Created by: Neeraj Pandey

Special Ops 2 review: The show, led by Kay Kay Menon, released on JioHotstar.

Cast: Kay Kay Menon, Karan Tacker, Vinay Pathak, Prakash Raj, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Saiyami Kher, Muzamil Ibrahim, Tota Roy Choudhury, Parmeet Sethi, Kali Prasad Mukherjee, Dalip Tahil and Gautami Kapoor

Star Rating: ★★★.5

It was in 2020 when Neeraj Pandey introduced Kay Kay Menon, Karan Tacker, Vinay Pathak, Saiyami Kher, and Muzamil Ibrahim as RAW agents out on a mission to protect the country in the espionage thriller Special Ops. The show is back with a new chapter after almost five years. But was the wait worth it?

The answer is no, as the new season struggles to live up to the original's promise. The show's new season had big shoes to fill, but instead of an explosive start, it begins on a rather underwhelming note, leaving viewers trying to put the plot’s pieces together.

The plot

Kay Kay was seen Himmat Singh, a RAW agent under scrutiny for his hefty 'miscellaneous expenses'. The season followed Himmat's mission to assemble a team and track down the mastermind behind the 2001 Parliament attack and other terror strikes. A prequel series, Special Ops 1.5: The Himmat Story, was released in 2021.

Now, the show is back with another mission, with more characters introduced. This season dives into the world of AI-driven cyber warfare, woven into a classic spy drama, with a fictional twist to reality, such as UPI becoming OBI. However, the word UPI was in the trailer but not in the show.

The story kicks off with the abduction of Dr. Bhargav (Arif Zakaria), a computer scientist who holds the key to India's digital infrastructure. This sets off a chain reaction, prompting Himmat to reassemble his team and embark on a full-stack rescue-op mission. There are other subplots as well, such as bank fraud and highs and lows of Himmat’s personal life.

The good

One has to give it for the attempt. The show is timely, ambitious, and compelling. The show's seven-episode structure, spanning seven days, promises a sense of urgency.

Special Ops 2 has its redeeming qualities, primarily thanks to its impactful second half. The pacing picks up significantly, taking viewers on a thrilling ride to various parts of the world.

One of the show's strengths is its technological accuracy, which makes it relatable and relevant in today's world. The storyline effectively explores the theme of technology ruling the world and the accompanying challenges, such as data theft and cyberattacks. It also highlights how modern warfare extends beyond physical borders, with cyber attacks becoming a weapon.

Karan Tacker is seen acing the action scenes.

There are attempts to add emotional depth through Kay Kay Menon's character and the turmoil he faces on both professional and personal fronts.

Kay Kay Menon's performance stands out. He is backed by the strong presence of Prakash Raj as Subramanyam, a retired intelligence official and Himmat’s mentor. He reminds one of Naseeruddin Shah from A Wednesday. Vinay Pathak brings his signature charm to the screen, making his character a joy to watch. Watching Karan Tacker came with a warm reminder of the previous parts. Tahir Raj Bhasin makes for a compelling villain, but his storyline and conclusion feel somewhat incomplete.

Visually stunning shots from Budapest, Georgia, and the Dominican Republic add to the show's appeal. The series has been directed by Neeraj and Shivam Nair. That being said, Shivam seemed to have a weak direction.

Prakash Raj's role reminds one of Naseeruddin Shah from A Wednesday.

The not-so-good

The show comes with its share of drawbacks. While introducing new characters like Vinod and Abhay is a good move, it comes at the cost of the original gang, leaving viewers nostalgic for the old team. One notable absence is Meher Vij, who didn't return as Ruhi. The original members reuniting comes as a nostalgic reprieve, albeit too late in the game.

The show lacks emotional depth, and some plot threads, like the tension between Saiyami Kher and Muzamil Ibrahim's characters, remain unresolved. Multiple storylines are introduced in the plot, making it more confusing than impacting for now.

The season, which has returned after a five-year gap, is also marred by editing glitches, particularly in action scenes, and bland fight choreography. The first season had its viewers hooked from the start, but the second season falls short, struggling to deliver urgency, and excitement that made its predecessor gripping.

Tahir Raj Bhasin makes for a compelling villain.

The verdict

Special Ops 2 is a mixed bag, delivering on thrills and action while falling short on emotional depth and coherence. For fans of espionage thrillers, especially those who enjoyed the first season, the show is worth a watch -- it's a mix of elements that might not always come together perfectly, but it's still enough to indulge in every now and then, like a warm bowl of khichdi. The show is streaming on JioHotstar from July 18.