Mumbai: The war has moved beyond borders — it’s now fought in data centres and digital shadows. That’s the chilling message of ‘Special Ops 2’, the latest season in Neeraj Pandey’s acclaimed espionage series. And this time, the stakes are higher than ever.
The show kicks off at an AI summit in Budapest, where Professor Piyush Bhargava (Arif Zakaria) warns the world: “AI has been our biggest blessing, but this is also something we need to guard ourselves against.” Minutes later, he’s kidnapped. At the same time, a RAW agent is murdered in Delhi.
And so begins another high-octane mission led by Himmat Singh, played by the ever-brilliant Kay Kay Menon.
A New Kind of Threat
Unlike the previous seasons, ‘Special Ops 2’ focuses on cyber warfare. Think AI-powered weapons, digital espionage, virtual soldiers, and autonomous killer bots. The show taps into real-world fears and imagines a future where wars are fought with code, not just bullets.
But at its heart, this is still a spy thriller — with agents on the run, secret missions, hidden enemies, and betrayals.
Returning Heroes and New Faces
Familiar faces return — Farooq (Karan Tacker), Avinash (Muzammil Ibrahim), and Himmat Singh. New characters include Subramanyam, Himmat’s mentor (played by Prakash Raj), and a deadly new villain named Sudheer, played by Tahir Raj Bhasin. He’s calm, composed, and terrifyingly clever.
We also meet a new agent, Abhay Singh (Vikas Manaktala), who shines in limited screen time.
Drama Beyond Duty
The story isn’t just about threats to the nation. Himmat’s emotional bond with his daughter Pari adds a touch of vulnerability. She doesn’t know he’s not her real father. Himmat dreads the day she learns the truth — a subplot that gives the show emotional weight.
Meanwhile, Subramanyam asks Himmat to catch a billionaire scammer, Jignesh Dholakia, who has robbed him of his savings. So now, Himmat must fight cybercriminals and white-collar crooks.
Hits and Misses
What works:
Timely, bold theme of AI warfare
Strong performances by Kay Kay Menon, Karan Tacker, and Prakash Raj
Realistic international settings — Budapest, Georgia, Vienna, Delhi
A gripping villain in Sudheer
Emotional subplots that ground the story
What doesn’t:
Pacing dips at times
Too many subplots slow the momentum
Some characters deserved more screen time (like Saiyami Kher, Muzammil Ibrahim)
Execution doesn’t always match the ambition
Final Verdict
‘Special Ops 2’ is ambitious, topical, and thrilling, even when it falters slightly. It blends high-tech themes with human drama and classic spy action. The result is a binge-worthy ride that feels both real and urgent.
If you love spy thrillers with a modern twist, this season won’t disappoint.
