Special Ops 2 Review: The much-awaited Special Ops 2 dropped on JioHotstar on July 18, 2025, and it’s got everyone talking. Directed by Neeraj Pandey and Shivam Nair, this sequel to the 2020 espionage thriller brings back Kay Kay Menon as the sharp-witted RAW officer Himmat Singh. This time, the stakes are higher, with cyberterrorism and AI-driven threats taking center stage. As a fan of the first season, I dove into this one with high hopes, and while it delivers pulse-pounding moments, it doesn’t always hit the mark. Here’s my take on what works, what doesn’t, and why Special Ops 2 is still worth a watch.
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A Bold Leap into Cyber Warfare
Special Ops 2 swaps the traditional spy game for a modern battlefield—cyberspace. The story kicks off with a double punch: the kidnapping of AI scientist Dr. Piyush Bhargava (Arif Zakaria) in Budapest and the assassination of a RAW agent in Delhi. These events set Himmat Singh and his team on a mission to thwart a silent siege threatening India’s digital infrastructure, like UPI servers and national databases. The show’s focus on AI, cyber espionage, and “virtual soldiers” feels timely, tapping into real-world fears about technology’s double-edged sword. It’s refreshing to see an Indian series tackle such a relevant issue, moving away from clichéd terrorist plots to something more contemporary. However, the narrative sometimes gets lost in its ambition, juggling too many subplots that dilute the tension.
Kay Kay Menon Steals the Show
Let’s talk about the heart of Special Ops 2—Kay Kay Menon. His portrayal of Himmat Singh is nothing short of magnetic. Menon brings a stoic intensity to the role, balancing wit, intelligence, and subtle emotional depth. Whether he’s delivering sharp one-liners like “Ye sab mujhe kal batana” or navigating personal struggles, he anchors the show effortlessly. A standout moment is when he shifts from a tender scene with his daughter to hardcore spy mode in seconds—it’s a masterclass in acting. The supporting cast, including Karan Tacker, Saiyami Kher, and Vinay Pathak, delivers solid performances, but Tahir Raj Bhasin as the suave antagonist Sudheer shines brightly. His chilling yet sophisticated villain adds a fresh dynamic, though his arc could’ve been fleshed out more.
Hits and Misses in Storytelling
The writing, by Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani, and Benazir Ali Fida, is both a strength and a weakness. The pacing is relentless, with seven episodes packed with globe-trotting missions across Hungary, Dominica, and Greece. The dialogue is sharp, and the cinematography by Arvind Singh and Dimo Popov is stunning, capturing the scale of the operations. Yet, the show stumbles with its sprawling subplots. For instance, a banking scam involving characters like Mr. Chaddha (Parmeet Sethi) feels undercooked and detracts from the main plot. The action sequences, while slick, sometimes feel forced, lacking the raw grit of the first season. Fans expecting the non-stop intensity of Special Ops might find the slow start and occasional narrative clutter frustrating, but the gripping climax makes up for it.
A Worthy Sequel with Room to Grow
Despite its flaws, Special Ops 2 is a compelling watch. It’s not as tight as the first season, but it raises the stakes with its tech-driven premise and stellar performances. The show’s exploration of cyber warfare and Himmat’s personal sacrifices adds depth, though it could’ve leaned harder into the espionage thrill rather than family drama. Social media is buzzing with praise for Menon’s performance, with some calling it a “goosebumps-inducing masterpiece,” while others feel the plot lacks freshness. For me, it’s a thrilling ride that stumbles but doesn’t fall. If you’re into espionage dramas with a modern twist, this one’s worth binging—just don’t expect perfection. Here’s hoping season three tightens the screws and brings back more of that raw spy energy.