Latest news with #KayKayMenon
News18
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Special Ops To Asur: 5 OTT Thrillers To Watch Before Mandala Murders
Let's dive into some of the most binge-worthy thrillers already on OTT ahead of Mandala Murders release All mystery thriller fans, mark your calendars as Mandala Murders is all set to release on July 25 on Netflix. The show promises a gripping blend of secrets, prophecies and murder mystery. Vaani Kapoor, who plays the lead role in the show, portrays detective Rhea Thomas. She teams up with Vikram Singh (played by Vaibhav Raj Gupta) to solve the mystery behind a string of murders. Joining her in the entertaining watch will be Surveen Chawla, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Siddhanth Kapoor and Raghubir Yadav, giving us all the reasons to binge-watch the show this week. Since the show is a few days away from release, let's dive into some of the most binge-worthy thrillers already on OTT before Mandala Murders. The Night Manager A remake of the British classic, this show on JioHotstar is a must-watch. Aditya Roy Kapur plays Shaan Sengupta, a former Navy officer turned hotel manager, who finds himself caught in the world of the arms trade after discovering a secret involving a powerful businessman, Shelly Rungta. Packed with twists, the series' season 2 is rumoured to be on the cards. Special Ops For an intense espionage thriller, watch Neeraj Pandey's show starring Kay Kay Menon in the lead role. As RAW agent Himmat Singh, hell-bent on tracking down the terrorist mastermind behind several attacks, Kay Kay Menon delivers an impressive performance. As for season 2, it shifts to cyber warfare, where Himmat confronts a dangerous businessman trying to control the economy. Asur In this one-of-a-kind series, murder meets mythology. The dark psychological thriller stars Arshad Warsi as Dhananjay Rajput, a forensic expert chasing a serial killer who believes himself to be a modern-day avatar of the demon Kali. It also stars Barun Sobti as Nikhil Nair, Anupriya Goenka, Ridhi Dogra and Sharib Hashmi in pivotal roles. The Family Man One of the most loved thrillers on Indian OTT, the espionage thriller is the perfect blend of action, suspense and emotion. Manoj Bajpayee plays Srikant Tiwari, a middle-class man secretly working for the Threat Analysis and Surveillance Cell (TASC), a special cell of the National Investigation Agency. He navigates the challenges of his high-pressure, low-paying job while trying to keep his family safe from the impact of his profession. Sacred Games A cult favourite for a reason, Sacred Games brings together gritty storytelling and powerful performances by the cast, including Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Kubbra Sait and others. Said plays a troubled cop chasing clues dropped by gangster Ganesh Gaitonde (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) as he warns of catastrophe ahead. view comments First Published: July 21, 2025, 15:01 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hans India
2 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.
India.com
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Who is this actress who played the role of doctor in Kay Kay Menon starrer Special Ops Season 2, was nominated for best actress in…, she is…
The latest series is generating a lot of buzz among OTT enthusiasts, particularly the new season of popular shows. Recently, Season 2 of Special Ops has hit the screens, and the performances of the well-known actors in it are receiving widespread acclaim. Kay Kay Menon has adeptly embodied his character, and viewers are enjoying the storyline as well. Today, we focus on the actress portraying Dr. Harminder Gill. Who is this actress? The actress we are talking about is Kamakshi Bhat, who has taken on the role of Doctor Haminder Gill in Special Ops Season 2. Those who tuned in to the series found her performance to be quite compelling. She is a hot topic on social media as well. Kamakshi Bhatt is an Indian actress based in Mumbai. She has starred as a lead actress in a short advertisement for Tanishq. Additionally, she received a nomination for the Best Actress Award at the Korean International Film Festival for her acclaimed film 'XO'. Her powerful acting in Special Ops Season 2 has captivated audiences. Is Kamakshi Bhat a fashionista? Absolutely! Kamakshi Bhat showcases stylish outfits in her everyday life. Her social media posts are well-received, and young girls often draw inspiration from her fashion sense. Whether in western attire or traditional Indian wear, Kamakshi looks stunning in every outfit. With her fitness and acting prowess, she has won the hearts of many. More about Special Ops 2 This web series explores the pros and cons of Artificial Intelligence. The narrative crafted by writers Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani, and Benazir Ali Fida highlights the potential threats that could spark a conflict between nations in the near future. While the story does not offer any solutions, it serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of cyber warfare for the nation. In addition to Kay Kay Menon and Kamakshi Bhatt, the series features Karan Tacker, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Prakash Raj, Muzammil Ibrahim, Arif Zakaria, Vinay Pathak, Saiyami Kher, Meher Vij, Gautami Kapoor, Shikha Talsania, Parmeet Sethi, Dalip Tahil, Kali Prasad Mukherjee, Tota Roy Chowdhury, and Revathi Pillai in significant roles.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Will there be Special Ops season 3? Here's what we know about Kay Kay Menon's show on JioHotstar
Will there be Special Ops season 3? Kay Kay Menon's Special Ops has emerged as one of India's most popular spy thrillers, especially following the intense developments in Season 2 on JioHotstar. Packed with suspense, cyber intrigue, and layered characters, the series has left fans anticipating a possible third season. Here's everything we know so far about whether the show will return. Will there be Special Ops season 3? While promoting Special Ops Season 2, director Neeraj Pandey confirmed in an interview with Filmibeat that a third season is being considered. Although JioHotstar has yet to officially greenlight the project, Pandey expressed optimism about raising the stakes in the upcoming chapter. He emphasized that the entire team has poured their full effort into the show and hopes viewers will enjoy the result. All you need to know about Special Ops Special Ops is a Hindi-language action-packed espionage thriller series. It is the brainchild of Neeraj Pandey, who not only created and directed the series but also produced it through his digital-focused banner, Friday Storytellers a part of his main production company. Shivam Nair contributed as the co-director. The show centers around Himmat Singh, played by Kay Kay Menon, a seasoned officer from India's intelligence agency, RAW (Research and Analysis Wing). Believing that one individual is behind several terror attacks in India, Himmat forms a secret team of five agents spread across the globe. Together, they work covertly to track down and capture the mastermind. With its gripping storyline, international settings, and realistic take on intelligence operations, Special Ops has captivated audiences and received widespread acclaim. Who all star in Special Ops season 2? Kay Kay Menon returns as Himmat Singh in Special Ops 2, alongside familiar faces like Karan Tacker, Vinay Pathak, Muzammil Ibrahim, Saiyami Kher, Gautami Kapoor, and Meher Vij. This season also welcomes new additions to the cast, with Prakash Raj joining the narrative and Tahir Raj Bhasin stepping in as the central antagonist. The cast is further bolstered by strong performances from Dilip Tahil, Parmeet Sethi, Kali Prasad Mukherjee, Arif Zakaria, Kamakshi Bhat, Shikha Talsania, and Vikkas Manaktala.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Special Ops 2' series review: Kay Kay Menon heads a middling mission
Matters of international relations easily lend themselves to fantastical imagination these days. More so now, as real-time events play out through amateur clips on social media before they can be confirmed by authorities. Special Ops 2appears to be a product of this time of keyboard expertise. Drawing inspiration from actual international crises, the series immediately takes on too much its plate and does too little to convince us that it can balance it all. In 2020, when the first instalment of Special Ops was released, it coincided with the countrywide lockdown. Maybe the sudden quarantine helped paper over some of its rather simplistic takes, and helped declare it a 'lockdown watch'. The latest instalment comes five years later, and just months after India's military conflict with Pakistan. Time has also passed for R&AW officer Himmat Singh (Kay Kay Menon), and the sequel opens to him masterminding the release of his agent from Nepal. His grand plan? The rescue is carried out by Pakistani boots on the ground, who help free this Indian agent from the hands of Chinese kidnappers. The show's intentions may be generously called ambitious, if not a bit comical. Special Ops 2 (Hindi) Creator: Neeraj Pandey Cast: Kay Kay Menon, Vinay Pathak, Karan Tacker, Vipul Gupta, Arif Zakaria, Tahir Raj Bhasin, and others Episodes: 7 Runtime: 40-45 minutes Storyline: With an eminent cybersecurity expert abducted, R&AW officer Himmat Singh must race against time to prevent a large scale cyberattack. Much like its opening sequence, the rest of the show condenses and oversimplifies complex diplomatic crises to fit them over seven days, playing out in seven episodes. Singh is soon tasked with bringing back an abducted Dr. Bhargava (Arif Zakaria), the country's foremost authority on cybersecurity, and solving the murder of a fellow agent. A successful prevention of a large-scale cyber attack emerges to be Singh's main goal this season, as the show fails to hide its obsession with this new breed of tech warfare. It may very well be quick and savvy, but it does little to inspire a thrilling chase or mind games; instead, it increasingly makes the show cut away to people furiously typing away at their laptops. ALSO READ: Kay Kay Menon interview: Viewers want the buffet, not one nutritious meal Singh also, unofficially, takes up the extraction of a fugitive businessman hiding out in some Caribbean Island after defrauding the company's banks. This plot, not particularly fitting in with the whole cyber-spy schtick, tends to run parallel as Himmat's team is sent to retrieve this man to avert a domestic terrorism incident – courtesy a cameo by Prakash Raj. All of this begs the question of just how Singh, and the showrunners, can handle these issues all at once. Well, the script answers this by handing him three phones, each of which he picks alternatively to coordinate an 'op'. Therein lies the problem for Special Ops; in its exercise of taking us deep into the nerve centre of R&AW, it takes us so far within that we are left waiting for phone calls to unravel the mystery. The show's eagerness to fit in so much plot, in such little time, has a domino effect on other metrics, including the acting performances. In the five years since Special Ops first released, Hindi cinema and television's obsession with spycraft has burgeoned to new heights and eerily similar scripts. Spies on television have historically, mostly, reflected the socio-political anxieties of the time. Often in Special Ops, Singh ends up cleaning the mess left behind by the political class with gritted teeth, swallowing down some choice curses. Yet, as he moves forward, he repeatedly defers to this abstract idea of 'Bharat' — divorced of any meaning and simply existing as a placeholder for his motives. The spies on our Hindi screens today, including the ones running around in Special Ops, end up reflecting their own lack of clarity. All episodes of Special Ops are available for streaming on JioHotstar
