Latest news with #SpecialOps'
Mint
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Himmat Singh's comeback in ‘Special Ops 2' excites Internet: ‘Kay Kay Menon doesn't play…. he lives him'
Kay Kay Menon, the versatile actor of 'Special Ops' is in the spotlight again after the second season premiered on JioHotstar on July 18. Essaying the role of intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) officer, Kay Kay Menon delivered powerful performance in the latest web series. Soon after Special Ops 2's release on OTT, Himmat Singh character started trending on social media. Netizens dropped a flurry of reactions online, praising the thriller series without missing out on the showstopper 'Himmat Singh.' A user wrote, 'You don't just play Himmat Singh, you become him — every pause, every stare, every calculated word speaks volumes. The dignity, the strength, the layered silence you bring to screen is nothing short of legendary.' Another user remarked, "Himmat singh taught me onething... "Anybody can be a father but it takes a special man to be a dad."" A third user stated, 'Most Underrated Actor in India.' A fourth comment read, "Himmat Singh, played by my favourite Kay Kay Sir, is my all-time favourite character in Indian cinema. Love and respect — 'kam hai par kaafi hai"." A fifth user said, 'Himmat Singh, played by KK Menon, has as always single handedly led Special Ops 2. Whenever he is on screen, you feel like you are sitting on the backseat of that car. The subdued dialogue delivery, and effortless aura. What a generational actor in his full glory in this show!' A sixth user reacted, 'Special Ops just keeps getting better. This season is sharper, more grounded and Himmat Singh is at his absolute best. No noise, no fluff—just raw intelligence and grit. This is why I pay for OTT.' A seventh user wrote, 'He (Kay Kay Menon) doesn't play Himmat Singh — he lives him. Every expression, every pause, every word hits different. This isn't acting… it's pure brilliance.' Neeraj Pandey and Shivam Nair directorial spy-thriller series is produced by Friday Storytellers. The first instalment of Special Ops debuted in 2020. Its sequel comes after a hiatus of 5 years featuring an ensemble cast, including Prakash Raj, Vinay Pathak, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Parmeet Sethi, and Kali Prasad Mukherjee. Expressing gratitude over the overwhelming response, Kay Kay Menon in a post on Instagram stated, 'Thank you, Team Special Ops - what a ride! Every moment on this one will be fondly remembered. And yes, Himmat's watch… couldn't take my eyes off it. It had its own fanbase. Big thanks to Neeraj Pandey for bringing this world to life again. Grateful to be a part of it.'
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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
New releases on OTT: When, where to watch new films, series this weekend
As the weekend draws near, it's time to refresh your binge-watch list. From thrillers and dramas to comedies and reality shows, OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Zee5, and Jiohotstar are all set to roll out a fresh slate of content. Whether you're into gripping spy sagas or lighthearted rom-coms, this week's releases promise something for everyone. One of the most awaited drops is the return of Special Ops with a brand-new season. Some of the most anticipated TV shows and films will be among the top releases, including Special Ops' comeback with a new season. So grab your popcorn - here's a curated list of what's new, what's hot, and where you can stream it all. • Release Date: July 18, 2025 • Genre: Drama, Thriller • Cast: Kay Kay Menon, Karan Tucker, Vinay Pathak, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Prakash Raj RAW Officer Himmat Singh, played by Kay Kay Menon, will return in Special Ops Season 2 to combat the cyber threat that circulates India's UPI infrastructure. To protect the nation from this cyber threat, his team of elite undercover agents will need to put up their best effort. The thrill and the stakes will be bigger this season. 2. The Bhootnii • Release Date: July 18, 2025 • OTT Platform: Z5 • Genre: Horror, Comedy • Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Singh, Mouny Roy, Palak Tiwari, Aasif Khan, Navneet Malik The Bhootnii, a horror comedy written and directed by Sidhaant Sachdev, centres around a tree which is said to grant love to anybody who prays and wishes under it. But when a student prays beneath the tree and draws a ghost, things take a crazy turn. They engage a famous baba to get rid of this possession. Will the ghost disappear? Watch this bizarre story of laughing, love, and fear. 3. Kuberaa • Release Date: July 18, 2025 • OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video • Genre: Crime, Drama • Cast: Dhanush, Rashmika Mandanna, Nagarjuna Kuberaa is a gripping drama that covers a variety of topics in one film, including conventions, expectations from society, avarice, and more. The film traces the incredible transformation of a beggar, reveals the greed, and culminates in a quest for redemption. But things are not always as they seem. 4. Bhairavam • Release Date: July 18, 2025 • OTT Platform: Z5 • Genre: Action, Drama The film Bhairavam is an action movie in Telugu about three childhood friends who remain close till the day their friendship is tested. Their relationship becomes entangled in land conflicts and political conspiracies when a corrupted minister targets the temple land they have been defending. The film is jam-packed with exciting action scenes and a solid plot. 5. Untamed • Release Date: July 18, 2025 • OTT Platform: Netflix • Genre: Mystery • Cast: Eric Bana, Sam Neil, Rosemarie DeWitt, Lily Santiago Untamed, a murder mystery Netflix series set in the isolated Yosemite National Park, will soon be available on your digital screens. The show centres on a National Park Service agent who looks into a woman's murder that was initially reported to be an accident. In addition, a new ranger joins him, and the two of them together reveal the National Park's dark secrets. 6. Vir Das: Fool Volume • Release Date: July 18, 2025 • OTT Platform: Netflix • Genre: Reality, Talk Show • Cast: Vir Das With Vir Das: Fool Volume, one of the most popular and Emmy-winning comedians, Vir Das, makes a comeback on Netflix. Given that Vir Das shot immediately after losing his voice, this season will be thought-provoking. He will stress the significance of mental sound above vocal sound. There will be a lot of eye-opening surprises, humour, and comedy. 7. The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 • Release date: July 16 • Genre: Romantic-Drama Belly continues to date Jeremiah as she begins her junior year of college. Conrad, meantime, is pursuing medical training. Jeremiah's actions during spring break caused problems with trust. Conrad's visit brings up memories.
India Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Sleepless nights, full heart: Karan Tacker on Special Ops 2, Tanvi releasing together
Today marks a significant milestone for actor Karan Tacker as he embraces a rare dual release, with the eagerly awaited second season of 'Special Ops' premiering online and 'Tanvi The Great' hitting cinemas. The actor reacted to having two releases on one day on Instagram and called it 'nerve-racking'.In 'Special Ops', Tacker returns as Farooq Ali, a RAW agent known for his sharp instincts. The series is currently streaming on JioHotstar, and has garnered a loyal audience who are eager to see his character continue the captivating journey begun in the first 'Tanvi The Great' features Tacker in a completely different light as Captain Samar Raina, an Indian Army officer. He plays Tanvi's father in the film. Reflecting on this unique career moment, Tacker shared his feelings in a video on Instagram. He said, "This is the first time in my career that I have two releases on the same day, and I don't know how to receive this. I'm extremely nervous and anxious because the roles are so contrasting, and they're on two completely different platforms - one is a film, the other is on OTT (JioCinema/Hotstar)." He further added, "While I'm excited that the audience hasn't seen me in a year and a half, and now they get to see a lot more of me, at the same time, the reactions have me constantly on my toes and are giving me a lot of sleepless nights. So here's to feeling a lot of gratitude and yeah, I can't wait."Special Ops 2 delves into AI-driven cyber warfare intertwined with classic spy drama. The season raises questions about technology's role in future conflicts and personal 'Tanvi: The Great', despite its ambitious emotional arc, drifts from its promising premise, says our review. It marks the acting debut of Shubhangi Dutt.- EndsYou May Also Like
India Today
5 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
India.com
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Special Ops 2 postponed: Kay Kay Menon's series will not release on July 11, here's when Himmat Singh will be returning on OTT
Now, the die-hard admirers of stellar actor Kay Kay Menon will have to wait a little longer for his most-awaited web series 'Special Ops Season 2'. Its release date has been extended. The first season and prequel of this series, of the actor who is seen in the role of RAW agent Himmat Singh, were well liked. Then excitement was seen about its second season, which is going to remain for a few more days. Let's know when this show, which was earlier coming on July 11, will come now. Is Special Ops Season 2 Postponed? 'Special Ops Season 2' has been extended by a week. Now it will stream on JioHotstar on July 18, not 11. Viewers will have to wait for 10 more days. This time in this series of action and thriller genres, the misuse of AI technology will be shown. Karan Tracker was seen in the trailer, who is making a comeback with this season. Like the first season released in 2020, Part 2 is also expected to be full of power, politics and action. Who Are In The Cast Of 'Special Ops 2? This series is helmed by Shivam Nair and apart from Kay Kay Menon, important actors like Prakash Raj, Vinay Pathak, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Karan Tacker, Saiyami Kher, Muzammil Ibrahim, Gautami Kapoor, Parmeet Sethi and Kali Prasad Mukherjee will be seen in it. In this series, Himmat Singh's conflict with all the characters will be seen. More About Special Ops Late in 2010, 'Baby' fame director-writer Neeraj Pandey eventually conceived the idea for the script, with Star Plus set to broadcast the series, which however did not materialize. He brought the project back in August 2019. Some scenes were recorded in Turkey, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Azerbaijan; shooting for the series took place in India. Advait Nemlekar created the background score while Sudheer Palsane, Arvind Singh and Praveen Kathikuloth oversaw the cinematography and editing. On March 17, 2020, 'Special Ops' was made available via Hotstar. Critics responded favorably to the series. Three of its eight nominations at the first Filmfare OTT Awards were also won. The series had evolved into a franchise under Pandey, the second venture, 'Special Ops: 1.5: The Himmat Story,' was released on November 12, 2021, which was a prequel of first season.
