Neeraj Pandey returns with ‘Special Ops 2.0’, the latest instalment in his espionage thriller franchise, set to stream on JioHotstar from July 18. Featuring the ever-reliable Kay Kay Menon as RAW officer Himmat Singh, the new season continues to unravel high-stakes covert missions backed by India’s intelligence services. Joining him are returning faces Karan Tacker, Saiyami Kher, Muzamil Ibrahim, Shikha Talsania, Vinay Pathak, Parmeet Sethi, and Kaliprasad Mukherjee, with fresh additions like Tahir Raj Bhasin—who slips into the antagonist’s shoes—and Prakash Raj in a crucial role.

While ‘Special Ops 2.0’ doesn’t quite match the sharpness and thrill of its predecessors, it still delivers a solid blend of suspense and action that makes it well worth your time.

Read our full review to find out what works, what doesn’t, and whether this new mission hits the mark.

Inside the mission:

Unlike the previous seasons that were about terrorist attacks, ‘Special Ops 2.0’ revolves around cyberwarfare. The story begins with the kidnapping of one of India’s most important scientists, Dr. Piyush Bhargav (Arif Zakaria), who is aware of the country’s nuclear secrets, and the killing of a top intelligence officer.

Post the fiasco, Himmat and his team are assigned the task to safely bring back Dr. Bhargav, despite not knowing where he has been taken, the objective behind the kidnapping, and with the identity of the kidnapper's mastermind still unknown.

While Himmat sends his blue-eyed boy, Farooq (Karan), on the mission, along with Ruhani (Shikha), his other two agents, Avinash (Muzamil) and Juhi (Saiyami), are sent on a different but unofficial mission to Dominica.

What follows is the team's attempt to crack both cases, and whether they succeed forms the core of the narrative.

Positives that stand out:

‘Special Ops 2.0’ is worth your time mainly for two reasons: Menon reprising his role as the ever-sharp Himmat, and creator-director Neeraj’s unmatched skill in espionage storytelling.

Menon, as always, delivers a quietly powerful performance, embodying the calm precision of an intelligence officer while also conveying the vulnerability of a father and the wisdom of a mentor. Every scene he appears in is a reminder of his remarkable craft and why he’s counted among the rare actors who completely disappear into their roles.

Neeraj, on the other hand, has delivered a thriller that runs high on patriotism and action, while also keeping the human emotions intact. He, along with his other two writers, Benazir Ali Fida and Deepak Kingrani, have made a series that gives an insight into the world of espionage.

Another factor that works in favour of the series is its action sequences. Although there is less action in this latest instalment, the hand combat scenes are quite a thrill to watch, especially those involving Karan and Saiyami. And to add to the pacing action is the cinematography, where the tracking shots heighten the tension, keeping you on the edge of your seat, and pulling you right into the heart of the action.

But most importantly, ‘Special Ops 2.0, ’ like its previous seasons, deserves credit for its casting. This series has brought together a team of actors who have truly brought each and every character to life.

When it comes to on-screen chemistry, two dynamics really stood out: Menon with Vinay as Himmat and Abbas, and Menon with Karan as Himmat and Farooq. The former captures a senior-junior equation laced with humour and genuine camaraderie, while the latter leans into a mentor-disciple bond, one that’s light-hearted at times but also layered with subtle shades of a father-son relationship.

And within these two on-screen dynamics, a scene each truly stood out for me. One is when Himmat asks Abbas if he’d like Tulsi green tea, but never actually serves him - a moment that speaks volumes through subtle humour. The other is when Himmat asks Farooq why he never bothered to ask if he loves Baklava. These seemingly simple exchanges amidst a tense environment, along with a few others, carry a quiet warmth and are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Weak spots in the espionage series:

Given the immense success of its two prequels - ‘Special Ops’ (2020) and ‘Special Ops 1.5: The Himmat Story’ (2021), there was high anticipation around ‘Special Ops 2.0’. However, the series fails to meet the expectations set by its predecessors. Yes, it’s a thrilling watch. But no, it isn’t on par with the previous seasons.

Co-directed by Neeraj and Shivam Nair, ‘Special Ops 2.0’ has less espionage and more family drama, which makes the viewer shift their concentration from the rescue operation to the dynamics inside Himmat’s family. While focus was given on his family in previous seasons too, in this latest series, you’ll see more of it, which kills the joy of watching an espionage thriller!

Another place where the series falters is the attempt of the writers to show a parallel story around 2018’s infamous Punjab National Bank scam. As a viewer, you will expect the story to connect with the scientist’s kidnapping; however, you’ll be left disappointed and with a thought - was it really needed to include this in the story?

Our final word:

Despite its shortcomings, ‘Special Ops 2.0’, backed by Friday Storytellers, is still worth a watch, particularly for its strong performances. While it may not match the intensity or finesse of its earlier seasons, it retains the core elements of a solid thriller, offering a compelling glimpse into the demanding world of intelligence agencies — one that calls for more than just patriotism and dedication.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars