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 about.

From 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, compelling.

After 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 sinister.

Just 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 narrative.

Here's 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 show.

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 real.

Now, 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 point.

That 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.