Director:
Neeraj Pandey, Shivam Nair
Cast:
Kay Kay Menon, Vinay Pathak, Parmeet Sethi, Aftab Shivdasani, Gautami Gadgil, Adil Khan, Aishwarya Sushmita, Kali Prasad Mukherjee, Gautami Kapoor
What’s It About:
'Special Ops 1.5 The Himmat Story' revolves around the origins of its eponymous protagonist, long before he became a legend at RAW, and long before he spread his team of handpicked sleeper agents across the world to bring down Ikhlaq Khan, the secret sixth terrorist behind the 2001 parliament bombing and the unknown mastermind behind the majority of India's terror attacks.
Watch Trailer:
What’s Hot:
'Special Ops 1.5' is just as sharp, tight, engrossing, and exhilarating as the original season one. The way the two web series have been linked together with one another, that is probably the best part of this new season. Furthermore, the makers have strewn subtle touches of humour throughout the show with the dialogues and one-liners being so refreshing. They serve as a wonderful counterpoint to the ongoing heavy-duty spy work. And, with only four episodes, Neeraj Pandey once again employs his wits. He knows nicely that any origin story about just one character and not the entire spy network doesn't warrant an entire 8-19 episodic season. The plot as well isn't as high-stakes as its predecessor, season one. Acting-wise, Kay Kay Menon is just knocking it out of the park. Especially the final emotional scene. Also, Vinay Pathak, Adil Khan, Parmeet Sethi, and Kali Prasad Mukherjee are all absolutely apt in their parts. Smaller or bigger screen space doesn't matter, as they all came together as a unit to make the bigger picture look absolutely outstanding.
The surprise package, however, is the newcomer Aishwarya Sushmita. She is someone who perfectly personifies the seductive, vulnerable, and treacherous powers of a honey trap in the world of espionage.
On the technical aspects, the show is as well-researched and even better executed as any other Neeraj Pandey production. He ensures that he brings to light this style of spy content so well, that you as an audience just get into the story feeling like you're running alongside the protagonist all the while.
Lastly, the cool cameo at the end of season 1.5 gives all the fans of this series a much-needed glimpse of season 2 to come.
What’s Not:
The final episode ends on a rushed and flat note in comparison to the quality that came before it, especially when compared to the crackerjack finale of the first season of 'Special Ops'. Also, the final killing of the main antagonist could have been extended a bit more and not done in just a jiffy. Aftab Shivdasani also feels like he tries too hard to fit into his role, and his character is a dead giveaway of a major change that occurs in 'Special Ops' after his wife is introduced on the show. Also, the main conflict on which the mission is based could have been explored a little more thoroughly. Not to mention Kay Kay Menon's make-up to make him look younger, is not at all on point. Even though you don't want to notice it but it somehow just is in your face every time.
Verdict:
'Special Ops 1.5' is a raw gem in Neeraj Pandey's profile of spy thrillers. It may be slightly low than the first part, but it is deserving of every minute of your time for its taut script, sharp plot, engrossing screenplay and exhilarating performances by the entire cast. Besides his makeup, Kay Kay Menon didn't put a single foot wrong in the entire show and leads it from the front. Definitely a Must Watch.
Rating:
3.5 Stars
