Special Ops has established itself as one of India’s most remarkable spy-thriller series in the OTT space, captivating audiences with its gripping storyline, stellar performances, and real-world inspired plotlines. Created by acclaimed filmmaker Neeraj Pandey and co-directed by Shivam Nair, the series is produced under the banner of Friday Storytellers and is streaming on Disney+ Hotstar (now JioHotstar). At its heart, the show follows RAW officer Himmat Singh, played by Kay Kay Menon, who dedicates nearly two decades to tracking down a mysterious terrorist mastermind responsible for several attacks across India and abroad.
Season 1 (2020)
The series premiered in March 2020 and instantly set a new benchmark for Indian web content in the thriller genre. Set across multiple international locations, including Turkey, Jordan, UAE, and India, the show weaves a gripping narrative that unfolds through a mix of present-day investigations and flashbacks of covert operations. Himmat Singh’s relentless pursuit of justice, combined with a stellar supporting cast and realistic action sequences, made Season 1 an instant favorite among critics and viewers alike. Its taut screenplay, intelligent dialogues, and high production value gave audiences a taste of international-quality espionage drama.
Special Ops 1.5: The Himmat Story (2021)
Following the success of the first season, a prequel series titled Special Ops 1.5: The Himmat Story was released in November 2021. This four-episode mini-series focused on the early years of Himmat Singh’s journey in RAW, tracing how a young and passionate officer rose to become one of the most formidable intelligence agents in the country. With fast-paced storytelling, deeper emotional layers, and Kay Kay Menon’s powerhouse performance, the prequel received widespread acclaim and record-breaking viewership on its release day.
Season 2 (2025)
After a long wait, Season 2, often referred to as Special Ops 2.0, premiered in July 2025, introducing a modern twist to espionage. This time, Himmat Singh and his team face a highly sophisticated cyberterrorism threat aimed at crippling India’s financial infrastructure through an AI-driven UPI hacking plot. Alongside the action-packed sequences, the series explores themes of betrayal, moral dilemmas, and the heavy personal cost of serving one’s nation. With new characters joining the core team, the show expanded its universe while retaining its suspenseful, edge-of-the-seat storytelling style.
Legacy and Impact
Special Ops has redefined the Indian OTT thriller landscape with its smart, realistic, and emotionally charged portrayal of espionage. The series has been praised for its tight scripting, exceptional acting, breathtaking international settings, and Neeraj Pandey’s signature style of suspenseful storytelling. Kay Kay Menon’s portrayal of Himmat Singh remains one of the finest performances in Indian digital entertainment, making him a household name. The show’s success has paved the way for more high-quality, globally appealing spy thrillers from India, and fans eagerly await future seasons to continue the saga of Himmat Singh’s battles in the shadows.
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