Special Ops 2 stuns you with many possibilities of AI, dangers of cyber warfare through gripping narrative
In a world increasingly governed by algorithms and data, Special Ops 2 lets the audience inside a deep dark world of cyber warfare fuelled by artificial intelligence and human ingenuity. Neeraj Pandey’s latest instalment in the Special Ops universe goes beyond the language of espionage as we have seen and known so far.
"AI is the greatest tool humanity has ever created—but it may also be the most dangerous,” warns Professor Piyush Bhargava (played by Arif Zakaria) at a tech summit in Budapest. It's a line that sets the stage for this season, which is unputdownable for its compelling storytelling and fine delivery by an ensemble cast of top-notch actors.
This second season pivots boldly toward the future. The threat comes in the form of bots, codes, data leaks, in the face of high-stakes projects and missions.
Season 2 opens with two parallel crisis: a RAW officer is assassinated in Delhi, and Bhargava, the AI scientist, is abducted in Budapest. The goal now is to contain an emerging cyber-threat before it spirals into an international disaster and that's what each episode deep dives into.
But the real wildcard is Sudheer (Tahir Raj Bhasin)—a quiet, cultured man seemingly holed up in Georgia. He listens to Indian classical music and quotes poetry; he's a psychopath, with high levels of insecurities, yet, he's also the mastermind of a complex web of violence and manipulation. He orchestrates Bhargava’s kidnapping and the murder of RAW’s Vinod Shekhawat and comes across as a perfect cold blooded murderer.
Meanwhile, Himmat Singh (Kay Kay Menon) who steals the show with his immaculate attention to detail and a magnetic on-screen charm, leads the plot as the captain of the ship. His former mentor Subramanyam (Prakash Raj) resurfaces, devastated after losing his life savings to a scam by fugitive billionaire Jignesh Dholakia. Subramanyam gives Himmat an ultimatum: bring Dholakia back to India or face dire consequences. Menon brings an alluring authenticity to Himmat, such that one feels being a part of his journey as he goes about uncovering the truth. I watched this season in one go, through the night, because episodes are framed in a way that as one links to the next, you don't want to break the rhythm of what feels like one big Long film in motion.
A welcome new addition is Vikas Manaktala as Abhay Singh. Though his role is brief, he makes it count, bringing a brooding intensity. Visually, the show doesn’t hold back. From the snowy hills of Georgia to the cobbled lanes of Budapest, the production design is rich and immersive and the cinematography further adds to the experience. Dialogues are impactful and heavyweight, adding to the overall tonality of the show.
Where Special Ops 2 excels is in concept and craft. It’s ambitious, topical, and relevant. The pacing dips occasionally, but the larger picture always makes up for the shortcomings.
The series never entirely loses grip. Every episode comes with a hook and a suspense. There's loads of drama and quiet emotion too; there's music and masti and melodrama too. A touch of humour comes in the form of pointed and sharp sarcasm or even political satire. There’s always a ticking clock, a looming reveal, or a surprise double-cross around the corner.
Special Ops 2 is certainly formidable. For fans of high-concept thrillers who like their stories laced with emotion and edge, this one is worth the binge.
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