Special Ops (Indian TV series)

Updated: 12/10/2025, 5:42:23 PM Wikipedia source

Special Ops is an Indian Hindi-language action espionage thriller series for Hotstar Specials created and directed by Neeraj Pandey, with Shivam Nair serving the credits for co-direction. Pandey also produced the series under his Friday Storytellers, a division of his production house, for providing content to the digital medium. It stars Kay Kay Menon as Himmat Singh, a member of Research and Analysis Wing, forms a team of five agents, in order to track down a person, who is the mastermind of the terror attacks which took place in India. Neeraj Pandey eventually conceptualised the idea of the script in late 2010, with the series eventually scheduled to be aired on Star Plus, which however did not materialise. He later revived the project in August 2019. Shooting of the series took place in India, and some scenes were filmed in Turkey, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Azerbaijan. The cinematography and editing were handled by Sudheer Palsane, Arvind Singh and Praveen Kathikuloth, whereas Advait Nemlekar composed the background score. Special OPS was released through Hotstar on 17 March 2020. The series received positive response from critics. It also received eight nominations at the inaugural Filmfare OTT Awards, winning three of them. Pandey had transformed the series into a franchise, with the second instalment Special Ops 1.5: The Himmat Story released on 12 November 2021. The second season was released on 18 July 2025.

Infobox

Genre

ActionEspionage Thriller

Created by

mw- Neeraj Pandey

Written by

Neeraj PandeyDeepak KingraniBenazir Ali Fida

Directed by

Neeraj PandeyShivam Nair

Starring

Kay Kay Menon Vinay Pathak Karan Tacker Vipul Gupta Muzamil Ibrahim Meher Vij Saiyami Kher Divya Dutta Revathi Pillai Sajjad Delafrooz

Composer

Advait Nemlekar

Country of origin

India

Original language

Hindi

No. of seasons

No. of episodes

Producer

Shital Bhatia

Production locations

IndiaTurkeyAzerbaijanJordan

Cinematography

Sudheer PalsaneArvind SinghDimo Popov

Editor

Praveen Kathikuloth

Running time

44–55 min

Production company

Friday Storytellers

Network

Disney Hotstar

Release

17 March 2020 (2020-03-17) –present

Tables

· Cast › Main

Himmat Singh

Character

Himmat Singh

Portrayed by

Kay Kay Menon

Season 1

Main

Farooq Ali / Amjad Sharif / Rashid Malik

Character

Farooq Ali / Amjad Sharif / Rashid Malik

Portrayed by

Karan Tacker

Season 1

Main

SI Abbas Sheikh

Character

SI Abbas Sheikh

Portrayed by

Vinay Pathak

Season 1

Main

Avinash

Character

Avinash

Portrayed by

Muzammil Ibrahim

Season 1

Main

Juhi Kashyap

Character

Juhi Kashyap

Portrayed by

Saiyami Kher

Season 1

Main

Balakrishna "Bala" Reddy

Character

Balakrishna "Bala" Reddy

Portrayed by

Vipul Gupta

Season 1

Main

Ruhani Sayyed

Character

Ruhani Sayyed

Portrayed by

Meher Vij (Season 1)Shikha Talsania (Season 2)

Season 1

Main

Saroj

Character

Saroj

Portrayed by

Gautami Kapoor

Season 1

Main

Pari

Character

Pari

Portrayed by

Revathi Pillai

Season 1

Main

Hafiz Ali / Ikhlaq Khan

Character

Hafiz Ali / Ikhlaq Khan

Portrayed by

Sajjad Delafrooz

Season 1

Main

Subramanyam

Character

Subramanyam

Portrayed by

Prakash Raj

Season 2

Main

Sudheer Awasthi / The Collector

Character

Sudheer Awasthi / The Collector

Portrayed by

Tahir Raj Bhasin

Season 2

Main

Ismail Hassan

Character

Ismail Hassan

Portrayed by

Rajat Kaul

Season 1

Main

Sonya

Character

Sonya

Portrayed by

Sana Khan

Season 1

Main

Dr. Piyush Bhargava

Character

Dr. Piyush Bhargava

Portrayed by

Arif Zakaria

Season 2

Main

Naresh Chaddha

Character

Naresh Chaddha

Portrayed by

Parmeet Sethi

Season 1

Main

D.K. Bannerjee

Character

D.K. Bannerjee

Portrayed by

Kali Prasad Mukherjee

Season 1

Main

Virendra Bakshi

Character

Virendra Bakshi

Portrayed by

Dalip Tahil

Season 2

Main

Vinod Shekhawat

Character

Vinod Shekhawat

Portrayed by

Tota Roy Chowdhury

Season 2

Main

Dr. Harminder Gill

Character

Dr. Harminder Gill

Portrayed by

Kamakshi Bhatt

Season 2

Main

Abhay Singh

Character

Abhay Singh

Portrayed by

Vikkas Manaktala

Season 2

Main

Vijay Kumar

Character

Vijay Kumar

Portrayed by

Aftab Shivdasani

Season 1

Main

Character	Portrayed by	Season 1	Season 2
Himmat Singh	Kay Kay Menon	Main
Farooq Ali / Amjad Sharif / Rashid Malik	Karan Tacker	Main
SI Abbas Sheikh	Vinay Pathak	Main
Avinash	Muzammil Ibrahim	Main
Juhi Kashyap	Saiyami Kher	Main
Balakrishna "Bala" Reddy	Vipul Gupta	Main
Ruhani Sayyed	Meher Vij (Season 1)Shikha Talsania (Season 2)	Main
Saroj	Gautami Kapoor	Main
Pari	Revathi Pillai	Main
Hafiz Ali / Ikhlaq Khan	Sajjad Delafrooz	Main
Subramanyam	Prakash Raj		Main
Sudheer Awasthi / The Collector	Tahir Raj Bhasin		Main
Ismail Hassan	Rajat Kaul	Main
Sonya	Sana Khan	Main
Dr. Piyush Bhargava	Arif Zakaria		Main
Naresh Chaddha	Parmeet Sethi	Main
Bannerjee	Kali Prasad Mukherjee	Main
Virendra Bakshi	Dalip Tahil		Main
Vinod Shekhawat	Tota Roy Chowdhury		Main
Dr. Harminder Gill	Kamakshi Bhatt		Main
Abhay Singh	Vikkas Manaktala		Main
Vijay Kumar	Aftab Shivdasani	Main

First released

Series

First released

Episodes

Last released

Series

Episodes

17 March 2020 (2020-03-17)

Originally released

17 March 2020 (2020-03-17)

Series

Episodes

18 July 2025 (2025-07-18)

Originally released

18 July 2025 (2025-07-18)

Series	Episodes	Originally released
		First released	Last released
1	8	17 March 2020 (2020-03-17)	17 March 2020 (2020-03-17)
2	7	18 July 2025 (2025-07-18)	18 July 2025 (2025-07-18)

· Episodes › Season 1 (2020)

No.

Title

"Kaagaz Ke Phool"

Directed by

Shivam Nair

Written by

Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani & Benazir Ali Fida

Original release date

17 March 2020 (2020-03-17)

In 2001, five terrorists in a dilapidated house attack the Parliament of India and die during the attack. In the present day, Himmat Singh attends the RAW audit meeting to explain "miscellaneous" expenses of 28 crores incurred in the last 11 years, on the Middle-East desk. He explains that he had planted agents in five countries and those funds were utilised for their needs but he refuses to reveal their identities. Later his superiors ask him about his theory on 2001 Parliament attack in which he was a part of the investigations. Himmat finds the shop name in the dry fruits packets the terrorists were carrying and asks Abbas to investigate, from which he finds out that the sixth guy who bought the dry fruits was living near a mosque. Himmat and Abbas reach to the place and start searching, they notice smoke coming out of the window as the sixth guy burns all his things and escapes. As they reach the house Himmat finds his Pakistani passport which was half burnt with no details. Farooq (Karan) calls Himmat and informs that he found Ikhlaq Khan in UAE.

No.

Title

"Guide"

Directed by

Neeraj Pandey

Written by

Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani & Benazir Ali Fida

Original release date

17 March 2020 (2020-03-17)

Farooq suspects about Ikhlaq khan and informs Himmat. And spents time with Soniya. Flashback shows that in 2004, Himmat meets Farooq who then was a student. Back in present in the investigation Himmat told he got an intel about 26/11 terror attack and sent to investigate kasab. There he believed that Ikhlaq khan is connected with that terror attack too. With the help of his team he operates "Operation Smiley" with Farooq leads the charge, they captured Ikhlaq khan's right-hand man Wasim Karachiwala from Dubai.

No.

Title

"Mughal-E-Azam"

Directed by

Shivam Nair

Written by

Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani & Benazir Ali Fida

Original release date

17 March 2020 (2020-03-17)

Telecom Minister, Sujata Thapar appoints Abbas to keep an eye on Himmat. At investigation Himmat reveals that in 2008 upon killing Wasim Karachiwala Farooq decides to stay back in UAE. In 2012 he got to Illiyas Hassan, who was the driver of Wasim. From him he learnt about Ismail Hassan a business tycoon, who invests Hafiz Ali's money in market to fund terrorist organisations. Farooq as Amjad tries to get closer to Ismail. Hafiz executes Ismail's younger brother Abu. Meanwhile Himmat is ambushed while returning from the inquiry.

No.

Title

"Hum Kisi Se Kam Nahi"

Directed by

Neeraj Pandey

Written by

Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani & Benazir Ali Fida

Original release date

17 March 2020 (2020-03-17)

Himmat survived the attack with minor injuries. Four assets and four tasks. Himmat's team is challenged to test their mettle and see if they are ready for the storm coming their way. Hafiz got a tip about Himmat. Farooq getting closer to Hafiz. Himmat causes a bomb blast in Rawalpindi and blames Jamaat to freeze their funds and assets.

No.

Title

"Chaudvin Ka Chand"

Directed by

Shivam Nair

Written by

Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani & Benazir Ali Fida

Original release date

17 March 2020 (2020-03-17)

During the Heated Argument for the funds of Operation Himmat brings the name of Telecom Minister for a 250cr. scam. Himmat hints a possible bomb blast in Delhi.Farooq's long wait comes to an end and he's face-to-face with Hafiz. Saroj informs Abbas that Himmat's life is in danger. Abbas learns that Telecom Minister is behind the attack on Himmat and warns her. Farooq poses as Rashid in front of Hafiz and agrees to help him on his deal. Farooq senses Ikhlaq khan will be on the deal so, Baku is added to the Special Ops map and new players are revealed. A woman in delhi is shown with a suicide bomber jacket as Himmat hints a possible bomb blast.

No.

Title

"Qurbani"

Directed by

Neeraj Pandey

Written by

Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani & Benazir Ali Fida

Original release date

17 March 2020 (2020-03-17)

Hafiz, Ismail, Farooq reaches the oil fields. Himmat's team reaches Baku, assisted by Kemaal devised a strategy to eliminate Ikhlaq khan. Avinash and Juhi sets out to complete the task but, Ikhlaq does not comes out of the car, signs the deal and leaves. Himmat has no choice but to abort the mission. Himmat decides abduct Hafiz and orders his team the same. Due to absence in the inquiry, Himmat's funds are frozen by Chaddha and Banerjee. Meanwhile in the wedding the team attempts to abduct Hafiz. But, the attempt foiled as Hafiz kills Bala.

No.

Title

"Shatranj Ke Khiladi"

Directed by

Shivam Nair

Written by

Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani & Benazir Ali Fida

Original release date

17 March 2020 (2020-03-17)

Bala is killed and due to suspicion the rest of the team forced to leave to their locations. Abbas finds a link about Ikhlaq khan captures the person and informs Himmat. Hafiz smells a mole and suspects Farooq. It was revealed that Jamaat is planning the bomb blast in Delhi. Farooq finds a pawn to survive another day. Himmat meets special IB officer Surya kumar. He was incharge of delegation of defence minister from Islamabad. Himmat shares his bomb blast hint about Surya. Surya agrees to help Himmat. Farooq requests Himmat to take one more shot at Hafiz as he leaves for Islamabad in 24 hours. Himmat assembled remaining team to complete the mission. Farooq tricks Ismail and ambushed in the mall, Soniya is killed in the process. Russians abducts Kemaal and investigates, as per Himmat's instructions Kemaal takes Ismail's name hence Hafiz thought Ismail was the mole. Farooq saves Ismail from that ambush. Where Ismail reveals about the blast in Delhi. And that mystery woman is none other than Hafiz's wife Sadiya, she would complete the blast. And she along with her sister discuss about jihad.

No.

Title

"Sholay"

Directed by

Neeraj Pandey

Written by

Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani & Benazir Ali Fida

Original release date

17 March 2020 (2020-03-17)

Ismail mentions Ikhlaq khan to Farooq, He shifts Ismail to a safe house. Farooq passed the information to Himmat. In the flashback, it was revealed that Sadia and her sister Farah were victims of 2013 Muzaffarnagar Hindu Muslim riots. Himmat investigates Abbas' link Habib, he identifies Hafiz as Ikhlaq khan and Sadia is Ikhlaq's wife. Habib found Sadia in the refugee camp and hands over to Jamaat. Where Jamaat would use her as a suicide bomber. Farooq soon realises Ikhlaq and Hafiz are the same person. Ikhlaq invites Farooq to Islamabad. Ravinder killed Ismail, Bakhtiyar is still in investigation. Himmat coarced Chaddha to arrange the fund for the final task. Sadia, Farah are in the spot, Pakistan Minister's chief security Mansoor helps Farah to go through the hall. Himmat and team assembles for the task. Farooq and lkhlaq out for Islamabad. On the way Bakhtiyar informs Ikhlaq about Farooq's real identity and executes Ravinder. Avinash and Ruhani ambushed Ikhlaq and killed all the securities. Himmat confronts Ikhlaq khan, Farooq killed Ikhlaq. From his phone the team recovered Sadia and Farah. Surya learns Mansoor helping cause the blast, shots Mansoor dead. Himmat immediately informs Surya, he found Sadia and Farah, quickly separated from the crowd, found that they did not wear any bomber jacket. The talk goes as per schedule. And in the credit it was shown that Soniya is alive.

No.

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original release date
1	"Kaagaz Ke Phool"	Shivam Nair	Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani & Benazir Ali Fida	17 March 2020 (2020-03-17)
In 2001, five terrorists in a dilapidated house attack the Parliament of India and die during the attack. In the present day, Himmat Singh attends the RAW audit meeting to explain "miscellaneous" expenses of 28 crores incurred in the last 11 years, on the Middle-East desk. He explains that he had planted agents in five countries and those funds were utilised for their needs but he refuses to reveal their identities. Later his superiors ask him about his theory on 2001 Parliament attack in which he was a part of the investigations. Himmat finds the shop name in the dry fruits packets the terrorists were carrying and asks Abbas to investigate, from which he finds out that the sixth guy who bought the dry fruits was living near a mosque. Himmat and Abbas reach to the place and start searching, they notice smoke coming out of the window as the sixth guy burns all his things and escapes. As they reach the house Himmat finds his Pakistani passport which was half burnt with no details. Farooq (Karan) calls Himmat and informs that he found Ikhlaq Khan in UAE.
2	"Guide"	Neeraj Pandey	Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani & Benazir Ali Fida	17 March 2020 (2020-03-17)
Farooq suspects about Ikhlaq khan and informs Himmat. And spents time with Soniya. Flashback shows that in 2004, Himmat meets Farooq who then was a student. Back in present in the investigation Himmat told he got an intel about 26/11 terror attack and sent to investigate kasab. There he believed that Ikhlaq khan is connected with that terror attack too. With the help of his team he operates "Operation Smiley" with Farooq leads the charge, they captured Ikhlaq khan's right-hand man Wasim Karachiwala from Dubai.
3	"Mughal-E-Azam"	Shivam Nair	Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani & Benazir Ali Fida	17 March 2020 (2020-03-17)
Telecom Minister, Sujata Thapar appoints Abbas to keep an eye on Himmat. At investigation Himmat reveals that in 2008 upon killing Wasim Karachiwala Farooq decides to stay back in UAE. In 2012 he got to Illiyas Hassan, who was the driver of Wasim. From him he learnt about Ismail Hassan a business tycoon, who invests Hafiz Ali's money in market to fund terrorist organisations. Farooq as Amjad tries to get closer to Ismail. Hafiz executes Ismail's younger brother Abu. Meanwhile Himmat is ambushed while returning from the inquiry.
4	"Hum Kisi Se Kam Nahi"	Neeraj Pandey	Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani & Benazir Ali Fida	17 March 2020 (2020-03-17)
Himmat survived the attack with minor injuries. Four assets and four tasks. Himmat's team is challenged to test their mettle and see if they are ready for the storm coming their way. Hafiz got a tip about Himmat. Farooq getting closer to Hafiz. Himmat causes a bomb blast in Rawalpindi and blames Jamaat to freeze their funds and assets.
5	"Chaudvin Ka Chand"	Shivam Nair	Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani & Benazir Ali Fida	17 March 2020 (2020-03-17)
During the Heated Argument for the funds of Operation Himmat brings the name of Telecom Minister for a 250cr. scam. Himmat hints a possible bomb blast in Delhi.Farooq's long wait comes to an end and he's face-to-face with Hafiz. Saroj informs Abbas that Himmat's life is in danger. Abbas learns that Telecom Minister is behind the attack on Himmat and warns her. Farooq poses as Rashid in front of Hafiz and agrees to help him on his deal. Farooq senses Ikhlaq khan will be on the deal so, Baku is added to the Special Ops map and new players are revealed. A woman in delhi is shown with a suicide bomber jacket as Himmat hints a possible bomb blast.
6	"Qurbani"	Neeraj Pandey	Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani & Benazir Ali Fida	17 March 2020 (2020-03-17)
Hafiz, Ismail, Farooq reaches the oil fields. Himmat's team reaches Baku, assisted by Kemaal devised a strategy to eliminate Ikhlaq khan. Avinash and Juhi sets out to complete the task but, Ikhlaq does not comes out of the car, signs the deal and leaves. Himmat has no choice but to abort the mission. Himmat decides abduct Hafiz and orders his team the same. Due to absence in the inquiry, Himmat's funds are frozen by Chaddha and Banerjee. Meanwhile in the wedding the team attempts to abduct Hafiz. But, the attempt foiled as Hafiz kills Bala.
7	"Shatranj Ke Khiladi"	Shivam Nair	Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani & Benazir Ali Fida	17 March 2020 (2020-03-17)
Bala is killed and due to suspicion the rest of the team forced to leave to their locations. Abbas finds a link about Ikhlaq khan captures the person and informs Himmat. Hafiz smells a mole and suspects Farooq. It was revealed that Jamaat is planning the bomb blast in Delhi. Farooq finds a pawn to survive another day. Himmat meets special IB officer Surya kumar. He was incharge of delegation of defence minister from Islamabad. Himmat shares his bomb blast hint about Surya. Surya agrees to help Himmat. Farooq requests Himmat to take one more shot at Hafiz as he leaves for Islamabad in 24 hours. Himmat assembled remaining team to complete the mission. Farooq tricks Ismail and ambushed in the mall, Soniya is killed in the process. Russians abducts Kemaal and investigates, as per Himmat's instructions Kemaal takes Ismail's name hence Hafiz thought Ismail was the mole. Farooq saves Ismail from that ambush. Where Ismail reveals about the blast in Delhi. And that mystery woman is none other than Hafiz's wife Sadiya, she would complete the blast. And she along with her sister discuss about jihad.
8	"Sholay"	Neeraj Pandey	Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani & Benazir Ali Fida	17 March 2020 (2020-03-17)
Ismail mentions Ikhlaq khan to Farooq, He shifts Ismail to a safe house. Farooq passed the information to Himmat. In the flashback, it was revealed that Sadia and her sister Farah were victims of 2013 Muzaffarnagar Hindu Muslim riots. Himmat investigates Abbas' link Habib, he identifies Hafiz as Ikhlaq khan and Sadia is Ikhlaq's wife. Habib found Sadia in the refugee camp and hands over to Jamaat. Where Jamaat would use her as a suicide bomber. Farooq soon realises Ikhlaq and Hafiz are the same person. Ikhlaq invites Farooq to Islamabad. Ravinder killed Ismail, Bakhtiyar is still in investigation. Himmat coarced Chaddha to arrange the fund for the final task. Sadia, Farah are in the spot, Pakistan Minister's chief security Mansoor helps Farah to go through the hall. Himmat and team assembles for the task. Farooq and lkhlaq out for Islamabad. On the way Bakhtiyar informs Ikhlaq about Farooq's real identity and executes Ravinder. Avinash and Ruhani ambushed Ikhlaq and killed all the securities. Himmat confronts Ikhlaq khan, Farooq killed Ikhlaq. From his phone the team recovered Sadia and Farah. Surya learns Mansoor helping cause the blast, shots Mansoor dead. Himmat immediately informs Surya, he found Sadia and Farah, quickly separated from the crowd, found that they did not wear any bomber jacket. The talk goes as per schedule. And in the credit it was shown that Soniya is alive.

· Episodes › Season 2 (2025)

No.

Title

"Friday"

Directed by

Neeraj Pandey

Written by

Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani and Benazir Ali Fida

Original release date

18 July 2025 (2025-07-18)

Al scientist Dr Bhargav's abduction from a tech summit and a senior R&AW officer's killing in Delhi push Himmat Singh to realise the beginning of a silent war.

No.

Al scientist Dr Bhargav's abduction from a tech summit and a senior R&AW officer's killing in Delhi push Himmat Singh to realise the beginning of a silent war.

No.

Title

"Saturday"

Directed by

Shivam Nair

Written by

Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani and Benazir Ali Fida

Original release date

18 July 2025 (2025-07-18)

Probing Chaddha and Banerjee, Himmat learns about Shekhawat's mission. Subramanyam pressures Himmat to grab a bank defaulter. Farooq goes to Athens to locate another Al scientist.

No.

Probing Chaddha and Banerjee, Himmat learns about Shekhawat's mission. Subramanyam pressures Himmat to grab a bank defaulter. Farooq goes to Athens to locate another Al scientist.

No.

Title

"Sunday"

Directed by

Neeraj Pandey

Written by

Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani and Benazir Ali Fida

Original release date

18 July 2025 (2025-07-18)

Avinash finds a critical lead in Budapest. Himmat learns that the attacks are part of a covert cyber war by China and a larger digital offensive designed to destabilise India.

No.

Avinash finds a critical lead in Budapest. Himmat learns that the attacks are part of a covert cyber war by China and a larger digital offensive designed to destabilise India.

No.

Title

"Monday"

Directed by

Shivam Nair

Written by

Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani and Benazir Ali Fida

Original release date

18 July 2025 (2025-07-18)

Avinash and Juhi head to Dominica to trace Jignesh Dholakia, who Subramanyam wants arrested at any cost. Meanwhile, Himmat's daughter, Pari, finds long-buried secrets.

No.

Avinash and Juhi head to Dominica to trace Jignesh Dholakia, who Subramanyam wants arrested at any cost. Meanwhile, Himmat's daughter, Pari, finds long-buried secrets.

No.

Title

"Tuesday"

Directed by

Neeraj Pandey

Written by

Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani and Benazir Ali Fida

Original release date

18 July 2025 (2025-07-18)

As the web tightens, Himmat suspects a mole within, which leads him to the Collector. Meanwhile, Abbas is tasked with digging into Subramanyam.

No.

As the web tightens, Himmat suspects a mole within, which leads him to the Collector. Meanwhile, Abbas is tasked with digging into Subramanyam.

No.

Title

"Wednesday"

Directed by

Shivam Nair

Written by

Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani and Benazir Ali Fida

Original release date

18 July 2025 (2025-07-18)

Himmat pieces together the identity of Sudheer Awasthi, who is pulling the strings of the imminent cyber warfare. Later, he finds the mole leaking internal information.

No.

Himmat pieces together the identity of Sudheer Awasthi, who is pulling the strings of the imminent cyber warfare. Later, he finds the mole leaking internal information.

No.

Title

"Thursday"

Directed by

Neeraj Pandey

Written by

Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani and Benazir Ali Fida

Original release date

18 July 2025 (2025-07-18)

With the clock ticking and the nation hanging by a thread, Himmat and his core squad brace themselves before Sudheer's final phase goes live with the help of Dr Bhargav.

No.

With the clock ticking and the nation hanging by a thread, Himmat and his core squad brace themselves before Sudheer's final phase goes live with the help of Dr Bhargav.

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original release date
1	"Friday"	Neeraj Pandey	Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani and Benazir Ali Fida	18 July 2025 (2025-07-18)
Al scientist Dr Bhargav's abduction from a tech summit and a senior R&AW officer's killing in Delhi push Himmat Singh to realise the beginning of a silent war.
2	"Saturday"	Shivam Nair	Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani and Benazir Ali Fida	18 July 2025 (2025-07-18)
Probing Chaddha and Banerjee, Himmat learns about Shekhawat's mission. Subramanyam pressures Himmat to grab a bank defaulter. Farooq goes to Athens to locate another Al scientist.
3	"Sunday"	Neeraj Pandey	Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani and Benazir Ali Fida	18 July 2025 (2025-07-18)
Avinash finds a critical lead in Budapest. Himmat learns that the attacks are part of a covert cyber war by China and a larger digital offensive designed to destabilise India.
4	"Monday"	Shivam Nair	Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani and Benazir Ali Fida	18 July 2025 (2025-07-18)
Avinash and Juhi head to Dominica to trace Jignesh Dholakia, who Subramanyam wants arrested at any cost. Meanwhile, Himmat's daughter, Pari, finds long-buried secrets.
5	"Tuesday"	Neeraj Pandey	Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani and Benazir Ali Fida	18 July 2025 (2025-07-18)
As the web tightens, Himmat suspects a mole within, which leads him to the Collector. Meanwhile, Abbas is tasked with digging into Subramanyam.
6	"Wednesday"	Shivam Nair	Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani and Benazir Ali Fida	18 July 2025 (2025-07-18)
Himmat pieces together the identity of Sudheer Awasthi, who is pulling the strings of the imminent cyber warfare. Later, he finds the mole leaking internal information.
7	"Thursday"	Neeraj Pandey	Neeraj Pandey, Deepak Kingrani and Benazir Ali Fida	18 July 2025 (2025-07-18)
With the clock ticking and the nation hanging by a thread, Himmat and his core squad brace themselves before Sudheer's final phase goes live with the help of Dr Bhargav.

· Reception › Accolades

Filmfare OTT Awards

Award

Filmfare OTT Awards

Date of ceremony

19 December 2020

Category

Best Drama Series

Nominee

Special OPS

Result

Nominated

Best Director (Drama)

Award

Best Director (Drama)

Date of ceremony

Neeraj Pandey and Shivam Nair

Category

Nominated

Best Actor (Drama)

Award

Best Actor (Drama)

Date of ceremony

Kay Kay Menon

Category

Nominated

Best Supporting Actress (Drama)

Award

Best Supporting Actress (Drama)

Date of ceremony

Divya Dutta

Category

Won

Best Background Score

Award

Best Background Score

Date of ceremony

Advait Nemlekar

Category

Nominated

Best Original Soundtrack

Award

Best Original Soundtrack

Date of ceremony

Won

Best Art Direction

Award

Best Art Direction

Date of ceremony

Sandeep Sharad Ravade

Category

Nominated

Best Costume Designer

Award

Best Costume Designer

Date of ceremony

Falguni Thakore

Category

Nominated

Best Editor

Award

Best Editor

Date of ceremony

Praveen Kathikuloth

Category

Won

Award	Date of ceremony	Category	Nominee	Result	Ref.
Filmfare OTT Awards	19 December 2020	Best Drama Series	Special OPS	Nominated
		Best Director (Drama)	Neeraj Pandey and Shivam Nair	Nominated
		Best Actor (Drama)	Kay Kay Menon	Nominated
		Best Supporting Actress (Drama)	Divya Dutta	Won
		Best Background Score	Advait Nemlekar	Nominated
		Best Original Soundtrack	Advait Nemlekar	Won
		Best Art Direction	Sandeep Sharad Ravade	Nominated
		Best Costume Designer	Falguni Thakore	Nominated
		Best Editor	Praveen Kathikuloth	Won

References

The Hans India
https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/bollywood/hotstar-specials-and-neeraj-pandey-come-together-for-special-ops-606368
India Today
https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/story/karan-tacker-to-make-a-comeback-with-neeraj-pandey-s-web-series-special-ops-1649240-2020-02-23
www.news18.com
https://www.news18.com/news/movies/neeraj-pandey-to-helm-spy-thriller-web-series-special-ops-2504913.html
The Indian Express
https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/special-ops-trailer-hotstar-vip-kay-kay-menon-video-6286360/
India Today
https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/story/neeraj-pandey-hints-at-special-ops-season-2-we-carry-more-responsibility-as-we-take-this-franchise-forward-1679242-2020-05-18
Hindustan Times
https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/special-ops-1-5-trailer-disney-hotstar-show-traces-kay-kay-menon-s-journey-to-becoming-best-raw-agent-101634648376340.html
India Today
https://www.indiatoday.in/entertainment/story/special-ops-2-premieres-july-18-cyber-warfare-kay-kay-menon-2757166-2025-07-17
Scroll.in
https://scroll.in/reel/954371/special-ops-trailer-kay-kay-menon-plays-a-raw-agent-on-the-trail-of-a-terrorist-mastermind
Outlook India
https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/neeraj-pandeys-special-tribute-to-bollywood/1772819
Indian Advertising Media & Marketing News – exchange4media
https://www.exchange4media.com/amp/digital-news/we-are-not-building-hindi-shows-but-indian-content-gaurav-banerjee-star-india-100913.html
Exchange4Media
https://www.exchange4media.com/digital-news/hotstar-announces-original-content-under-hotstar-specials-to-be-out-in-march-93987.html
NDTV Gadgets 360
https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/hotstar-originals-expansion-with-hotstar-specials-launch-march-1977860
@businessline
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/star-india-rolling-out-next-big-bet-on-ott-platform-hotstar-specials/article25994434.ece
mint
https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/upheyJzwLPEBLd8Ec4c65O/Hotstar-adds-to-streaming-drama-with-originals.html
Firstpost
https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/hotstar-specials-star-india-collaborates-with-salman-khan-kabir-khan-among-others-for-new-ott-platform-5901221.html
"Proudly presenting Friday Storytellers, the digital arm of Friday Filmworks. Also happy to share with you the trailer of our first series Special Ops. Coming soon on Hotstar"
https://x.com/neerajpofficial/status/1232317200058343424
Scroll.in
https://scroll.in/reel/954646/a-terror-mastermind-is-on-the-prowl-who-else-to-call-but-neeraj-pandey
The Indian Express
https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/neeraj-pandey-special-ops-hotstar-6317208/
"Up next - SPECIAL OPS! Directed by the amazing @neerajpofficial :) He was always on my wish list after I watched A Wednesday! Glad I could be a part of this project. Coming soon.. stay tuned for more updates! @HotstarVIP @ShitalBhatiaFFW @FridayFilmworks @mid_day @MoharBasupic"
https://x.com/SaiyamiKher/status/1229683513860993024
"Neeraj Pandey at trailer launch of Special Ops web series | Hotstar Specials | Gaurav Banerjee"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfddbpS21co
Hindustan Times
https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/special-ops-trailer-2001-parliament-attack-leads-to-a-19-year-manhunt-in-neeraj-pandey-s-hotstar-original-watch-video/story-5f8z8zYLLqt44b56RTC9HN.html
Urban Asian
https://urbanasian.com/entertainment/2020/02/special-ops-the-story-of-a-19-year-hunt-for-the-terrorist-behind-the-biggest-attacks-on-india/
Outlook India
https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/neeraj-pandey-shooting-in-delhi-more-expensive-than-some-foreign-locales/1754255
"Action. Thrill. Neeraj Pandey. Here's the first look of Hotstar Specials presents #SpecialOps. Trailer launches on 25th February. Stay Tuned! @FFW_Official @neerajpofficial @kaykaymenon02 @karantacker @kokodiaries @SaiyamiKher @pathakvinay @divyadutta25pic"
https://x.com/HotstarVIP/status/1231220999724494854
NDTV Gadgets 360
https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/special-ops-teaser-trailer-hotstar-web-series-neeraj-pandey-cast-trailer-release-date-2184683
The Indian Express
https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/special-ops-trailer-hotstar-vip-kay-kay-menon-video-6286360/
Hindustan Times
https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/special-ops-trailer-2001-parliament-attack-leads-to-a-19-year-manhunt-in-neeraj-pandey-s-hotstar-original-watch-video/story-5f8z8zYLLqt44b56RTC9HN.html
Scroll.in
https://scroll.in/reel/954371/special-ops-trailer-kay-kay-menon-plays-a-raw-agent-on-the-trail-of-a-terrorist-mastermind
The Indian Express
https://indianexpress.com/photos/entertainment-gallery/special-ops-first-look-launch-6287770/
www.indulgexpress.com
https://www.indulgexpress.com/entertainment/cinema/2020/mar/01/neeraj-pandeys-web-series-special-ops-starring-kay-kay-menon-and-divya-dutta-to-release-on-march-17-22752.html
India Today
https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/story/special-ops-the-thriller-series-is-based-on-19-year-old-manhunt-for-2001-parliament-attack-accused-1650236-2020-02-26
NDTV Gadgets 360
https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/special-ops-trailer-2-neeraj-pandey-hotstar-release-date-india-series-cast-2195484
The Indian Express
https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/streaming-in-march-2020-guilty-mentalhood-and-special-ops-and-more-6292221/
India Today
https://www.indiatoday.in/entertainment/ott/story/special-ops-2-teaser-kay-kay-menon-fights-global-terrorism-in-new-spy-thriller-2725228-2025-05-15
The Hindu
https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/special-ops-season-2-trailer-kay-kay-menon-neeraj-pandey-jiohotstar/article69700531.ece
Times of India
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/news/hindi/special-ops-2-release-date-fans-cant-wait-any-longer-heres-where-and-when-to-watch-kay-kay-menons-thrilling-series/articleshow/122574280.cms
Hindustan Times
https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/special-ops-review-neeraj-pandey-and-kay-kay-menon-deliver-first-hotstar-original-almost-worth-the-self-isolation/story-qtcWbTNb9QNtCDi6e5C0xI.html
The Indian Express
https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/special-ops-first-impression-hotstar-6318040/
NDTV.com
https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/special-ops-review-slow-burning-espionage-thriller-never-loses-the-plot-3-stars-out-of-5-2196073
The Times of India
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/reviews/hindi/special-ops/seasonreview/75788510.cms
TheQuint
https://www.thequint.com/videos/special-ops-kay-kay-menon-neeray-pandey-hotstar-series-review
India Today
https://www.indiatoday.in/television/web-series/story/special-ops-review-an-overly-stretched-espionage-thriller-1658100-2020-03-21
Scroll.in
https://scroll.in/reel/956477/special-ops-review-web-series-about-a-19-year-chase-takes-forever-to-get-to-the-point
The New Indian Express
https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2020/mar/21/special-ops-web-series-review-kay-kay-menon-fronts-an-engaging-but-overlong-search-2119433.html
Firstpost
https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/special-ops-review-neeraj-pandeys-meandering-spy-thriller-lacks-the-thrill-and-emotional-heft-of-his-earlier-work-8166151.html
The Times of India
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/news/flyx-filmfare-ott-awards-2020-winners-so-far/articleshow/79812177.cms
Special Ops
https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/neeraj-pandey-opens-up-on-special-ops-season-2/1795156
News18
https://www.news18.com/news/movies/neeraj-pandey-hints-at-bigger-special-ops-season-2-2624751.html
Pinkvilla
https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/exclusives/exclusive-ajay-devgn-s-chanakya-neeraj-pandey-complete-special-ops-2-kay-kay-menon-595987
Bollywood Life
https://www.bollywoodlife.com/web-series/special-ops-2-neeraj-pandey-gives-karan-tackers-web-series-first-preference-over-ajay-devgns-chanakya-1763060/
India Today
https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/story/disney-hotstar-announces-special-ops-1-5-the-backstory-of-himmat-singh-1761835-2021-01-22
The New Indian Express
https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2021/jan/22/neeraj-pandey-disney-hotstar-announce-multi-series-special-ops-universe-2253717.html
Koimoi
https://www.koimoi.com/television/special-ops-1-5-neeraj-pandey-reveals-the-reason-behind-using-unconventional-title/
Pinkvilla
https://www.pinkvilla.com/cinema/special-ops-season-2-trailer-out-when-and-where-to-watch-kay-kay-menon-karan-tackers-much-awaited-show-1391552