MUMBAI: Neeraj Pandey is known for making intelligent movies and who has delivered amazing work in Special 26, Baby, Naam Shabana, and others.  In his movies, we always see strong characters, an intelligent storyline, and a gripping screenplay, which make his work special and worth watching.

The maker is back again, this time with his first digital project, a web series titled Special Ops.

The series starts in 2019, where two auditors are questioning RAW agent Himmat Singh (Kay Kay Menon) about irregularities in his department’s accounts. His explanation for transferring money to cities around the Middle East tracks back to the terror attack on the Indian Parliament in 2001. Himmat believes the mastermind is still at large, and he’s determined to nab him.

Gradually, and rather tediously, each strategically placed 'asset' is introduced, in particular Himmat’s Dubai-based protege Farooq (Karan Tacker), who is hot on the heels of public enemy number one. The others are Ruhani (Meher Vij), Juhi (Saiyami Kher), Bala (Vipul Gupta), and Avinash (Muzzamil Ibrahim) – all clearly dispensable as their recruitment, training, and skills are barely etched out.

The series, directed by Shivam Nair, creates scale by excessively using establishing shots. The script (Pandey, Deepak Kingrani, Benazir Ali Fida) resorts to repetitive dialogue and sweeping conveniences. Suspense is built while forsaking logic and humour. The best joke comes in episode three – the only notable moment in an otherwise comatose episode – when Himmat recalls a poor innings by Sourav Ganguly that leaves the Bengali auditor flabbergasted.

Kay Kay Menon, with a crafty performance that balances mischief with method, leads from the front. Vinay Pathak, as a local police officer, and Karan Tacker as an eager spy, play their parts well. Sana Khan, Sharad Kelkar, Sajjad Delafrooz, Parmeet Sethi, and Divya Dutta play other significant roles.

Set in the world of spies, intelligence gathering and failure, and terrorism, Special Ops lands on the better side of Bard of Blood, but it doesn’t match the entertainment value of The Family Man. The action is uneven. While the Parliament attack is well executed, the hand-to-hand combat scenes are unmistakably choreographed. The production design too is exiguous.

In spite of these drawbacks, the series manages well to keep you glued. If you like spy thrillers and are a fan of Neeraj Pandey movies, this one is for you.

Team TellyChakkar goes with a rating of 3.5.