Special Ops: Welcome back, Neeraj Pandey

There are movies you remember watching and there are others you have a faint recollection of watching somewhere – not sure where.

It was in the month of September 2008 when I saw two films on one day. I have not done this many times but that day the first movie I saw was because of the director and second because my father recommended it.

The first movie – Welcome to Sajjanpur – had director Shyam Benegal at the helm and I strongly believed it would be a treat. Sadly, it wasn\’t for various reasons.

The second one was A Wednesday. I had come out of the cinema hall and was talking to my father who asked me not to miss A Wednesday. Now, this recommendation does not come on a regular basis. As I was alone during those days, going back home to empty house was not a very exciting idea.

I booked a ticket for the next available show, which was couple of hours later, to watch this film. The title of the film was very intriguing and the poster also added to the curiosity. I saw the film and fell in love with everything about it. The characters, script, actors, direction – just about everything. This was the beginning of a one sided love affair with Neeraj Pandey\’s movies.

I still find it hard to believe that initially the film had no takers. Like really???

As someone who grew on cop and spy movies, may be it was a dormant wish to see Indian thrillers. We had very few genuine thrillers. But you watch A Wednesday and you realise a thriller need not have all the elements we had previously associated with it.

Watching Neeraj Pandey\’s films was like prayers have been answered. His next films like Special 26, Baby and MS Dhoni have been on the favourite list and I always end up watching them whenever I catch them on satellite channels. Aiyaary was a surprise disaster and I have barely managed to watch it once.

His latest is a web series – Special Ops with Kay Kay Menon in the lead. It is interesting that Manoj Bajpayee who has been part of so many Neeraj Pandey films is also doing a rather similar role in The Family Man. Though we dont know this – but did the role went to Kay Kay Menon because Manoj had already done The Family Man? We will never know it. But what we do is Kay Kay Menon has completely nailed it in Special Ops. We need to see this gem of an actor more often.

Thrillers need that special touch, that twist and turn, that requires special talent and that is where Special Ops score over The Family Man. The Manoj Bajpayee series was not engaging enough. It all comes down to writing which Neeraj Pandey is so good at. There are so many instances in the series that take you completely by surprise. The biggest complaint against The Family Man is the trivial writing that Raj and DK have to offer. I hope season 2 proves me wrong and I hope Neeraj Pandey is working on season 2 of Special Ops.

If I write anymore I will have to declare spoilers ahead, in case you have not seen it already. If you have – please share your reviews too.