Special 26

Audience Reviews

View All (88)

Taseer A "Special 26" is a smart, gripping heist thriller that stands out for its refreshing plot, stellar performances, and a keen sense of suspense. Directed by Neeraj Pandey, the film is based on real-life events from the 1980s, following a group of con artists who pose as CBI officers to pull off daring raids on the wealthy and corrupt. This unique premise gives "Special 26" an intriguing, almost old-school charm, as it cleverly mixes drama and humor with a dose of social commentary on greed and corruption. Akshay Kumar shines in his role as the mastermind of the group, delivering a restrained yet compelling performance that avoids the typical Bollywood heroics. His portrayal of a calm, calculated con artist is nuanced and believable, adding a layer of authenticity to the film. Anupam Kher is equally brilliant, bringing both humor and depth to his role as a member of the team. The ensemble cast, including Manoj Bajpayee as the relentless CBI officer on their tail, adds weight to the story, with each actor giving memorable performances that add layers to their characters. The screenplay is tight, keeping the audience hooked from the very first scene to the last. Each heist is meticulously planned and executed, and the film cleverly builds tension with unexpected twists and turns, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. What sets "Special 26" apart from typical Bollywood heist films is its understated approach, relying on smart storytelling rather than flashy action sequences or dramatic special effects. Neeraj Pandey’s direction ensures a smooth narrative flow, balancing suspense with occasional light moments, which keeps the film engaging without compromising on its intensity. The 1980s setting is wonderfully recreated, from the costumes to the retro cars, lending authenticity to the film. The cinematography and soundtrack further enhance the ambiance, immersing the viewer in the period while complementing the story’s tone. The film also raises subtle questions about the blurred lines between right and wrong, as it presents its protagonists as sympathetic characters despite their illegal activities, sparking thought on the nature of justice. "Special 26" isn’t without minor flaws, as the romantic subplot feels somewhat unnecessary and slows down the otherwise brisk pace. However, this is a small drawback in an otherwise well-crafted film. For those seeking an intelligent, well-acted thriller that breaks away from Bollywood’s usual formula, "Special 26" is a must-watch. It’s a refreshing, entertaining ride that leaves you both impressed by its storytelling and invested in its characters. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/10/24 Full Review Audience Member A great suspense drama admixed with trechearous wit and smart acts making audience wonder!! Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/14/23 Full Review Audience Member One of the best films I have ever seen, 'Special 26' packs in entertainment at its best. With its scenic beauty and unmatched study of the themes, the film based on true events captures the events which happened like no film could. Above all, it is a triumph of Akshay Kumar and Neeraj Pandey, who have given us their career-best performances in a genuinely gripping thriller which is never clumsy. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review Audience Member Enjoyable old-fashioned heist movie about early '80s con artists, with surprising plot twists and fine performances by Akshay Kumar and Anupam Kher. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/22/23 Full Review yash b "Special 26" is a well-made heist movie in which the second half really keeps you on the edge of your seat. The story is unpredictable and exciting. The movie only has one real major flaw which is a romance subplot that doesn't feel necessary. I feel this movie could have been perfect had this subplot been taken out or given much less screen time. The first act can be tough to get through because the most interesting aspect of the story is given less screen time for about an hour. However, once the movie shifts gears it is excellent. I found myself eagerly waiting to see what would happen next and was thoroughly entertained. This is a very fun movie that fans of the heist genre should definitely check out. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Bollywood is proud on these movies like special 26??? Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Special 26

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Most Popular at Home Now