Actor Kay Kay Menon believes OTT platforms have changed the game for performers. He says actors are no longer limited to playing villains or side roles. Menon shared his thoughts at the trailer launch of his upcoming series Special Ops 2.
The actor explained how the entertainment industry once typecast talented actors. In the past, only big stars got lead roles while others were stuck playing antagonists. OTT has broken these barriers, giving actors more diverse opportunities.
“We come from that time where there were only theatrical releases, there was no OTT. So those areas were booked for you know what… We good actors used to play villain characters. But now it’s opened up completely. We as actors now have a chance to enjoy ourselves with whatever talent we have. That’s what OTT gives us,” Menon said.
Menon is known for his powerful performances in films like Haider, Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd, and Mumbai Meri Jaan. He has also made a mark on OTT with shows like Farzi and The Railway Men. His role as RAW officer Himmat Singh in Special Ops has been widely praised.
The first season of Special Ops became a massive hit in 2020. A spin-off, Special Ops 1.5: The Himmat Story, followed later. The new season, Special Ops 2, will premiere on JioCinema on July 11.
Menon spoke about his experience playing Himmat Singh again. “I know Himmat Singh in and out. I also know that I don’t know anything about cyber… So I don’t know anything about it… And for me to kind of get into it… it was an interesting actor’s journey. I just acted like I’m an expert, that’s all,” he joked.
Director Neeraj Pandey, known for thrillers like Baby and A Wednesday, said spy stories have endless potential. “There is no dearth of unheard and untold stories in the spy genre. It naturally becomes a magnet for any storyteller,” he said.
Pandey added that real-life covert operations inspire his work. “These are operations which are covert, they are classified, they are under possible denial. That’s the reason not too many people are aware of these operations. I feel that it’s a compelling enough reason for us to bring it to the audiences.”
Actress Aahana Kumra, who plays Juhi Kashyap in the series, talked about the lack of strong female roles in the industry. “As an actor you want to play all roles, be it grey, black, white, orange, yellow. You want to keep working, but for women there are particular roles which people don’t write about,” she said.
Kumra praised Pandey for creating powerful female characters. She mentioned Taapsee Pannu’s role in Baby as an example. “He’s somebody who’s always done it. And I was just lucky that I got to play Juhi,” she added.
The discussion also touched on OTT release strategies. Some platforms drop entire seasons at once, while others release episodes weekly. Menon and Pandey did not share a preference but acknowledged that both styles have their audience.
Special Ops 2 continues the high-stakes espionage drama with Menon leading the charge. Fans are excited to see more of Himmat Singh’s missions. The show’s realistic portrayal of intelligence operations has been a major draw.
OTT platforms like Disney+ Hotstar, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video have reshaped Indian entertainment. Actors now get more layered roles, moving beyond traditional hero-villain dynamics. This shift has been welcomed by performers and audiences alike.
Kay Kay Menon’s journey reflects this change. From playing intense villains to complex protagonists, he has thrived in the OTT space. His work in Special Ops proves that strong storytelling and acting talent can shine on digital platforms.
The trailer of Special Ops 2 has already generated buzz. Fans are eager to see how the new season unfolds. With Menon’s gripping performance and Pandey’s sharp direction, the series is set to be another hit.
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OTT has indeed leveled the playing field for actors. No longer restricted by old industry norms, talented performers like Menon are getting the recognition they deserve. The future of Indian entertainment looks more inclusive and diverse thanks to digital platforms.
