Instead of following up Special Ops with a sequel, creator-director Neeraj Pandey is set to present a prequel of sorts that will unravel the formative years of agent Himmat Singh, essayed by Kay Kay Menon. Where Special Ops 1.5: The Himmat Story will depict how the protagonist waded through red tapism and corruption to become the efficient RAW officer we know him as, the espionage thriller will also show why Delhi police officer Abbas — portrayed by Vinay Pathak — became a devoted aide to Himmat.

Pathak says he was initially surprised by his character’s backstory. “Neeraj and I had our differences when the first draft was written. Abbas was not supposed to be what he is in the inception,” states the actor. Even though he did not fully agree with the character arc, he went by his faith in Pandey’s vision — a decision that he is pleased with today, as Abbas has shaped up on screen as a well-rounded part. “Abbas has been written so beautifully that he became endearing and fascinating. There is a profound backstory to [him],” says Pathak, refusing to divulge further details about his role. The Disney+ Hotstar offering also sees Aftab Shivdasani and Gautami Kapoor in key roles.