Special 26(2013)
Special 26 is a 2013 Hindi heist thriller film directed by Neeraj Pandey. The lead cast includes Akshay Kumar, Manoj Bajpayee, Anupam Kher, Jimmy Shergill, and Kajal Aggarwal. The story follows a group of con artists who rob wealthy businessmen and politicians by posing as CBI and income tax officers during fake raids in 1980s India. The central conflict is between the charismatic gang leader Ajay Singh and the determined CBI officer Wasim Khan who is obsessed with catching him. The film is notable for its restrained tone, realistic heist sequences, and a morally ambiguous ending where the criminals escape justice. It received critical acclaim for its performances and tight screenplay. Special 26 was released in theaters on February 8, 2013.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Netflix
- Theatrical Release
- 8 February 2013
- Director
- Neeraj Pandey
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 24m
- Rating
- 7.5/10
Storyline
In 1980s India, a group of con artists led by Ajay Singh rob the rich by pretending to be CBI officers. They execute perfect fake raids and steal crores. A sharp CBI officer named Wasim Khan is determined to catch them. The chase becomes a battle of wits between two brilliant men.
“The perfect crime has no witnesses”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Special 26
Cast reunions in this film: Manoj Bajpai & Manoj Bajpayee (29 films together), Anupam Kher & Akshay Kumar (15 films together), Himesh Reshammiya & Akshay Kumar (7 films together), Anupam Kher & Jimmy Shergill (6 films together), Anupam Kher & Himesh Reshammiya (5 films together), and Anupam Kher & Manoj Bajpai (5 films together).
Trivia
- The film is based on a real-life 1987 heist where con artists posing as CBI officers robbed a Mumbai jewelry store.
- Actor Manoj Bajpayee prepared for his role by studying the body language and mannerisms of real police officers from that era.
- The movie's title 'Special 26' refers to the 26th day of the month, when the gang often carried out their fake raids.
- Director Neeraj Pandey also wrote the film's story and screenplay, drawing from detailed research of newspaper archives.
- The film was shot across multiple Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, and Chandigarh to capture the 1980s period setting.
- Despite being a critical success, the movie had a modest box office opening but gained popularity through word-of-mouth.
- Akshay Kumar, who played the lead, performed many of the con scenes without using a body double to maintain authenticity.