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IMDbPro

Special 26

Original title: Special Chabbis
  • 2013
  • Not Rated
  • 2h 24m
IMDb RATING
8.0/10
61K
YOUR RATING
Manoj Bajpayee, Anupam Kher, Akshay Kumar, and Jimmy Shergill in Special 26 (2013)
Based on true incidents during 1980s, a group of men who pull off robberies posing as government officials are trailed by actual government agents as they plan their biggest heist yet.
Play trailer3:03
1 Video
54 Photos
HeistPeriod DramaTrue CrimeCrimeDramaHistoryThriller

A gang of con-men rob prominent rich businessmen and politicians by posing as C.B.I and income tax officers.A gang of con-men rob prominent rich businessmen and politicians by posing as C.B.I and income tax officers.A gang of con-men rob prominent rich businessmen and politicians by posing as C.B.I and income tax officers.

  • Director
    • Neeraj Pandey
  • Writer
    • Neeraj Pandey
  • Stars
    • Akshay Kumar
    • Anupam Kher
    • Manoj Bajpayee
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.0/10
    61K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Neeraj Pandey
    • Writer
      • Neeraj Pandey
    • Stars
      • Akshay Kumar
      • Anupam Kher
      • Manoj Bajpayee
    • 151User reviews
    • 30Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 13 nominations total

    Videos1

    Official Trailer (No Subtitles)
    Trailer 3:03
    Official Trailer (No Subtitles)

    Photos53

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    Top cast93

    Edit
    Akshay Kumar
    Akshay Kumar
    • Ajay
    Anupam Kher
    Anupam Kher
    • Sharma Ji
    Manoj Bajpayee
    Manoj Bajpayee
    • Waseem
    Jimmy Shergill
    Jimmy Shergill
    • Ranveer Singh
    • (as Jimmy Sheirgill)
    Kajal Aggarwal
    Kajal Aggarwal
    • Priya
    Divya Dutta
    Divya Dutta
    • Shanti Ji
    Kishore Kadam
    Kishore Kadam
    • Iqbal
    Rajesh Sharma
    Rajesh Sharma
    • Joginder
    Deepraj Rana
    Deepraj Rana
    • Rahul
    Vipin Sharma
    Vipin Sharma
    • ACP (Fake)
    Sukhwinder Chahal
    Sukhwinder Chahal
    • Mr. Gupta (Minister)
    • (as Sukhvinder Chahal)
    Abha Parmar
    • Mrs. Gupta (Minister's wife)
    Mukesh S. Bhatt
    • Minister's PA
    • (as Mukesh Bhatt)
    Ujjwal Chopra
    Ujjwal Chopra
    • Solanki
    Tiku Talsania
    Tiku Talsania
    • Magandas
    • (as Tiku C. Talsania)
    Paritosh Sand
    Paritosh Sand
    • Additional Director CBI
    Aparna Ghoshal
    • Iqbal's Wife Malti
    Sumeet
    • Iqbal's Son Rahul
    • Director
      • Neeraj Pandey
    • Writer
      • Neeraj Pandey
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews151

    8.061.2K
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    Featured reviews

    9SouravChakraborty_P1

    Special and Epic

    Movie name says it all, its special for movie lovers, awesome story, perfect movie. Everyone gave their best, there are no OTT actions or cheap comedy, no unwanted songs, not a remake from south, original script from perfectionist Neeraj. Akshay Kumar made an u turn with this movie, he should choose more movies like this instead of comedies where he can show his real talent. Manoj and Anupam was awesome. Bolly should make more movies like this then soon Bolly will be compared with Hollywood. the climax of this movie will make u speechless, awesome twist at the climax. Neeraj is perfectionist, his debut A Wednesday was awesome, now he delivers Special 26, like A Wednesday we can watch Special 26 again and again and can say What A Special Movie This Was. One word for the movie EPIC
    7nairtejas

    Special 26 Is A Super-Over-Smart Movie With Traces Of Buffoonery!

    "A Wednesday" made me watch this and boy, was I surprised? Was I entertained? Hell yes, Special 26 is 2013's first serious cinema with no cheap humor, ridiculous stunt sequences or the typical B'wood masala. While Akshay Kumar is known for Housefull & Rowdy Rathore, this one plays different with a sharp plot-driven story and an even amazing execution on a real-life incident!

    Cut out the romance, and this is one gripping, fabulously woven heist drama parallel to what we see in Hollywood flicks. Anupam Kher couldn't get more thespian while Jimmy Shergill & Manoj Bajpayee complement the cast. Direction, screenplay (so that you don't get bored through 2.5 hours), score, acting and every other film factor is thoroughly scrutinized in this. Now, what's even more Special about this movie is that - since the time gap between decent, "movie-wala" movies is so vast, that you just can't get enough of it. Paisa Vasool!

    Originality in the thefts, corruption, authentic depiction of Indian locations and what-not, I could praise this movie and write a book moreover because it is 2013's one decent try.

    BOTTOM LINE: I should not reveal much and spoil the broth. Because Special 26 cannot be missed. 100% Recommended but if you are a logic- ridden cinema-goer, you may despise it! Except some dumb plot holes and serious anachronisms, it is a good thriller. But don't expect it anywhere near to what "A Wednesday" was. 10/10

    Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES

    Language: Mediocre | Sex & Nudity: No | Violence: No | Smoking, Alcohol & Drugs: No
    maneckk-414-209658

    Special Chabbis (and not twenty six) … a special entertainer for all movie lovers

    After having watched "A Wednesday" by Neeraj Pandey innumerable times, I stepped into the cinema hall with high expectations from his latest movie Special Chabbis. And Pandeyjee has managed to pull off another amazing entertainer with a fast-paced & exciting plot. This is one of those movies which keeps on lingering in your mind even after the climax and you keep going back to the brilliant sequence of events and how they were executed throughout the plot.

    The movie is set in 1987 based on a true incident when a person posed as a fake CBI officer and robbed a famous jeweller at the Opera House in Mumbai. This incident forms the basis of the plot and how a group of conmen conduct false raids as CBI or IT officials to con politicians, businessmen and high profile people to rob them of their money. These heists are never reported as most of the money is black money and none of these high profile people want to be in the news for wrong reasons.

    Neeraj Pandey after his directorial debut with A Wednesday completely redeems himself with Special Chabbis and reaffirms his position as a master director. He is definitely not a one film wonder and a director to watch out for in the future. The best and the most noticeable part of the film is the period that it has been set in. 1980's have been very effectively portrayed in the movie, whether it was the cars running on the roads or the streets of Delhi especially well known areas like the Connaught Place, whether it was the print style of the newspapers or the clothes and jewellery worn by the actors. The whole movie seems to be set in 1980 and all credit goes to the art director along with the director. I am still wondering how he shot in the heart of Delhi with all these props from the 80s.

    The casting is perfect and each character in the ensemble of great actors delivers are powerful performance. Akshay Kumar has always been a great actor for me despite critics and so-called intelligent viewers writing him off. As the linchpin of the team he is subtle, intelligent and still manages to be funny in his own earthly way. This is definitely another feather in his cap with his long list of successful movies. Anupam Kher as a vulnerable supporter of the leader and a lustful old man (considering his long line of children) is superb and reminds of a perfect Punjabi uncle. Rajesh Sharma (Munjal from the movie Khosla ka Ghosla) as the third character fits perfectly into the well oiled team as the big guy from a Purani Dilli joint family. Kishore Kadam as the oppressed husband though a reserved role makes an impact. Jimmy Shergill's portrayal of a frustrated suspended police officer is very believable and you can't fail but empathize with the character of Sub- Inspector Ranveer Singh. But, Manoj Bajpayee is the actor which never ceases to amaze me. You put him any role and he shines, sometimes more than the protagonist. As a no nonsense CBI officer he again steals the show and gives another honest performance worth a standing ovation. Kajal Aggarwal (from Singham) is a pretty girl and looks pretty, however her character's contribution to the story is a little frivolous.

    The climax hits you in typical Neeraj Pandey style which I am sure is fast becoming his signature style in his movies. Full marks to him for great direction, amazing portrayal of all characters, great plot, superb casting and above all perfect detailing.

    Go and watch it, and I definitely can again. This one definitely lived up to my expectations and left me hungry for more (I waited till the end of casting hoping there would be another surprise scene at the end).
    10vishnoiram29

    A mind boggling thriller by man who made a ordinary day SPECIAL as A Wednesday

    You don't need almost 832 twists in a script to make it look slick and classical thriller. Neeraj Pandey proved it with Special 26. AND one more thing : All PANDEYz of bollywood please stay aside as this PANDEY is something extraordinary with his hand on script and direction. lets move back to film. film starts with a bang (Heist) which stuns you more because of body language of characters and the direction (ofcourse background score should get the praise too) film moves to some rom-com plot suddenly but without making you bore. First half was good but when the second half starts it takes it to another level. beyond our imagination and a amazing climax leaves you thrilled. film keeps you on the edge of seat throughout the 2 and half hour. astonishing sets,superb background score,tight script,marvelous performance and NEERAJ PANDEY. lets say the later NAME is enough to make you expect the unexpected. lets have a look to the performances : Manoj Bajpayee is amazing. one more time he gave his BEST and i don't think its necessary to say he is one of the most talented actor bollywood ever have. Anupam kher is also awesome with all his body language and dialogue delivery stuff. BUT this man AKSHAY was the show stealer. He did something out of the box and did it so brilliantly that you will remember him as his character name AJJU more than akshay. A film not to miss this weekend. All the abusive words got silenced and its a clean family entertainer with all the element to entertain and thrill you. missing such a cinematic experience will be a crime for a movie buff and bollywood lover. Rating : ALL THE STAR IN SKY
    8budhrajavishal

    Intelligent Script With Best Performances

    After A Wednesday, Neeraj Pandey is back with an intelligent script on a true life incident against corruption. It is a story of con men who looted black money of politicians, bureaucrats and businessmen by posing either as CBI or income tax officials. Power of this flick lies in tight script with a last minute twist. This is a perfect answer to Ocean franchise, we can expect sequel as well. After a long time, Akki shows his acting talent in totally new avtaar. Anupam & Jimmy plays his role very well. Manoj is full of power & very well lifted his role. There is no need of female character in script. Loose Point: songs, as there is no need to waste 10-12 precious minutes. Best Dialogue: Asli Power dil me hoti h. Last Words: It is an intelligent movie with best performances. You would not regret watching.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Actor Anupam Kher who plays a vital role in this movie also played role of a con artist in another movie Khel (1992), which has a sequence that is based on the 1987 Zaveri Bazaar con job, the same incident that inspired this film.
    • Goofs
      Towards the climax of the movie, we see a red Maruti 1000. Although the movie is set in 1987, the 1000 was launched only in 1990.
    • Connections
      Referenced in Dhoom 3 (2013)

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    FAQ17

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • February 8, 2013 (India)
    • Country of origin
      • India
    • Official sites
      • Official Facebook
      • Official Twitter
    • Language
      • Hindi
    • Also known as
      • Phi Vụ 26
    • Filming locations
      • Kolkata, West Bengal, India
    • Production companies
      • Friday Filmworks
      • Panorama Studios
      • Viacom18 Motion Pictures
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross worldwide
      • $647,074
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 2h 24m(144 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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