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{{Short description|2013 film by Neeraj Pandey}}
{{short description|2013 Hindi period heist thriller film directed by Neeraj Pandey}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2014}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
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| producer      = {{ubl|[[Viacom 18 Motion Pictures]]|Shital Bhatia|Kumar Mangat Pathak}}
| producer      = {{ubl|[[Viacom 18 Motion Pictures]]|Shital Bhatia|Kumar Mangat Pathak}}
| writer        = Neeraj Pandey
| writer        = Neeraj Pandey
| starring      = [[Akshay Kumar]]<br>[[Manoj Bajpayee]]<br>[[Kajal Agarwal]]<br>[[Jimmy Sheirgill]]<br>[[Anupam Kher]]<br>[[Divya Dutta]]<br>[[Kishor Kadam]]
| starring      ={{Plainlist|
* [[Akshay Kumar]]
* [[Kajal Aggarwal]]
* [[Manoj Bajpayee]]
* [[Jimmy Sheirgill]]
* [[Anupam Kher]]
}}
| narrator      =  
| narrator      =  
| music          = '''Original Songs:'''<br>[[M. M. Kreem]]<br>'''Guest Composer:'''<br>[[Himesh Reshammiya]]<br>'''Background Score:'''<br>[[Surinder Sodhi]]
| music          = '''Songs:'''&lt;br /&gt;[[M. M. Kreem]]&lt;br /&gt;'''Guest Composer:'''&lt;br /&gt;[[Himesh Reshammiya]]&lt;br /&gt;'''Score:'''&lt;br /&gt;[[Surinder Sodhi]]
| cinematography = [[Bobby Singh (cinematographer)|Bobby Singh]]
| cinematography = [[Bobby Singh (cinematographer)|Bobby Singh]]
| editing        = Shree Narayan Singh
| editing        = Shree Narayan Singh
| studio        = [[Viacom 18 Motion Pictures]]<br>[[Friday Filmworks]]<br>[[Panorama Studios|Wide Frame Pictures]]
| studio        = [[Viacom18 Motion Pictures]]&lt;br /&gt;Wide Frame Pictures&lt;br /&gt;[[Friday Filmworks]]
| distributor    = [[Viacom 18 Motion Pictures]]
| distributor    = [[Viacom18 Motion Pictures]]
| based_on      = [[1987 Opera House heist]]
| based_on      =  
| released      = {{film date|df=yes|2013|2|8}}
| released      = {{film date|df=yes|2013|02|08}}
| runtime        = 144 minutes<ref name=Runtime>{{cite web|title=''Special 26'' (PG)|url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/special-26-2013-0|work=[[British Board of Film Classification]]|access-date=6 February 2013}}</ref>
| runtime        = 144 minutes&lt;ref name="Runtime"&gt;{{Cite web |title=''Special 26'' (PG) |url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/special-26-2013-0 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130214092839/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/special-26-2013-0 |archive-date=14 February 2013 |access-date=6 February 2013 |website=[[British Board of Film Classification]]}}&lt;/ref&gt;
| country        = India
| country        = India
| language      = Hindi
| language      = Hindi
| budget        = {{INR|390 million|link=yes}}<ref name=Budget/>
| gross          = {{estimation}} {{INR|103 crore}}&lt;ref name="boxofficeindia.com"&gt;{{Cite web |title=Special 26 |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=1237 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161120093241/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=1237 |archive-date=20 November 2016 |access-date=19 November 2016 |publisher=Box Office India}}&lt;/ref&gt;
| gross          = {{Estimation}} {{INR|1.26 billion}}<ref name="boxofficeindia.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=1237|title=Special 26|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=19 November 2016}}</ref>
}}
}}


'''''Special 26''''' (also known as '''''Special Chabbis''''') is a 2013 Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[heist film]] written and directed by [[Neeraj Pandey]] and produced by Shital Bhatia under [[Friday Filmworks]] and Kumar Mangat Pathak under [[Panorama Studios|Wide Frame Pictures]] in association with [[Viacom 18 Motion Pictures|Viacom18 Motion Pictures]]. It is based on the [[1987 Opera House heist]] where a group posing as [[Central Bureau of Investigation|CBI officers]] executed an [[income tax]] raid on the jeweler in [[Mumbai|Bombay]] (present-day Mumbai). It stars an [[ensemble cast]] of [[Akshay Kumar]], [[Manoj Bajpayee]], [[Kajal Aggarwal]], [[Jimmy Sheirgill]], [[Anupam Kher]] and [[Divya Dutta]] in lead roles.
'''''Special 26''''' (also known as '''''Special Chabbis''''') is a 2013 Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[period film|period]] [[heist film|heist]] [[thriller film]] written and directed by [[Neeraj Pandey]]. Based on the [[1987 Opera House heist]], the plot follows a team of criminals ([[Akshay Kumar]] and [[Anupam Kher]]), who pose as [[Central Bureau of Investigation|CBI]] officers and conduct raids, robbing politicians and businessmen of their black money. With the real CBI ([[Manoj Bajpayee]]) on their trail, they decide to pull off their biggest heist yet. The film also stars [[Jimmy Sheirgill]], [[Kajal Aggarwal]], [[Rajesh Sharma (actor)|Rajesh Sharma]], [[Divya Dutta]] and [[Kishor Kadam]].


''Special 26'' released worldwide on 8 February 2013 and following the widespread critical acclaimed reviews, the film was a critical and commercial success upon its release. Made on a total budget of {{INRConvert|390|m|lk=r}}, it grossed {{INRConvert|1.26|b}} worldwide and became the 10th highest-grossing Bollywood film of the year. The film is considered one of the finest films of that year.
Filming began on 23 February 2012 in [[Delhi]]. The film was shot in [[Chandni Chowk]], near [[Jama Masjid, Delhi|Jama Masjid]],&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=Akshay Kumar shoots for Special Chabbis in Delhi |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-10/news-interviews/31142603_1_akshay-kumar-shooting-special-chabbis |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530163132/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-10/news-interviews/31142603_1_akshay-kumar-shooting-special-chabbis |archive-date=2013-05-30 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}&lt;/ref&gt; and Mumbai. A theatrical trailer was released online on 20 December 2012.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |date=20 December 2012 |title=Special Chabbis Official Trailer |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiyQb28geOg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328000042/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiyQb28geOg |archive-date=28 March 2016 |access-date=19 May 2016 |via=YouTube}}&lt;/ref&gt; The film was distributed all over India by [[Viacom18 Studios|Viacom 18 Motion Pictures]] and Wide Frame Pictures.


''Special 26'' was remade in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] as ''[[Thaanaa Serndha Koottam]]'' in 2018.
''Special 26'' was released on 8 February 2013. It received widespread critical acclaim. Several critics called it one of the best films of the year.&lt;ref name="choprahindustan" /&gt;&lt;ref name="Review: Special Chabbis is an exciting con caper"&gt;{{Cite web |last=Sukanya Verma |title=rediff Review: Special Chabbis is an exciting con caper |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-special-chabbis-is-exciting/20130208.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117063537/http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-special-chabbis-is-exciting/20130208.htm |archive-date=17 November 2015 |access-date=7 February 2013 |website=Rediff.com}}{{Rating|3.5|5}}&lt;/ref&gt; It became a commercial success, grossing {{INRConvert|103|c|0|year=2013}}.
 
In 2018, it was remade in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] as ''[[Thaanaa Serndha Koottam]]'' starring [[Suriya]] in Kumar's role.


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
The story of the film opens on 18 March 1987, where a walk-in CBI interview is taking place, held by Ajay 'Ajju' Singh ([[Akshay Kumar]]) and Pramod Kumar 'P.K.' Sharma ([[Anupam Kher]]). The film then goes into flashback.
{{Long plot|date=June 2024}}
The film opens on 18 March 1987. The scene then transitions to flashback.  


Ajay ([[Akshay Kumar]]) calls a local police station to obtain more manpower for a CBI [[Police raid|raid]]. He speaks to SI Ranveer Singh ([[Jimmy Sheirgill]]) who agrees to send the required number of support officers. Ajay, with accomplices Pramod Kumar 'P.K.' Sharma ([[Anupam Kher]]), Joginder Khurana ([[Rajesh Sharma (actor)|Rajesh Sharma]]), and Iqbal Ali ([[Kishor Kadam]]), meet the supporting officers and conduct the raid.
Ajay calls a local police station to obtain more manpower for a [[Central Bureau of Investigation|CBI]] [[Police raid|raid]]. He speaks to SI Ranveer Singh who agrees to send the required number of support officers. Ajay, with accomplices P. K. Sharma, Joginder Khurana and Iqbal Ali, meet the supporting officers and conduct the raid.


Following the successful raid at a minister's house, it's revealed that Ajay and Sharma are fake CBI officers, along with their two accomplices. They then move to different parts of the country where they belong to and merge into their everyday lifestyles. Ajay's love interest, Priya Chauhan ([[Kajal Aggarwal]]), an about-to-be-married teacher, is introduced here. The crew meets again in [[Chandigarh]] at the behest of Sharma for his daughter's wedding.
After their successful raid at a minister's house, it's revealed that Ajay and P. K. are fake CBI officers, along with their two accomplices. They then move to different parts of the country and merge into their everyday lifestyles. Ajay's love interest, Priya Chauhan, an about-to-be-married teacher, is introduced. The crew meets again in [[Chandigarh]] at the behest of P. K. for his daughter's wedding.


Ranveer with his senior officer meet the minister of the earlier raid, who reveals that he doesn't want the news to appear in the public domain because he wants to protect his image. The senior officer suspends Ranveer with his colleague Shanti ([[Divya Dutta]]) for being irresponsible.
Ranveer, with his senior officer, meets the mini prosecutor of the earlier raid, who reveals that he doesn't want the news to appear in the public domain because he wants to protect his image. The senior officer suspends Ranveer, along with his colleague Shanti, for being irresponsible.


Waseem Khan ([[Manoj Bajpayee]]), an honest CBI officer lives with his wife ([[Neetu Singh (born 1990)|Neetu Singh]]) and child in [[New Delhi]]. A disgraced Ranveer meets Khan, and they join hands to apprehend Ajay and his accomplices.
Waseem Khan, an honest CBI officer, lives with his wife and child in [[New Delhi]]. A disgraced Ranveer meets Khan, and they join forces to apprehend Ajay and his accomplices.


Meanwhile, the next raid planned by Ajay is conducted on a traders' business in [[Kolkata|Calcutta]] posing as officers from the [[Income Tax Department]]. Following the more difficult but successful raid, Khan insists that this should be reported in the newspaper, despite nobody coming forward to report it themselves, as [[black money]] is involved. Upon seeing this in the newspaper, Ajay and Sharma decide to conduct their "big job," a final raid in [[Mumbai|Bombay]]. Meanwhile, Ranveer finds information about Sharma, and Khan orders [[Telephone tapping|wire-tapping]] his phone. When Sharma is talking to Ajay on the phone, Khan procures several details about them. Under Khan's orders, officers track the crew to Bombay to a hotel where they're staying. They plan to raid and hence rob a big jewellery store.
Meanwhile, the next raid planned by Ajay is conducted on a traders' business in [[Kolkata|Calcutta]], with the raiders posing as officers from the [[Income Tax Department]]. Following the more difficult but successful raid, Khan insists that this should be reported in the newspaper, despite nobody coming forward to report it themselves, as [[black money]] is involved. Upon seeing this in the newspaper, Ajay and P. K. decide to conduct their "big job," a final raid in [[Mumbai|Bombay]]. Meanwhile, Ranveer finds information about P. K. and Khan orders [[Telephone tapping|wire-tapping]] his phone. When P. K. is talking to Ajju on the phone, Khan procures several details about them. Under Khan's orders, officers track the crew to Bombay to a hotel where they're staying. They plan to raid and hence rob a big jewellery store.


Ajay, followed by a CBI officer, goes to a newspaper to advertise for "50 dynamic graduates" with details of an interview. Khan embeds his officers among the candidates and they are selected. Khan finds out the details of the training process, which includes a mock raid. It is stated that, on the day, the candidates will be trained and then led out for the mock raid in the afternoon.  
Ajay, followed by a CBI officer, goes to a newspaper to advertise for "50 dynamic graduates" with details of an interview. Khan embeds his officers among the candidates and they are selected. Khan finds out the details of the training process, which includes a mock raid. It is stated that, on the day, the candidates will be trained and then led out for the mock raid in the afternoon.


To find out more, Khan and Ranveer go to the hotel and force their way into Sharma's room. He divulges the information about the raid, following a threat of violence. He also mentions that Ajay is taking revenge on the CBI for not appointing him. Khan orders Sharma to ensure everything proceeds as normal.
To find out more, Khan and Ranveer go to the hotel and force their way into Sharma's room. He divulges the information about the raid, following a threat of violence. He also mentions that Ajay is taking revenge on the CBI for not appointing him. Khan orders Sharma to ensure everything proceeds as normal.


On the day of the raid, Khan takes charge of the jewellery store and replaces the goods with fake jewellery, with the originals being moved to the jewellery store's own workshop. Ajay informs the recruits that he will come in a different vehicle to them. Sharma leaves with the recruits in a bus, but leaves the bus at police headquarters, saying that he will arrive with Ajay. He also states that nobody should leave the bus until they arrive and that he is going to verify the paperwork for the raid at the Police HQ. In reality, he goes to meet Ranveer Singh. With Ajay, a raid of the workshop is carried out. Ajay then goes and meets Priya, who is ready for departure at the airport.
On the day of the raid, Khan takes charge of the jewellery store and replaces the goods with fake jewellery, with the originals being moved to the jewellery store's own workshop. Ajay informs the recruits that he will come in a different vehicle to them. P. K. leaves with the recruits in a bus, but leaves the bus at police headquarters, saying that he will arrive with Ajay. He also states that nobody should leave the bus until they arrive and that he is going to verify the paperwork for the raid at the Police HQ. In reality, he goes to meet Ranveer and Shanti. With Ajay, a raid of the workshop is carried out. Ajay then goes and meets Priya, who is ready for departure at the airport.


Meanwhile, at the jewellery store, Khan is informed that the raid was conducted at the workshop and all jewellery in the workshop along with the jewellery that were moved were stolen. Khan works it all out for himself, realizing that Ranveer was part of the gang and he wasn't a real police officer and they were set up right from the beginning. Khan starts laughing loudly and applauds the entire robbery plan and execution. Later, Khan receives a [[money order]] for Rs. 100 that Ajay had taken from him with the message that he could not steal the honest earnings of an officer. The film ends with Khan being told over the phone that the CBI has information about the perpetrators. At the same time, Ajay and P. K. Sharma are seen enjoying a [[cricket]] match happily at the [[Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium]].
Meanwhile, at the [[jewellery store]], Khan is informed that the raid was conducted at the workshop and all jewellery in the workshop along with the jewellery that was moved were stolen. Khan works it all out for himself, realizing that Ranveer was part of the gang and he wasn't a real police officer and they were set up right from the beginning and Ajay and his gangs have misled him to think he is in control all the time. Furious and at the same time impressed by the cunning of Ajay and his gang, Khan starts laughing loudly and applauds the entire robbery plan and execution. Later, Khan receives a [[money order]] for Rs. 100 that Ajay had taken from him with the message that he could not steal the honest earnings of an officer. The film ends with Khan being told over the phone that the CBI has information about the perpetrators as Ajay and P. K. are caught in a live TV footage shown sitting in the gallery and enjoying a [[cricket]] match happily with their families at the [[Sharjah Cricket Stadium|Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium]].


== Cast ==
== Cast ==
[[File:Akshay Kumar and Kajal Aggarwal.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right|[[Kajal Aggarwal]] with her co-star [[Akshay Kumar]] during the promotions of their film in 2013]]
[[File:Akshay Kumar and Kajal Aggarwal.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right|[[Kajal Aggarwal|Aggarwal]] with [[Akshay Kumar]] during the promotions of their film in 2013]]
{{col begin|colwidth=25em}}
Credits as per given in film:-
* [[Akshay Kumar]] as Ajay "Ajju" Singh / CBI Officer A. K. Vardhan
* [[Akshay Kumar]] as Ajay "Ajju" Singh / CBI Officer A. K. Vardhan
* [[Kajal Aggarwal]] as Priya Chauhan
* [[Manoj Bajpayee]] as CBI Officer Waseem Khan
* [[Manoj Bajpayee]] as CBI Officer Waseem Khan
* [[Jimmy Sheirgill]] as [[Sub Inspector]] Ranveer Singh
* [[Divya Dutta]] as Police Constable Shanti
* [[Anupam Kher]] as Pramod Kumar "P. K." Sharma
* [[Anupam Kher]] as Pramod Kumar "P. K." Sharma
* [[Jimmy Sheirgill]] as Sub-Inspector Ranveer Singh
* [[Kajal Aggarwal]] as Priya Chauhan
* [[Rajesh Sharma (actor)|Rajesh Sharma]] as Joginder Khurana
* [[Rajesh Sharma (actor)|Rajesh Sharma]] as Joginder Khurana
* Rahaao as Candidate 19
* [[Kishor Kadam]] as Iqbal Ali
* [[Tiku Talsania|Tiku C. Talsania]] as Magandas, Bhuvandas Singhania Jewellery shop owner (special appearance)
* [[Vipin Sharma]] as ACP / Constable (fake)
* [[Deepraj Rana]] as Inspector Rahul Singh
* [[Neeru Bajwa]] in a special appearance in "Gore Mukhde Pe Zulfen Di Chaava" song
* [[Vikas Shrivastav]] as Rajiv Gupte, Candidate 6 and Wassem's partner
* [[Vikas Shrivastav]] as Rajiv Gupte, Candidate 6 and Wassem's partner
* [[Kishor Kadam]] as Iqbal Ali
* [[Kharaj Mukherjee]] as Abhay Roy, CBI Officer in [[Kolkata]]
* [[Divya Dutta]] as Shanti
* [[Ujjwal Chopra]] as Inspector Amit Solanki
* [[Kharaj Mukherjee]] as Roy, CBI Officer in Kolkata
* [[Deepraj Rana]] as Rahul
* [[Ujjwal Chopra]] as Solanki
* [[Tiku Talsania]] as Magandas, BSJ Jewellery shop owner
* [[Sachin Nayak]] as Vella boy
* [[Sachin Nayak]] as Vella boy
* [[Neetu Singh (born 1990)|Neetu Singh]] as Waseem's wife<!--this Neetu Singh (Kapoor) is not Rishi Kapoor's wife & Ranbir Kapoor's mother.-->
* [[Neetu Singh (born 1990)|Neetu Singh]] as Mrs. Khan, Waseem's wife&lt;!--this Neetu Singh (Kapoor) is not Rishi Kapoor's wife &amp; Ranbir Kapoor's mother.--&gt;
* [[Vipin Sharma]] as ACP Bhushan Patel (fake)
* [[Abha Parmar]] as Minister Gupta's wife
* [[Abha Parmar]] as Minister Gupta's wife
* Mukesh S. Bhatt as Minister's PA (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1201151/){{citation needed|date= December 2020}}
* Mukesh S. Bhatt as Minister Gupta's secretary {{citation needed|date= December 2020}}
* Gurpal Singh as Telephone repairing guy
* Gurpal Singh as Telephone Repairing Guy
* Jarnail Singh as Telephone taping guy
* Jarnail Singh as Telephone Taping Guy
* [[Ronika]] as Miss/Mrs. Sharma, P. K.'s daughter
* [[Ronika]] as Miss/Mrs. Sharma, P. K.'s daughter
* Sharad Shetty as goon chased by Waseem at Connaught Place
* Sharad Shetty as Goon chased by Waseem at [[Connaught Place, New Delhi|Connaught Place]]
* [[Suraj Gupta]] as Informer Munna
* [[Suraj Gupta]] as Informer Munna
* [[Neeru Bajwa]] Special appearance in song "Gore Mukhde Pe Zulfen Di Chaava"
* Heera Achra as a [[go-go dancer]] in the song "Kaun Mera Kya"
{{col end}}
* Rahaao as Candidate 19
* Umer Wani as Candidate 12
* [[Ujjwal Chopra]] as Solanki


==Production==
==Production==
===Development===
===Development===
The film takes its foundations from the [[1987 Opera House heist|robbery of 19 March 1987]], when 26 people posing as income tax officials raided a jewellery store in [[Royal Opera House (Mumbai)|Opera House]], [[Mumbai|Bombay]].
The film takes its foundations from the [[1987 Opera House heist|robbery of 19 March 1987]], when 26 people posing as CBI officials raided a jewellery store in [[Royal Opera House (Mumbai)|Opera House]], [[Mumbai|Bombay]].


Manoj Bajpai was signed to play the CBI officer,<ref name=BH>{{cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/news/type/view/id/1414244|title=Manoj Bajpai to play CBI agent in Special Chhabees|author=Subhash K Jha|publisher=[[Bollywood Hungama]]|access-date=23 February 2012}}</ref> and Anupam Kher plays a vital role.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-25/news-interviews/30556430_1_anupam-kher-neeraj-pandey-new-film|title=Anupam Kher excited for Neeraj Pandey's next|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=25 December 2011}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Kajal Aggarwal plays a specially-written role of Ajay Singh's love interest.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/singham-actress-kajal-aggarwal-signs-her-next-film/20120227.htm|title=Singham actress Kajal Aggarwal signs her next film|publisher=Rediff|access-date=27 February 2012}}</ref>
[[Ajay Devgn]] and [[Abhishek Bachchan]] were reported to have been considered for the lead role. It went to Akshay Kumar as he was Pandey's first choice.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=Ajay Devgn roped in for Neeraj Pandey's Special Chabbis |url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/movies/ajay-devgn-roped-in-for-neeraj-pandey-s-special-chabbis_78738.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130113045632/http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/movies/ajay-devgn-roped-in-for-neeraj-pandey-s-special-chabbis_78738.htm |archive-date=13 January 2013 |access-date=18 December 2012 |publisher=Zee News}}&lt;/ref&gt; Manoj Bajpai was signed to play the CBI officer.&lt;ref name="BH"&gt;{{Cite web |last=Subhash K Jha |title=Manoj Bajpai to play CBI agent in Special Chhabees |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/news/type/view/id/1414244 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212031639/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/news/type/view/id/1414244 |archive-date=12 February 2013 |access-date=23 February 2012 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}&lt;/ref&gt; and Anupam Kher plays a vital role.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=Anupam Kher excited for Neeraj Pandey's next |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-25/news-interviews/30556430_1_anupam-kher-neeraj-pandey-new-film |access-date=25 December 2011 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}&lt;/ref&gt; Kajal Aggarwal plays a specially-written role of Ajay Singh's love interest as a school teacher.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=Singham actress Kajal Aggarwal signs her next film |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/singham-actress-kajal-aggarwal-signs-her-next-film/20120227.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301034724/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/singham-actress-kajal-aggarwal-signs-her-next-film/20120227.htm |archive-date=1 March 2012 |access-date=27 February 2012 |publisher=Rediff}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |last=TNN |date=4 January 2013 |title=Kajal Aggarwal to play a school teacher |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/telugu/news-interviews/Kajal-Aggarwal-to-play-a-school-teacher/articleshow/17883687.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216075624/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-04/news-interviews/36148464_1_school-teacher-special-chabbis-akshay-kumar |archive-date=16 February 2013 |access-date=16 January 2013 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |date=4 January 2013 |title=Special Chabbis: Kajal Aggarwal is in awe of Akshay Kumar- Bollywood- IBNLive |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/singham-actress-kajal-aggarwal-says-she-lords-akshay/313811-8-66.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222174641/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/singham-actress-kajal-aggarwal-says-she-lords-akshay/313811-8-66.html |archive-date=22 February 2014 |access-date=16 January 2013 |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com}}&lt;/ref&gt; Akshay Kumar slashed his fee by half for ''Special Chabbis''.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |date=16 January 2013 |title=Akshay Kumar slashes fee by half for Special Chabbis &amp;#124; NDTV Movies.com |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/akshay-kumar-slashes-fee-by-half-for-i-special-chabbis-i-318073 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130061929/http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/akshay-kumar-slashes-fee-by-half-for-i-special-chabbis-i-318073 |archive-date=30 January 2013 |access-date=13 July 2013 |publisher=Movies.ndtv.com}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |last=Rebello |first=Runcil |date=16 January 2013 |title=Why Akshay Kumar Slashed His Fee By 50% For 'Special Chabbis' |url=http://businessofcinema.com/news/why-akshay-kumar-slashed-his-fee-by-50-for-special-chabbis/57459 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726015356/http://businessofcinema.com/news/why-akshay-kumar-slashed-his-fee-by-50-for-special-chabbis/57459 |archive-date=26 July 2013 |access-date=13 July 2013 |publisher=Businessofcinema.com}}&lt;/ref&gt;
 
[[Ajay Devgn]] and [[Abhishek Bachchan]] were reported to have been considered for the lead role. It went to Akshay Kumar as he was Pandey's first choice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/movies/ajay-devgn-roped-in-for-neeraj-pandey-s-special-chabbis_78738.htm|title=Ajay Devgn roped in for Neeraj Pandey's Special Chabbis|publisher=Zee News}}</ref> Kajal Aggarwal is playing the role of a school teacher.<ref>{{cite web|author=TNN |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-04/news-interviews/36148464_1_school-teacher-special-chabbis-akshay-kumar |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216075624/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-04/news-interviews/36148464_1_school-teacher-special-chabbis-akshay-kumar |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 February 2013 |title=Kajal Aggarwal to play a school teacher |date=4 January 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=16 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/singham-actress-kajal-aggarwal-says-she-lords-akshay/313811-8-66.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222174641/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/singham-actress-kajal-aggarwal-says-she-lords-akshay/313811-8-66.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 February 2014 |title=Special Chabbis: Kajal Aggarwal is in awe of Akshay Kumar- Bollywood- IBNLive |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com |date=4 January 2013 |access-date=16 January 2013}}</ref> Akshay Kumar slashed his fee by half for ''Special Chabbis''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/akshay-kumar-slashes-fee-by-half-for-i-special-chabbis-i-318073 |title=Akshay Kumar slashes fee by half for Special Chabbis &#124; NDTV Movies.com |publisher=Movies.ndtv.com |date=16 January 2013 |access-date=13 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Rebello |first=Runcil |url=http://businessofcinema.com/news/why-akshay-kumar-slashed-his-fee-by-50-for-special-chabbis/57459 |title=Why Akshay Kumar Slashed His Fee By 50% For 'Special Chabbis' |publisher=Businessofcinema.com |access-date=13 July 2013}}</ref>


===Filming===
===Filming===
Shooting began on 23 February 2012 in [[Delhi]]. The first schedule of the film was shot in [[Chandni Chowk]], following which the unit moved to [[Jama Masjid, Delhi|Jama Masjid]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-10/news-interviews/31142603_1_akshay-kumar-shooting-special-chabbis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530163132/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-10/news-interviews/31142603_1_akshay-kumar-shooting-special-chabbis|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-05-30|title=Akshay Kumar shoots for Special Chabbis in Delhi|work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>
Shooting began on 23 February 2012 in [[Delhi]]. The first schedule of the film was shot in [[Chandni Chowk]], following which the unit moved to [[Jama Masjid, Delhi|Jama Masjid]].&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=Akshay Kumar shoots for Special Chabbis in Delhi |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-10/news-interviews/31142603_1_akshay-kumar-shooting-special-chabbis |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530163132/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-10/news-interviews/31142603_1_akshay-kumar-shooting-special-chabbis |archive-date=2013-05-30 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}&lt;/ref&gt;


== Music ==
== Music ==
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| recorded    = 2013
| recorded    = 2013
| venue        = [[Hyderabad]], [[Mumbai]]
| venue        = [[Hyderabad]], [[Mumbai]]
| studio      = [[Prasad Studios|Prasad Film Laboratories]],<br />[[Hyderabad]]
| studio      = [[Prasad Studios|Prasad Film Laboratories]],&lt;br /&gt;[[Hyderabad]]
| genre        = [[Film Soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| genre        = [[Feature film soundtrack]]
| length      = {{Duration|m=25|s=28}}
| length      = {{Duration|m=25|s=28}}
| label        = [[T-Series (company)|T-Series]]
| label        = [[T-Series (company)|T-Series]]
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| prev_title  = [[Shirdi Sai]]
| prev_title  = [[Shirdi Sai]]
| prev_year    = 2012
| prev_year    = 2012
| next_title  = [[Anaamika (2014 film)|Anaamika]]
| next_title  = [[Emo Gurram Egaravachu]]
| next_year    = 2014
| next_year    = 2013
| misc        = {{Extra chronology
| misc        = {{Extra chronology
  | artist    = [[Himesh Reshammiya]]
  | artist    = [[Himesh Reshammiya]]
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}}
}}
}}
}}
The soundtrack album of ''Special 26'' was composed by noted South Indian film composer [[M. M. Keeravani]] credited as [[M. M. Kreem]]. [[Himesh Reshammiya]], was roped in as the guest composer for the song "Gore Mukhde Pe Zulfen" which was written by [[Shabbir Ahmed (lyricist)|Shabbir Ahmed]], and the rest of them were penned by [[Irshad Kamil]]. All the songs were recorded at [[Prasad Studios|Prasad Film Laboratories]] in [[Hyderabad]], and Silver Harmony in [[Mumbai]]. The music rights were acquired by [[T-Series (company)|T-Series]] and the album was released on 9 January 2013, at a promotional event held in [[PVR Cinemas|PVR]], Mumbai.<ref>{{cite web|title=Special 26 details|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/cast/id/541766|publisher=Bollywoodhungama}}</ref> The background score of the film is composed by [[Surinder Sodhi]].
The soundtrack album of ''Special 26'' was composed by noted South Indian film composer [[M. M. Keeravani]] credited as [[M. M. Kreem]]. [[Himesh Reshammiya]], was roped in as the guest composer for the song "Gore Mukhde Pe Zulfen" which was written by [[Shabbir Ahmed (lyricist)|Shabbir Ahmed]], and the rest of them were penned by [[Irshad Kamil]]. All the songs were recorded at [[Prasad Studios|Prasad Film Laboratories]] in [[Hyderabad]], and Silver Harmony in [[Mumbai]]. The music rights were acquired by [[T-Series (company)|T-Series]] and the album was released on 9 January 2013, at a promotional event held in [[PVR Cinemas|PVR]], Mumbai.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=Special 26 details |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/cast/id/541766 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415004234/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/cast/id/541766 |archive-date=15 April 2012 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}&lt;/ref&gt; The background score of the film is composed by [[Surinder Sodhi]].
{{track listing
{{track listing
| headline = Track listing
| headline = Track listing
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| length2 = 4:06
| length2 = 4:06
| title3 = Kaun Mera Kya
| title3 = Kaun Mera Kya
| extra3 = [[Chaitra H. G.|Chaitra Ambadipudi]]
| extra3 = [[Chaitra Ambadipudi]]
| lyrics3 =  
| lyrics3 =  
| music3 =  
| music3 =  
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== Marketing and release ==
== Marketing and release ==
''Special Chabbis'' released on for around {{INRConvert|120|m}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Special 26 First Day Business|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5381&nCat= |publisher=Box Office India|access-date=9 February 2013}}</ref><ref name=release>{{cite web|title=Special 26 Opening Day Box Office Collections|url=http://www.koimoi.com/box-office/special-26-opening-day-box-office-collections/ |publisher=koimoi|access-date=9 February 2013}}</ref> The producers have {{INRConvert|500|m}} investment on ''Special Chabbis'', as the film has fetched around {{INRConvert|350|m}} from sale of the territory rights across India.<ref name="invest">{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5388&nCat= |title=Boxofficeindia.com |publisher=Box Office India |date=11 February 2013 |access-date=13 July 2013}}</ref><ref name="komalsreviews.wordpress.com">{{cite web|url=http://komalsreviews.wordpress.com/2013/02/08/special-26-review/ |title=SPECIAL 26 review &#124; Komal Nahta's Blog |publisher=Komalsreviews.wordpress.com |date=8 February 2013 |access-date=13 July 2013}}</ref> ''Special 26'' was made on a budget of around {{INRConvert|300|m}}, with a publicity and advertising budget of around {{INRConvert|120|m}}.<ref name=Budget>{{cite web|title=Initial reports on Special 26 and ABCD positive|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-02-13/box-office/37059269_1_satellite-rights-abcd-film|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227060637/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-02-13/box-office/37059269_1_satellite-rights-abcd-film|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 February 2013|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=13 February 2013}}</ref>[[File:Special 26 logo.jpg|thumb|Since the film is set in late-1980s, the title was designed to resemble the type-face of newspapers back then]]
''Special Chabbis'' released on for around {{INRConvert|120|m}}.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=Special 26 First Day Business |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5381&amp;nCat= |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212072113/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5381&amp;nCat= |archive-date=12 February 2013 |access-date=9 February 2013 |publisher=Box Office India}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref name="release"&gt;{{Cite web |date=9 February 2013 |title=Special 26 Opening Day Box Office Collections |url=http://www.koimoi.com/box-office/special-26-opening-day-box-office-collections/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212045259/http://www.koimoi.com/box-office/special-26-opening-day-box-office-collections/ |archive-date=12 February 2013 |access-date=9 February 2013 |publisher=koimoi}}&lt;/ref&gt; The producers have {{INRConvert|500|m}} investment on ''Special Chabbis'', as the film has fetched around {{INRConvert|350|m}} from sale of the territory rights across India.&lt;ref name="invest"&gt;{{Cite web |date=11 February 2013 |title=Boxofficeindia.com |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5388&amp;nCat= |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130214005656/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5388&amp;nCat= |archive-date=14 February 2013 |access-date=13 July 2013 |publisher=Box Office India}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref name="komalsreviews.wordpress.com"&gt;{{Cite web |date=8 February 2013 |title=SPECIAL 26 review &amp;#124; Komal Nahta's Blog |url=http://komalsreviews.wordpress.com/2013/02/08/special-26-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629153013/http://komalsreviews.wordpress.com/2013/02/08/special-26-review/ |archive-date=29 June 2013 |access-date=13 July 2013 |publisher=Komalsreviews.wordpress.com}}&lt;/ref&gt; ''Special 26'' was made on a budget of around {{INRConvert|300|m}}, with a publicity and advertising budget of around {{INRConvert|120|m}}.&lt;ref name="Budget"&gt;{{Cite web |title=Initial reports on Special 26 and ABCD positive |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/box-office/Initial-reports-on-Special-26-and-ABCD-positive/articleshow/18464103.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227060637/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-02-13/box-office/37059269_1_satellite-rights-abcd-film |archive-date=27 February 2013 |access-date=13 February 2013 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}&lt;/ref&gt;[[File:Special 26 logo.jpg|thumb|Since the film is set in late-1980s, the title was designed to resemble the type-face of newspapers back then]]
The theatrical trailer was released online on 20 December 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiyQb28geOg|title=Special Chabbis Official Trailer|via=YouTube}}</ref> The first promos of ''[[Nautanki Saala]]'' and ''[[Chashme Baddoor (2013 film)|Chashme Baddoor]]'' were attached to ''Special 26''.<ref>{{cite web|title=First Look of Nautanki Saala with Special 26|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/1708601/First-Look-of-Nautanki-Saala-with-Special-26|publisher=Bollywoodhungama|access-date=4 February 2013}}</ref> The movie was distributed all over India by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Wide Frame Pictures. Akshay Kumar, with the rest of the cast of ''Special Chabbis'', were scheduled to visit the crime spot of the incident that inspired the film.<ref>{{cite web|title=Akshay Kumar to visit 'Special Chabbis' crime spot in Mumbai|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/akshay-kumar-to-visit-special-chabbis-crime-spot-in-zaveri-bazaar/370922-8-66.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208065121/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/akshay-kumar-to-visit-special-chabbis-crime-spot-in-zaveri-bazaar/370922-8-66.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 February 2013 |publisher=CNN-IBN|access-date=5 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Akshay Kumar to visit Special Chabbis crime spot |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/akshay-kumar-to-visit-i-special-chabbis-i-crime-spot-326422 |publisher=ndtv|access-date=4 February 2013}}</ref> A special screening was held for [[Central Bureau of Investigation|CBI]] officials on 5 February 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=CBI wants to review Akshay Kumar's Special Chabbis |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/cbi-wants-to-review-akshay-kumar-s-i-special-chabbis-i-325060|publisher=ndtv|access-date=1 February 2013}}</ref>
The theatrical trailer was released online on 20 December 2012.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |date=20 December 2012 |title=Special Chabbis Official Trailer |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiyQb28geOg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824211226/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiyQb28geOg |archive-date=24 August 2023 |access-date=19 May 2016 |via=YouTube}}&lt;/ref&gt; The first promos of ''[[Nautanki Saala]]'' and ''[[Chashme Baddoor (2013 film)|Chashme Baddoor]]'' were attached to ''Special 26''.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=First Look of Nautanki Saala with Special 26 |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/1708601/First-Look-of-Nautanki-Saala-with-Special-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206212805/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/1708601/First-Look-of-Nautanki-Saala-with-Special-26 |archive-date=6 February 2013 |access-date=4 February 2013 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}&lt;/ref&gt; The movie was distributed all over India by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Wide Frame Pictures. Akshay Kumar, with the rest of the cast of ''Special Chabbis'', were scheduled to visit the crime spot of the incident that inspired the film.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=Akshay Kumar to visit 'Special Chabbis' crime spot in Mumbai |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/akshay-kumar-to-visit-special-chabbis-crime-spot-in-zaveri-bazaar/370922-8-66.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208065121/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/akshay-kumar-to-visit-special-chabbis-crime-spot-in-zaveri-bazaar/370922-8-66.html |archive-date=8 February 2013 |access-date=5 February 2013 |publisher=CNN-IBN}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=Akshay Kumar to visit Special Chabbis crime spot |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/akshay-kumar-to-visit-i-special-chabbis-i-crime-spot-326422 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130207052434/http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/akshay-kumar-to-visit-i-special-chabbis-i-crime-spot-326422 |archive-date=7 February 2013 |access-date=4 February 2013 |publisher=ndtv}}&lt;/ref&gt; A special screening was held for [[Central Bureau of Investigation|CBI]] officials on 5 February 2013.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=CBI wants to review Akshay Kumar's Special Chabbis |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/cbi-wants-to-review-akshay-kumar-s-i-special-chabbis-i-325060 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130204020456/http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/cbi-wants-to-review-akshay-kumar-s-i-special-chabbis-i-325060 |archive-date=4 February 2013 |access-date=1 February 2013 |publisher=ndtv}}&lt;/ref&gt;


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
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{{Album ratings
{{Album ratings
|rev1=Bollywood Hungama
|rev1=Bollywood Hungama
|rev1Score={{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="bh score" />
|rev1Score={{Rating|4|5}}&lt;ref name="bh score" /&gt;
|rev2=CNN-IBN
|rev2=CNN-IBN
|rev2Score={{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="cnnibn score" />
|rev2Score={{Rating|3.5|5}}&lt;ref name="cnnibn score" /&gt;
|rev3=''Hindustan Times''
|rev3=''Hindustan Times''
|rev3Score={{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name=choprahindustan>{{cite web|last=Chopra|first=Anupama|title=Special 26 review|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Reviews/Anupama-Chopra-s-review-Special-26/Article1-1008866.aspx|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=1 July 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108160536/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Reviews/Anupama-Chopra-s-review-Special-26/Article1-1008866.aspx|archive-date=8 November 2014}}</ref>
|rev3Score={{Rating|3.5|5}}&lt;ref name="choprahindustan"&gt;{{Cite web |last=Chopra |first=Anupama |title=Special 26 review |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Reviews/Anupama-Chopra-s-review-Special-26/Article1-1008866.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108160536/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Reviews/Anupama-Chopra-s-review-Special-26/Article1-1008866.aspx |archive-date=8 November 2014 |access-date=1 July 2013 |website=Hindustan Times}}&lt;/ref&gt;
|rev4=NDTV
|rev4=NDTV
|rev4Score={{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="NDTV Score" />
|rev4Score={{Rating|4|5}}&lt;ref name="NDTV Score" /&gt;
|rev5=Rediff
|rev5=Rediff
|rev5Score={{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="Review: Special Chabbis is an exciting con caper" />
|rev5Score={{Rating|3.5|5}}&lt;ref name="Review: Special Chabbis is an exciting con caper" /&gt;
|rev6=''The Times of India''
|rev6=''The Times of India''
|rev6Score={{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="toi review" />
|rev6Score={{Rating|3.5|5}}&lt;ref name="toi review" /&gt;
|rev7=Zee News
|rev7=Zee News
|rev7Score={{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="ZeeNews" />
|rev7Score={{Rating|4|5}}&lt;ref name="ZeeNews" /&gt;
|rev8=Planet Bollywood
|rev8Score={{Rating|8|10}}<ref name="PB Score" />
}}
}}


[[Taran Adarsh]] of [[Bollywood Hungama]] gave the score of 4 out of 5, and said "''Special Chabbis'' is an intelligently woven, slick and smart period thriller with its subject matter as its USP. It's sure to get listed as one of the most gripping heist dramas based on real life occurrences."<ref name="bh score">{{cite web|title=Special Chabbis – Review |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/541766|publisher=Bollywood Hungama|author=Taran Adarsh|date=7 February 2013|access-date=7 February 2013}}{{Rating|4|5}}</ref>
[[Taran Adarsh]] of [[Bollywood Hungama]] gave the score of 4 out of 5, and said "''Special Chabbis'' is an intelligently woven, slick and smart period thriller with its subject matter as its USP. It's sure to get listed as one of the most gripping heist dramas based on real life occurrences."&lt;ref name="bh score"&gt;{{Cite web |last=Taran Adarsh |date=7 February 2013 |title=Special Chabbis – Review |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/541766 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419195601/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/541766 |archive-date=19 April 2012 |access-date=7 February 2013 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}{{Rating|4|5}}&lt;/ref&gt;
 
[[Anupama Chopra]], writing for ''[[Hindustan Times]]'', gave 3.5 stars out of 5, calling it one of the best films of the year and praising its attention to detail, its character building, the plot's steady but sure sense of immediacy and urgency, and the elaborate cat-and-mouse chase between the conmen and the police. She criticises the unnecessary addition of the love angle in an otherwise gripping script, along with the unconvincing nature of its climax.<ref name=choprahindustan />


Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV gave it 4 out of 5 stars, and wrote, "''Special 26'' is an intelligently scripted, superbly acted, enthralling and believable heist film that is more than just that."<ref name="NDTV Score">{{cite web|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/movie-review-i-special-26-i-781|title=Special 26 Review (NDTV)|author=Saibal Chatterjee|date=7 February 2013|publisher=movies.ndtv.com|access-date=7 February 2013}}</ref>
[[Anupama Chopra]], writing for ''[[Hindustan Times]]'', gave 3.5 stars out of 5, calling it one of the best films of the year and praising its attention to detail, its character building, the plot's steady but sure sense of immediacy and urgency, and the elaborate cat-and-mouse chase between the conmen and the police. She criticises the unnecessary addition of the love angle in an otherwise gripping script, along with the unconvincing nature of its climax.&lt;ref name="choprahindustan" /&gt;


Kaushik Ramesh of Planet Bollywood gave the film 8 out of 10 and summarised, "The unfolding of each scene brings with it certain unforeseeable surprises, course changing and effective. The adrenalizing screenplay makes you spontaneously acknowledge the genius in the director Neeraj Pandey who clearly emerges as the hero to watch out for."<ref name="PB Score">{{cite web |last=Ramesh|first=Kaushik|title=Special 26 Review by Kaushik Ramesh|url=http://www.planetbollywood.com/displayReview.php?id=f021013060340|publisher=Planet Bollywood|access-date=30 June 2013}}</ref>
Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV gave it 4 out of 5 stars, and wrote, "''Special 26'' is an intelligently scripted, superbly acted, enthralling and believable heist film that is more than just that."&lt;ref name="NDTV Score"&gt;{{Cite web |last=Saibal Chatterjee |date=7 February 2013 |title=Special 26 Review (NDTV) |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/movie-review-i-special-26-i-781 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130211004611/http://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/movie-review-i-special-26-i-781 |archive-date=11 February 2013 |access-date=7 February 2013 |publisher=movies.ndtv.com}}&lt;/ref&gt;


Resham Sengar of [[Zee News]] rated the film 4 out of 5, stating, "Very rarely would you come across a logically scripted and intelligently-directed drama thriller churned out from the good ol' Hindi cine factory these days. And here’s a promising Neeraj Pandey for you who is back with a bang (and bang on target) with another awe inspiring film ''Special 26''."<ref name="ZeeNews">{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/bollywood/special-26-review-this-heist-suspense-drama-scores-for-its-entertaining-value_127612.htm|title=Special 26 Review|last=Sengar|first=Resham|work=Resham Sengar|publisher=Zee News|access-date=7 February 2013}}</ref>
Resham Sengar of [[Zee News]] rated the film 4 out of 5, stating, "Very rarely would you come across a logically scripted and intelligently-directed drama thriller churned out from the good ol' Hindi cine factory these days. And here's a promising Neeraj Pandey for you who is back with a bang (and bang on target) with another awe inspiring film ''Special 26''."&lt;ref name="ZeeNews"&gt;{{Cite web |last=Sengar |first=Resham |title=Special 26 Review |url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/bollywood/special-26-review-this-heist-suspense-drama-scores-for-its-entertaining-value_127612.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130210002851/http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/bollywood/special-26-review-this-heist-suspense-drama-scores-for-its-entertaining-value_127612.htm |archive-date=10 February 2013 |access-date=7 February 2013 |website=Resham Sengar |publisher=Zee News}}&lt;/ref&gt;


[[Rajeev Masand]] of CNN-IBN gave 3.5 out of 5, saying "''Special Chabbis'' works on account of its meaty, realistic plot and nicely fleshed out characters. This is solid, assured filmmaking, evident in the meticulous detailing of its 80s production design. The film charms you with its subtle humor, through characters played by Jimmy Shergill and Divya Dutta."<ref name="cnnibn score">{{cite web|last=Review|first=Special 26|title=Rejeev Masand Review|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/special-chabbis-review-its-a-delicious-thriller-you-dont-want-to-miss/371706-47-84.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130211095447/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/special-chabbis-review-its-a-delicious-thriller-you-dont-want-to-miss/371706-47-84.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 February 2013|work=Rajeev Masand|publisher=CNN-IBN |access-date=9 February 2013}}</ref>
[[Rajeev Masand]] of CNN-IBN gave 3.5 out of 5, saying "''Special Chabbis'' works on account of its meaty, realistic plot and nicely fleshed out characters. This is solid, assured filmmaking, evident in the meticulous detailing of its 80s production design. The film charms you with its subtle humor, through characters played by Jimmy Shergill and Divya Dutta."&lt;ref name="cnnibn score"&gt;{{Cite web |last=Review |first=Special 26 |title=Rejeev Masand Review |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/special-chabbis-review-its-a-delicious-thriller-you-dont-want-to-miss/371706-47-84.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130211095447/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/special-chabbis-review-its-a-delicious-thriller-you-dont-want-to-miss/371706-47-84.html |archive-date=11 February 2013 |access-date=9 February 2013 |website=Rajeev Masand |publisher=CNN-IBN}}&lt;/ref&gt;


Madhureeta Mukherjee of ''[[The Times of India]]'' gave the movie 3.5 out of 5 stars, while adding, "''Special 26'' doesn't stun you with a social message like Pandey's '[[A Wednesday!]]', but it grips, excites and ahh...climaxes too! And no ... you can't fake this one! Catch it for pure cinematic orgasm."<ref name="toi review">{{cite web|title=Special 26 – Movie Review |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/movie-review/18381381.cms|work=The Times of India|author=Madhureeta Mukherjee|date=7 February 2013|access-date=7 February 2013}}{{Rating|3.5|5}}</ref>
Madhureeta Mukherjee of ''[[The Times of India]]'' gave the movie 3.5 out of 5 stars, while adding, "''Special 26'' doesn't stun you with a social message like Pandey's '[[A Wednesday!]]', but it grips, excites and ahh...climaxes too! And no ... you can't fake this one! Catch it for pure cinematic orgasm."&lt;ref name="toi review"&gt;{{Cite web |last=Madhureeta Mukherjee |date=7 February 2013 |title=Special 26 – Movie Review |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/movie-review/18381381.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031202952/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/movie-review/18381381.cms |archive-date=31 October 2013 |access-date=7 February 2013 |website=The Times of India}}{{Rating|3.5|5}}&lt;/ref&gt;


Sukanya Verma for [[Rediff.com]] gave 3.5 stars out of 5 and said, "''Special Chabbis'' is one of the finest films of the year so far."<ref name="Review: Special Chabbis is an exciting con caper">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-special-chabbis-is-exciting/20130208.htm|title=rediff Review: Special Chabbis is an exciting con caper|author=Sukanya Verma|work=Rediff.com|access-date=7 February 2013}}{{Rating|3.5|5}}</ref>
Sukanya Verma for [[Rediff.com]] gave 3.5 stars out of 5 and said, "''Special Chabbis'' is one of the finest films of the year so far."&lt;ref name="Review: Special Chabbis is an exciting con caper" /&gt;


Newstrackindia stated that ''Special 26'' is a no-nonsense film from Akshay.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2013/2/8/90-Special-Chabbis-Review-Finally-a-no-nonsense-film-from-Akshay.html|title=Special Chabbis Review: Finally a no nonsense film from Akshay|date=7 February 2013|publisher=Newstrackindia.com|access-date=13 July 2013}}</ref>
Newstrackindia stated that ''Special 26'' is a no-nonsense film from Akshay.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |date=7 February 2013 |title=Special Chabbis Review: Finally a no nonsense film from Akshay |url=http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2013/2/8/90-Special-Chabbis-Review-Finally-a-no-nonsense-film-from-Akshay.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516034001/http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2013/2/8/90-Special-Chabbis-Review-Finally-a-no-nonsense-film-from-Akshay.html |archive-date=16 May 2013 |access-date=13 July 2013 |publisher=Newstrackindia.com}}&lt;/ref&gt;


=== Box office ===
=== Box office ===


==== India ====
==== India ====
''Special 26'' opened at 30% occupancy on Thursday morning but it improved steadily till the evening shows to 60% due to positive reviews.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5376&nCat=|title=First Day Occupancy|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=7 February 2013}}</ref> The film netted {{INRConvert|57.5|m}} on its first day<ref name="1st day">{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5384&nCat=|title=Special 26 First Day Territorial Breakdown|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=8 February 2013}}</ref> and further grow to make {{INRConvert|231|m}} in its first weekend.<ref name="1st weekend">{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5390&nCat=|title=Special 26 First Weekend Territorial Breakdown|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=11 February 2013}}</ref> The film collected around {{INRConvert|37.5|m}} nett on Monday.<ref>{{cite web|title=Special 26 Has Decent Collections on Monday |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5392&nCat=|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=12 February 2013}}</ref> It netted around {{INRConvert|387|m}} in its first week.<ref name="1st week">{{cite web|title=Special 26 Week One Territorial Breakdown|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5409&nCat= |publisher=Box Office India|access-date=18 February 2013}}</ref> In its second weekend it has a collection of around {{INRConvert|19.9|m}} to bring its ten-day figure to around {{INRConvert|480|m}} nett.<ref>{{cite web|title=Special 26 Grosses 48 Crore in Ten Days|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5411&nCat= |publisher=Box Office India|access-date=18 February 2013}}</ref> In its second week, the film netted {{INRConvert|179.9|m}} taking its total business to nearly {{INRConvert|567|m}} in India.<ref>{{cite web|title=Special 26 Week Two Territorial Breakdown |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5430&nCat= |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=25 February 2013}}</ref> It eventually netted around {{INRConvert|657|m}} with a distributor share of {{INRConvert|318|m}} in domestic market.<ref name="final domestic">{{cite web|title=Special 26 v Khiladi 786: All India Comparison|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5479&nCat=|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=14 March 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130317025209/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5479&nCat=|archive-date=17 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5828&nCat= |title=Boxofficeindia.com |publisher=Box Office India |date=5 July 2013 |access-date=13 July 2013}}</ref>
''Special 26'' opened at 30% occupancy on Thursday morning but it improved steadily till the evening shows to 60% due to positive reviews.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=First Day Occupancy |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5376&amp;nCat= |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130211004657/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5376&amp;nCat= |archive-date=11 February 2013 |access-date=7 February 2013 |publisher=Box Office India}}&lt;/ref&gt; The film netted {{INRConvert|5.75|c}} on its first day&lt;ref name="1st day"&gt;{{Cite web |title=Special 26 First Day Territorial Breakdown |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5384&amp;nCat= |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212072202/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5384&amp;nCat= |archive-date=12 February 2013 |access-date=8 February 2013 |publisher=Box Office India}}&lt;/ref&gt; and further grow to make {{INRConvert|23.1|c}} in its first weekend.&lt;ref name="1st weekend"&gt;{{Cite web |title=Special 26 First Weekend Territorial Breakdown |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5390&amp;nCat= |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130214010326/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5390&amp;nCat= |archive-date=14 February 2013 |access-date=11 February 2013 |publisher=Box Office India}}&lt;/ref&gt; The film collected around {{INRConvert|3.75|c}} nett on Monday.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=Special 26 Has Decent Collections on Monday |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5392&amp;nCat= |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215042025/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5392&amp;nCat= |archive-date=15 February 2013 |access-date=12 February 2013 |publisher=Box Office India}}&lt;/ref&gt; It netted around {{INRConvert|38.7|c}} in its first week.&lt;ref name="1st week"&gt;{{Cite web |title=Special 26 Week One Territorial Breakdown |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5409&amp;nCat= |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130221023625/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5409&amp;nCat= |archive-date=21 February 2013 |access-date=18 February 2013 |publisher=Box Office India}}&lt;/ref&gt; In its second weekend it has a collection of around {{INRConvert|1.99|c}} to bring its ten-day figure to around {{INRConvert|48|c}} nett.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=Special 26 Grosses 48 Crore in Ten Days |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5411&amp;nCat= |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130221022822/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5411&amp;nCat= |archive-date=21 February 2013 |access-date=18 February 2013 |publisher=Box Office India}}&lt;/ref&gt; In its second week, the film netted {{INRConvert|17.99|c}} taking its total business to nearly {{INRConvert|56.7|c}} in India.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=Special 26 Week Two Territorial Breakdown |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5430&amp;nCat= |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130228024932/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5430&amp;nCat= |archive-date=28 February 2013 |access-date=25 February 2013 |publisher=Box Office India}}&lt;/ref&gt; It eventually netted around {{INRConvert|65.7|c}} with a distributor share of {{INRConvert|31.8|c}} in domestic market.&lt;ref name="final domestic"&gt;{{Cite web |title=Special 26 v Khiladi 786: All India Comparison |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5479&amp;nCat= |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130317025209/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5479&amp;nCat= |archive-date=17 March 2013 |access-date=14 March 2013 |publisher=Box Office India}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |date=5 July 2013 |title=Boxofficeindia.com |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5828&amp;nCat= |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130708235039/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5828&amp;nCat= |archive-date=8 July 2013 |access-date=13 July 2013 |publisher=Box Office India}}&lt;/ref&gt;


The worldwide gross of ''Special 26'' stands at {{INRConvert|1.29|b}}.<ref name="boxofficeindia.com" />
The worldwide gross of ''Special 26'' stands at {{INRConvert|129|c}}.&lt;ref name="boxofficeindia.com" /&gt;


==== Overseas ====
==== Overseas ====
''Special 26'' had low opening overseas with a collection of $1.25 million its first weekend.<ref name="overseas opening">{{cite web|title=Special 26 – $1.25 Million ABCD – $425k|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/overdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5394&nCat=|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=13 February 2013}}</ref> It further netted around $2.35 million in ten days.<ref>{{cite web|title=Murder 3 Dull Special 26 Heads For $3 million|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/overdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5415&nCat= |publisher=Box Office India|access-date=20 February 2013}}</ref> Its final overseas collections was US$2.75 million.<ref>http://www.boxofficeindia.com/overdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5933&nCat=</ref>
''Special 26'' had low opening overseas with a collection of $1.25 million its first weekend.&lt;ref name="overseas opening"&gt;{{Cite web |title=Special 26 – $1.25 Million ABCD – $425k |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/overdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5394&amp;nCat= |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130407205910/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/overdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5394&amp;nCat= |archive-date=7 April 2013 |access-date=13 February 2013 |publisher=Box Office India}}&lt;/ref&gt; It further netted around $2.35 million in ten days.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=Murder 3 Dull Special 26 Heads For $3 million |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/overdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5415&amp;nCat= |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225035514/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/overdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5415&amp;nCat= |archive-date=25 February 2013 |access-date=20 February 2013 |publisher=Box Office India}}&lt;/ref&gt; Its final overseas collections was US$2.75 million.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=Archived copy |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/overdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5933&amp;nCat= |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219061143/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/overdetail.php?page=shownews&amp;articleid=5933&amp;nCat= |archive-date=19 December 2013 |access-date=7 August 2013}}&lt;/ref&gt;


==Remake==
==Remake==
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== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
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* {{Rotten Tomatoes|special_26}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|special_26}}


{{Vaicom18 Studios}}
{{Portal bar|India|Film|Bollywood}}


[[Category:2013 films]]
[[Category:2013 films]]
[[Category:2010s heist films]]
[[Category:2010s heist films]]
[[Category:2013 crime thriller films]]
[[Category:2013 crime thriller films]]
[[Category:2010s Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:2013 Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Indian heist films]]
[[Category:Indian heist films]]
[[Category:Indian crime thriller films]]
[[Category:Indian crime thriller films]]
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[[Category:Films directed by Neeraj Pandey]]
[[Category:Films directed by Neeraj Pandey]]
[[Category:Hindi-language films based on actual events]]
[[Category:Hindi-language films based on actual events]]
[[Category:Films featuring an item number]]
[[Category:Hindi films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:Hindi films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:Films scored by Surinder Sodhi]]
[[Category:Films scored by Surinder Sodhi]]
[[Category:Viacom18 Studios films]]
[[Category:Viacom18 Studios films]]
[[Category:Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:Indian films based on actual events]]
[[Category:Indian films based on actual events]]
[[Category:Panorama Studios films]]

Revision as of 14:56, 2 March 2026


Special 26
The poster features faces of all top-billed actors. The film title appears at bottom-left.
Theatrical release poster
Directed byNeeraj Pandey
Produced by
Written byNeeraj Pandey
Starring
Music bySongs:<br />M. M. Kreem<br />Guest Composer:<br />Himesh Reshammiya<br />Score:<br />Surinder Sodhi
CinematographyBobby Singh
Edited byShree Narayan Singh
Production
company
Viacom18 Motion Pictures<br />Wide Frame Pictures<br />Friday Filmworks
Distributed byViacom18 Motion Pictures
Release date
  • 8 February 2013 (2013-02-08)
Running time
144 minutes<ref name="Runtime">"Special 26 (PG)". British Board of Film Classification. Archived from the original on 14 February 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2013.</ref>
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi
Box officeest. ₹103 crore<ref name="boxofficeindia.com">"Special 26". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 20 November 2016. Retrieved 19 November 2016.</ref>

Special 26 (also known as Special Chabbis) is a 2013 Indian Hindi-language period heist thriller film written and directed by Neeraj Pandey. Based on the 1987 Opera House heist, the plot follows a team of criminals (Akshay Kumar and Anupam Kher), who pose as CBI officers and conduct raids, robbing politicians and businessmen of their black money. With the real CBI (Manoj Bajpayee) on their trail, they decide to pull off their biggest heist yet. The film also stars Jimmy Sheirgill, Kajal Aggarwal, Rajesh Sharma, Divya Dutta and Kishor Kadam.

Filming began on 23 February 2012 in Delhi. The film was shot in Chandni Chowk, near Jama Masjid,<ref>"Akshay Kumar shoots for Special Chabbis in Delhi". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 30 May 2013.</ref> and Mumbai. A theatrical trailer was released online on 20 December 2012.<ref>"Special Chabbis Official Trailer". 20 December 2012. Archived from the original on 28 March 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2016 – via YouTube.</ref> The film was distributed all over India by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Wide Frame Pictures.

Special 26 was released on 8 February 2013. It received widespread critical acclaim. Several critics called it one of the best films of the year.<ref name="choprahindustan" /><ref name="Review: Special Chabbis is an exciting con caper">Sukanya Verma. "rediff Review: Special Chabbis is an exciting con caper". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 7 February 2013.3.5/5 stars</ref> It became a commercial success, grossing ₹103 crore (equivalent to ₹141 crore or US$20 million in 2019).

In 2018, it was remade in Tamil as Thaanaa Serndha Koottam starring Suriya in Kumar's role.

Plot

The film opens on 18 March 1987. The scene then transitions to flashback.

Ajay calls a local police station to obtain more manpower for a CBI raid. He speaks to SI Ranveer Singh who agrees to send the required number of support officers. Ajay, with accomplices P. K. Sharma, Joginder Khurana and Iqbal Ali, meet the supporting officers and conduct the raid.

After their successful raid at a minister's house, it's revealed that Ajay and P. K. are fake CBI officers, along with their two accomplices. They then move to different parts of the country and merge into their everyday lifestyles. Ajay's love interest, Priya Chauhan, an about-to-be-married teacher, is introduced. The crew meets again in Chandigarh at the behest of P. K. for his daughter's wedding.

Ranveer, with his senior officer, meets the mini prosecutor of the earlier raid, who reveals that he doesn't want the news to appear in the public domain because he wants to protect his image. The senior officer suspends Ranveer, along with his colleague Shanti, for being irresponsible.

Waseem Khan, an honest CBI officer, lives with his wife and child in New Delhi. A disgraced Ranveer meets Khan, and they join forces to apprehend Ajay and his accomplices.

Meanwhile, the next raid planned by Ajay is conducted on a traders' business in Calcutta, with the raiders posing as officers from the Income Tax Department. Following the more difficult but successful raid, Khan insists that this should be reported in the newspaper, despite nobody coming forward to report it themselves, as black money is involved. Upon seeing this in the newspaper, Ajay and P. K. decide to conduct their "big job," a final raid in Bombay. Meanwhile, Ranveer finds information about P. K. and Khan orders wire-tapping his phone. When P. K. is talking to Ajju on the phone, Khan procures several details about them. Under Khan's orders, officers track the crew to Bombay to a hotel where they're staying. They plan to raid and hence rob a big jewellery store.

Ajay, followed by a CBI officer, goes to a newspaper to advertise for "50 dynamic graduates" with details of an interview. Khan embeds his officers among the candidates and they are selected. Khan finds out the details of the training process, which includes a mock raid. It is stated that, on the day, the candidates will be trained and then led out for the mock raid in the afternoon.

To find out more, Khan and Ranveer go to the hotel and force their way into Sharma's room. He divulges the information about the raid, following a threat of violence. He also mentions that Ajay is taking revenge on the CBI for not appointing him. Khan orders Sharma to ensure everything proceeds as normal.

On the day of the raid, Khan takes charge of the jewellery store and replaces the goods with fake jewellery, with the originals being moved to the jewellery store's own workshop. Ajay informs the recruits that he will come in a different vehicle to them. P. K. leaves with the recruits in a bus, but leaves the bus at police headquarters, saying that he will arrive with Ajay. He also states that nobody should leave the bus until they arrive and that he is going to verify the paperwork for the raid at the Police HQ. In reality, he goes to meet Ranveer and Shanti. With Ajay, a raid of the workshop is carried out. Ajay then goes and meets Priya, who is ready for departure at the airport.

Meanwhile, at the jewellery store, Khan is informed that the raid was conducted at the workshop and all jewellery in the workshop along with the jewellery that was moved were stolen. Khan works it all out for himself, realizing that Ranveer was part of the gang and he wasn't a real police officer and they were set up right from the beginning and Ajay and his gangs have misled him to think he is in control all the time. Furious and at the same time impressed by the cunning of Ajay and his gang, Khan starts laughing loudly and applauds the entire robbery plan and execution. Later, Khan receives a money order for Rs. 100 that Ajay had taken from him with the message that he could not steal the honest earnings of an officer. The film ends with Khan being told over the phone that the CBI has information about the perpetrators as Ajay and P. K. are caught in a live TV footage shown sitting in the gallery and enjoying a cricket match happily with their families at the Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium.

Cast

Aggarwal with Akshay Kumar during the promotions of their film in 2013

Credits as per given in film:-

Production

Development

The film takes its foundations from the robbery of 19 March 1987, when 26 people posing as CBI officials raided a jewellery store in Opera House, Bombay.

Ajay Devgn and Abhishek Bachchan were reported to have been considered for the lead role. It went to Akshay Kumar as he was Pandey's first choice.<ref>"Ajay Devgn roped in for Neeraj Pandey's Special Chabbis". Zee News. Archived from the original on 13 January 2013. Retrieved 18 December 2012.</ref> Manoj Bajpai was signed to play the CBI officer.<ref name="BH">Subhash K Jha. "Manoj Bajpai to play CBI agent in Special Chhabees". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 12 February 2013. Retrieved 23 February 2012.</ref> and Anupam Kher plays a vital role.<ref>"Anupam Kher excited for Neeraj Pandey's next". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 December 2011.[dead link]</ref> Kajal Aggarwal plays a specially-written role of Ajay Singh's love interest as a school teacher.<ref>"Singham actress Kajal Aggarwal signs her next film". Rediff. Archived from the original on 1 March 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2012.</ref><ref>TNN (4 January 2013). "Kajal Aggarwal to play a school teacher". The Times of India. Retrieved 16 January 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)</ref><ref>"Special Chabbis: Kajal Aggarwal is in awe of Akshay Kumar- Bollywood- IBNLive". Ibnlive.in.com. 4 January 2013. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 16 January 2013.</ref> Akshay Kumar slashed his fee by half for Special Chabbis.<ref>"Akshay Kumar slashes fee by half for Special Chabbis &#124; NDTV Movies.com". Movies.ndtv.com. 16 January 2013. Archived from the original on 30 January 2013. Retrieved 13 July 2013.</ref><ref>Rebello, Runcil (16 January 2013). "Why Akshay Kumar Slashed His Fee By 50% For 'Special Chabbis'". Businessofcinema.com. Archived from the original on 26 July 2013. Retrieved 13 July 2013.</ref>

Filming

Shooting began on 23 February 2012 in Delhi. The first schedule of the film was shot in Chandni Chowk, following which the unit moved to Jama Masjid.<ref>"Akshay Kumar shoots for Special Chabbis in Delhi". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 30 May 2013.</ref>

Music

Special 26
Soundtrack album by
M. M. Kreem and Himesh Reshammiya
Released9 January 2013 (2013-01-09)
Recorded2013
VenueHyderabad, Mumbai
StudioPrasad Film Laboratories,<br />Hyderabad
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length25:28
LabelT-Series
ProducerFriday Filmworks
M. M. Kreem chronology
Shirdi Sai
(2012) 		Special 26
(2013) 		Emo Gurram Egaravachu
(2013)
Himesh Reshammiya chronology
Khiladi 786
(2012) 		Special 26
(2013) 		Shortcut Romeo
(2013)

The soundtrack album of Special 26 was composed by noted South Indian film composer M. M. Keeravani credited as M. M. Kreem. Himesh Reshammiya, was roped in as the guest composer for the song "Gore Mukhde Pe Zulfen" which was written by Shabbir Ahmed, and the rest of them were penned by Irshad Kamil. All the songs were recorded at Prasad Film Laboratories in Hyderabad, and Silver Harmony in Mumbai. The music rights were acquired by T-Series and the album was released on 9 January 2013, at a promotional event held in PVR, Mumbai.<ref>"Special 26 details". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 15 April 2012.</ref> The background score of the film is composed by Surinder Sodhi.

All music is composed by M. M. Kreem and lyrics were written by Irshad Kamil, except the track "Gore Mukhde Pe Zulfen" was composed by Himesh Reshammiya as guest composer, and lyrics written by Shabbir Ahmed.

Track listing
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Tujh Sang Lagee"KK, M. M. Kreem4:13
2."Gore Mukhde Pe Zulfen"Aman Trikha, Shreya Ghoshal, Shabab Sabri4:06
3."Kaun Mera Kya" (Female)Chaitra Ambadipudi2:57
4."Mujh Mein Tu Hi Basa" (Version 1)Keerthi Sagathia4:24
5."Kaun Mera Kya" (Male)Papon2:54
6."Dhar Pakad"Bappi Lahiri2:22
7."Kaun Mera Kya" (Film Version)Sunidhi Chauhan2:32
8."Mujh Mein Tu Hi Basa" (Version 2)M. M. Kreem3:20
9."Mujh Mein Tu Hi Basa" (Film Version)Akshay Kumar3:13
Total length:25:28

Marketing and release

Special Chabbis released on for around ₹120 million (US$1.7 million).<ref>"Special 26 First Day Business". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 12 February 2013. Retrieved 9 February 2013.</ref><ref name="release">"Special 26 Opening Day Box Office Collections". koimoi. 9 February 2013. Archived from the original on 12 February 2013. Retrieved 9 February 2013.</ref> The producers have ₹500 million (US$7.0 million) investment on Special Chabbis, as the film has fetched around ₹350 million (US$4.9 million) from sale of the territory rights across India.<ref name="invest">"Boxofficeindia.com". Box Office India. 11 February 2013. Archived from the original on 14 February 2013. Retrieved 13 July 2013.</ref><ref name="komalsreviews.wordpress.com">"SPECIAL 26 review &#124; Komal Nahta's Blog". Komalsreviews.wordpress.com. 8 February 2013. Archived from the original on 29 June 2013. Retrieved 13 July 2013.</ref> Special 26 was made on a budget of around ₹300 million (US$4.2 million), with a publicity and advertising budget of around ₹120 million (US$1.7 million).<ref name="Budget">"Initial reports on Special 26 and ABCD positive". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 27 February 2013. Retrieved 13 February 2013.</ref>

Since the film is set in late-1980s, the title was designed to resemble the type-face of newspapers back then

The theatrical trailer was released online on 20 December 2012.<ref>"Special Chabbis Official Trailer". 20 December 2012. Archived from the original on 24 August 2023. Retrieved 19 May 2016 – via YouTube.</ref> The first promos of Nautanki Saala and Chashme Baddoor were attached to Special 26.<ref>"First Look of Nautanki Saala with Special 26". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 6 February 2013. Retrieved 4 February 2013.</ref> The movie was distributed all over India by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Wide Frame Pictures. Akshay Kumar, with the rest of the cast of Special Chabbis, were scheduled to visit the crime spot of the incident that inspired the film.<ref>"Akshay Kumar to visit 'Special Chabbis' crime spot in Mumbai". CNN-IBN. Archived from the original on 8 February 2013. Retrieved 5 February 2013.</ref><ref>"Akshay Kumar to visit Special Chabbis crime spot". ndtv. Archived from the original on 7 February 2013. Retrieved 4 February 2013.</ref> A special screening was held for CBI officials on 5 February 2013.<ref>"CBI wants to review Akshay Kumar's Special Chabbis". ndtv. Archived from the original on 4 February 2013. Retrieved 1 February 2013.</ref>

Reception

Critical reception

Script error: No such module "Album ratings".

Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama gave the score of 4 out of 5, and said "Special Chabbis is an intelligently woven, slick and smart period thriller with its subject matter as its USP. It's sure to get listed as one of the most gripping heist dramas based on real life occurrences."<ref name="bh score">Taran Adarsh (7 February 2013). "Special Chabbis – Review". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 19 April 2012. Retrieved 7 February 2013.4/5 stars</ref>

Anupama Chopra, writing for Hindustan Times, gave 3.5 stars out of 5, calling it one of the best films of the year and praising its attention to detail, its character building, the plot's steady but sure sense of immediacy and urgency, and the elaborate cat-and-mouse chase between the conmen and the police. She criticises the unnecessary addition of the love angle in an otherwise gripping script, along with the unconvincing nature of its climax.<ref name="choprahindustan" />

Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV gave it 4 out of 5 stars, and wrote, "Special 26 is an intelligently scripted, superbly acted, enthralling and believable heist film that is more than just that."<ref name="NDTV Score">Saibal Chatterjee (7 February 2013). "Special 26 Review (NDTV)". movies.ndtv.com. Archived from the original on 11 February 2013. Retrieved 7 February 2013.</ref>

Resham Sengar of Zee News rated the film 4 out of 5, stating, "Very rarely would you come across a logically scripted and intelligently-directed drama thriller churned out from the good ol' Hindi cine factory these days. And here's a promising Neeraj Pandey for you who is back with a bang (and bang on target) with another awe inspiring film Special 26."<ref name="ZeeNews">Sengar, Resham. "Special 26 Review". Resham Sengar. Zee News. Archived from the original on 10 February 2013. Retrieved 7 February 2013.</ref>

Rajeev Masand of CNN-IBN gave 3.5 out of 5, saying "Special Chabbis works on account of its meaty, realistic plot and nicely fleshed out characters. This is solid, assured filmmaking, evident in the meticulous detailing of its 80s production design. The film charms you with its subtle humor, through characters played by Jimmy Shergill and Divya Dutta."<ref name="cnnibn score">Review, Special 26. "Rejeev Masand Review". Rajeev Masand. CNN-IBN. Archived from the original on 11 February 2013. Retrieved 9 February 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)</ref>

Madhureeta Mukherjee of The Times of India gave the movie 3.5 out of 5 stars, while adding, "Special 26 doesn't stun you with a social message like Pandey's 'A Wednesday!', but it grips, excites and ahh...climaxes too! And no ... you can't fake this one! Catch it for pure cinematic orgasm."<ref name="toi review">Madhureeta Mukherjee (7 February 2013). "Special 26 – Movie Review". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 31 October 2013. Retrieved 7 February 2013.3.5/5 stars</ref>

Sukanya Verma for Rediff.com gave 3.5 stars out of 5 and said, "Special Chabbis is one of the finest films of the year so far."<ref name="Review: Special Chabbis is an exciting con caper" />

Newstrackindia stated that Special 26 is a no-nonsense film from Akshay.<ref>"Special Chabbis Review: Finally a no nonsense film from Akshay". Newstrackindia.com. 7 February 2013. Archived from the original on 16 May 2013. Retrieved 13 July 2013.</ref>

Box office

India

Special 26 opened at 30% occupancy on Thursday morning but it improved steadily till the evening shows to 60% due to positive reviews.<ref>"First Day Occupancy". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 11 February 2013. Retrieved 7 February 2013.</ref> The film netted ₹5.75 crore (US$810,000) on its first day<ref name="1st day">"Special 26 First Day Territorial Breakdown". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 12 February 2013. Retrieved 8 February 2013.</ref> and further grow to make ₹23.1 crore (US$3.2 million) in its first weekend.<ref name="1st weekend">"Special 26 First Weekend Territorial Breakdown". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 14 February 2013. Retrieved 11 February 2013.</ref> The film collected around ₹3.75 crore (US$530,000) nett on Monday.<ref>"Special 26 Has Decent Collections on Monday". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 15 February 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2013.</ref> It netted around ₹38.7 crore (US$5.4 million) in its first week.<ref name="1st week">"Special 26 Week One Territorial Breakdown". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 21 February 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2013.</ref> In its second weekend it has a collection of around ₹1.99 crore (US$280,000) to bring its ten-day figure to around ₹48 crore (US$6.7 million) nett.<ref>"Special 26 Grosses 48 Crore in Ten Days". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 21 February 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2013.</ref> In its second week, the film netted ₹17.99 crore (US$2.5 million) taking its total business to nearly ₹56.7 crore (US$7.9 million) in India.<ref>"Special 26 Week Two Territorial Breakdown". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 28 February 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2013.</ref> It eventually netted around ₹65.7 crore (US$9.2 million) with a distributor share of ₹31.8 crore (US$4.5 million) in domestic market.<ref name="final domestic">"Special 26 v Khiladi 786: All India Comparison". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 17 March 2013. Retrieved 14 March 2013.</ref><ref>"Boxofficeindia.com". Box Office India. 5 July 2013. Archived from the original on 8 July 2013. Retrieved 13 July 2013.</ref>

The worldwide gross of Special 26 stands at ₹129 crore (US$18 million).<ref name="boxofficeindia.com" />

Overseas

Special 26 had low opening overseas with a collection of $1.25 million its first weekend.<ref name="overseas opening">"Special 26 – $1.25 Million ABCD – $425k". Box Office India. Retrieved 13 February 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)</ref> It further netted around $2.35 million in ten days.<ref>"Murder 3 Dull Special 26 Heads For $3 million". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 25 February 2013. Retrieved 20 February 2013.</ref> Its final overseas collections was US$2.75 million.<ref>"Archived copy". Archived from the original on 19 December 2013. Retrieved 7 August 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)</ref>

Remake

Special 26 was remade in Tamil titled Thaanaa Serndha Koottam (2018) starring Suriya and Keerthy Suresh in lead roles, and was directed by Vignesh Shivan. The film was released on 12 January 2018.

See also

References

External links

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