How Did Neeraj Pandey Overcome Weather Challenges During the ‘Special Ops 2’ Shoot?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Filmmaking requires adaptability to changing conditions.
- Weather apps are essential for planning.
- Logistical coordination is crucial for multi-country shoots.
- Last-minute adjustments are often necessary during production.
- Strong collaboration among crew members enhances success.
Mumbai, Aug 8 (NationPress) Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey has shared insights regarding the unpredictable weather conditions that have tested both the cast and crew during the filming of “Special Ops 2.”
In an interview with IANS, the director disclosed that the team had to continually adjust to the changing weather, making last-minute decisions to rearrange schedules and switch locations—all while racing against time to remain on track. Pandey also discussed the challenges posed by sudden rain and shifting timelines, stating that the crew frequently relies on weather applications to plan their shooting days.
When asked how he navigates unexpected weather changes during filming, Neeraj Pandey responded, “It’s quite a gamble, and sometimes we must shuffle within a shuffle. Naturally, we use tools like AccuWeather. If the forecast isn’t favorable for outdoor shooting, we pivot to indoor shoots instead.”
“This shuffling within our schedule is certainly feasible and occurs frequently. Occasionally, we fall behind; for example, if it rains for three hours, we lose valuable time. So, how do we make up for that? There’s always a sense of thrill within this thriller during such shoots,” he added.
The talented filmmaker also addressed the challenges of filming “Special Ops 2” across multiple nations. While the diverse settings provide a visually captivating element to the series, Pandey acknowledged that the ambitious scope complicates production, necessitating meticulous coordination and planning.
Neeraj explained, “If you follow the storyline, you’ll understand that Dr. Bhargav, the character being kidnapped, is transported from one location to another. Thus, shooting in various locations was embedded in the script. However, managing logistics across many places is nothing short of a nightmare.”
“We had an exceptional crew; whether in Budapest or Georgia, our local production teams were very capable. We had to plan everything precisely 2-2.5 months in advance, determining our shooting schedule down to the day we would be in each location. If you miss a single shooting day, it throws everything into disarray.”
The second season of the Indian espionage thriller series “Special Ops 2” features a stellar ensemble cast, including Kay Kay Menon, Vinay Pathak, Karan Tacker, Gautami Kapoor, Kali Prasad Mukherjee, Parmeet Sethi, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Arif Zakaria, and Saiyami Kher. The series premiered on July 18, 2025, on JioHotstar.