National Anti-Terrorism Day: All You Need To Know About ZEE5’s State of Siege: Temple Attack Starring Akshaye Khanna

National Terrorism Day is marked on May 21. And to honour this day, ZEE5 has a wide range of movies and web series available on this subject. It’s even coming up with a new web show based on the Akshardham attack titled State of Seige: Temple Attack. This Ken Ghosh directorial would be the second part in the State of Seige series. The first part titled State of Seige: 26/11 released in 2020. Bollywood actor Akshaye Khanna would be making his OTT debut with the web show State of Seige: Temple Attack.

About State of Siege: Temple Attack

The ZEE5 Original State of Seige: Temple Attack is helmed by Ken Ghosh. The story would highlight the events that happened in Gujarat on September 24, 2002. Akshaye Khanna would be portraying the lead role of the special task officer. Produced by Contiloe Pictures, State of Seige: Temple Attack will be soon premiering on ZEE5.

Akshaye Khanna’s OTT debut 

Akshaye Khanna would be making his digital debut with the ZEE5 Original. The actor would be seen in the role of a special task officer Major Hanut Singh who will be in charge of the mission. Excited about donning the uniform in the film, Khanna in a statement had shared, “To be able to wear ‘the uniform’ without taking the oath of the ultimate sacrifice — this is a privilege that only an actor is afforded. My only focus during the making has been not to disrespect that privilege.”

Commenting on the project and lauding his lead star, producer Abhimanyu Singh added, “Very rarely have we highlighted the role of the Indian commandos in neutralizing attacks by our enemies. The State of Siege series was designed to give their perspective and contribution. The success of State of Siege: 26/11 encouraged us to tell these stories further and the obvious extension for us was to chronicle the events of the temple attack that shook the nation. Akshaye’s demeanour and craft make him the perfect fit to lead this narrative and we’re more than excited to be partnering with ZEE5 again on this one.”

Check out some of the BTS videos and pictures from the sets of State of Seige: Temple Attack

Story behind Akshardham’s attack

On 24 September 2002, two armed men attacked the Akshardham temple located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. 30 people were killed and 80 were injured in this attack.  This included two state commandos – Shri Arjun Singh Gameti and Shri Allah Rakha Unadjam as well as one NSG Commando – Subedar Suresh Chandra Yadav.

The terrorists bypassed the security checks by jumping over the temple fence and ran through the courtyard and continuously fired at devotees and pilgrims. Their aim was to attack the shrine or the main temple, however, their attempts were foiled as the gates were closed by the temple staff. They instead took control of the Exhibition rooms. 35 NSG (formerly Black Cat) Commandos arrived with a busload of ammunition and were able to successfully seek out and kill the terrorists.

Like the 26/11 mission was named Operation Tornado, the Akshardham mission was called ‘Operation Thunderbolt’ or ‘Operation Vajra Shakti’. This mission became a calling card for the NSG and their ability to tackle terrorist threats and hostage situations before their heroics in 2008.

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Ahead of State of Seige: Temple Attack, watch the first part of the series – State of Seige: 26/11.