Cast: Akshaye Khanna, Gautam Rode, Vivek Dahiya, Parvin Dabas, Samir Soni, Abhimanyu Singh

Director: Ken Ghosh

Rating: ***

Platform: ZEE5

Indian audience has witnessed tones of films based on terrorism, following the set pattern of conspiracy happening in the remote area of Kashmir in order to destroy the nation. Well, numerous films attempted to portray the rather grim and harsh reality of the fateful days. Similarly, Zee5's terrorism drama film, State of Siege: Temple Attack also captured the terrifying reality of the unforgettable time. Just like its first installment, State of Siege: 26/11, this film too showed the pain and agony of the victims of the Akshardham temple attack on the digital screen. Akshay Khanna who played the lead in the film must get his glorious credit for being more real on the screen.

State of Siege: Temple Attack takes its initial start with a covert operation that takes place in Kupwara, J&K (2001), where a politician's daughter has been kidnapped by some group of terrorists and a rescue operation is carried out by NSG commandos Major Hanut Singh (Akshaye Khanna) and Capt. Bibek (Akshay Oberoi). Unfortunately, while rescuing the girl, Capt. Bibek gets killed. His demise affected Hanut so much that he started suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). But still, putting his pain aside, he shifts his focus on a new mission.

Accompanied by Major Samar (Gautam Rode), Captain Rohit (Vivek Dahiya), Hanut enlisted to command the Krishna Dham temple attack which has been triggered by four terrorists. After killing pilgrims, they captured innocent people as hostages. Will Hanuat be able to successfully rescue all the hostages, or will he get deep down in his guilt trip of not being able to save Captain Bibek. Well, to know the answers watch the film on ZEE5.

Inspired by the true event of the Swaminarayan Akshardham complex, Ken Ghosh kept the film crisper and out of emotional baggage. There are tons of films based on the terrorism setback, which are more drifted towards the state of people affected in the massacre. But here the screenplay by William Borthwick and Simon Fantauzzo is quick on developing the back story and without taking much of teary scenes, tells the exact story. In short, they minimize the overdramatic scenes.

Tejal Pramod Shetye's cinematography is mesmerizing, whether it is picturesque locations of mountains or capturing the temple attack, he has done a brilliant job. Mandhar Verma and Rinku Bacchan's choreographed action sequences are mind-blowing. The last fight between NSG commandos and terrorists is a must-watch.

Speaking on the performance front, it's Akshay Khanna's debut on the digital platform and with this film, it seems like the actor has upgraded himself. With his last release film, Section 375, the actor is more recognized due to his projects choice. Also, he focused more on presenting himself as an NSG commando and a man who gets traumatized by his colleague's death. On the other side, his team, which includes Vivek Dahiya and Gautam Rode, has done a great job with their respective roles. Dahiya being more sarcastic and easy on his firing skills. Whereas Rode played a serious NSG commando who keeps on balancing his personal and professional life.

More on the terrorist gang acting, Abhimanyu Singh as Abu Hamza, Mir Sarwar, Abhilash Chaudhary, Dhanveer Singh, Mridul Das, and Mihir Ahuja, have opted for Pakistani-Punjabi accent which turned out to be hilarious at several points.

In the nutshell, State of Siege: Temple Attack is a great watch for the weekend only if it wouldn't hinder the unpleasant memories of people. Although, it is a tribute to our elite counter-terrorism unit soldiers who fight for our nation.