State of Siege: Temple Attack is a gripping action-thriller film that delves into the harrowing events of the 2002 Akshardham Temple attack in Gujarat, India. Directed by Ken Ghosh, the film was released on ZEE5 on July 9, 2021. The movie is based on true events and takes a bold step in recreating the nerve-wracking moments of the terrorist attack and the courage of the National Security Guard (NSG) commandos who saved countless lives. With a genre that mixes action, drama, and historical events, the film offers a gripping narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. In this review, we will take a closer look at the plot, performances, and the strengths and weaknesses of the film.
Plot Summary
State of Siege: Temple Attack begins with a shocking terrorist attack at the Akshardham Temple, one of the most revered places of worship in India. The attack sees armed militants infiltrate the temple complex, taking several innocent civilians as hostages. The Indian government quickly deploys a team of NSG commandos to rescue the hostages and neutralize the terrorists. The film primarily focuses on the tactical operations led by these commandos, their strategic planning, and the intense firefight that unfolds within the temple premises. The narrative unfolds in real-time, giving audiences a sense of the urgency and gravity of the situation. As the commandos inch closer to their goal, they face unexpected challenges, and the clock ticks against them. The film portrays the bravery, sacrifice, and determination of the NSG team, highlighting the human cost of such missions.
What’s Good?
There are several aspects of State of Siege: Temple Attack that stand out and make the film an engaging watch.
- Acting: The performances in the film are one of its strongest points. Akshaye Khanna plays the role of an NSG commando, and his portrayal of a determined and fearless officer is commendable. His calm demeanor, even in the face of extreme danger, adds a layer of realism to the character. The supporting cast, including Vishwajeet Pradhan, Atul Kulkarni, and Vijay Raaz, all deliver solid performances, bringing their characters to life and making the film more immersive.
- Direction: Ken Ghosh does an excellent job of capturing the intensity of the situation. The pacing of the film is tight, and the direction ensures that the audience feels the mounting pressure as the NSG commandos race against time to save the hostages. The director’s ability to build suspense and maintain tension throughout the film is one of its most notable achievements.
- Cinematography: The cinematography by Aseem Bajaj adds to the film’s gripping atmosphere. The action sequences are well-choreographed, and the camera work captures the intensity of the combat scenes effectively. The use of tight shots and close-ups during the firefights allows viewers to feel the chaos and danger of the situation. The visuals are raw and gritty, further enhancing the realism of the events.
- Music and Sound: The film’s background score is subtle yet impactful, complementing the film’s tense moments. The sound design is particularly noteworthy, with the sound of gunfire, explosions, and the background noise of the temple creating a sense of immersion. The music doesn’t overpower the action but works in harmony with the visuals to heighten the emotional intensity.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Realism: One of the strongest points of the film is its commitment to realism. The movie doesn’t sensationalize the events but instead focuses on the gritty, real-life nature of counter-terrorism operations. The portrayal of the NSG commandos as ordinary individuals facing extraordinary circumstances adds depth to the film.
- Suspense: The film does an excellent job of building suspense and keeping the audience engaged. The pacing is fast, and the tension never lets up, ensuring that viewers are hooked from start to finish.
- Character Development: While the movie primarily focuses on the action, there is enough character development to make the audience care about the protagonists. The emotional stakes are high, especially when the commandos face the challenges of saving innocent lives.
Weaknesses:
- Limited Character Backstory: While the film does a good job of showcasing the bravery of the NSG commandos, it could have provided more background on the characters to make them feel more fleshed out. The lack of deeper character arcs may leave some viewers wanting more.
- Predictability: Although the film is suspenseful, there are moments where the plot becomes predictable, especially for those familiar with real-life events. Some of the twists and turns may feel a bit formulaic.
- Pacing in the Middle: While the beginning and end of the film are intense, there are moments in the middle that feel slightly dragged. A tighter narrative could have made the film even more gripping.
Target Audience
State of Siege: Temple Attack is primarily aimed at action lovers, history enthusiasts, and those interested in real-life military operations. The film’s intense action sequences, combined with its realistic portrayal of counter-terrorism, will appeal to fans of thrillers and war films. It’s also a great watch for those who enjoy stories of bravery and heroism. However, the movie might not be suitable for younger audiences due to its intense and violent nature.
Box Office Details
The film was released directly on ZEE5 and did not have a traditional theatrical release, which makes it a bit difficult to track box office earnings in the conventional sense. However, the film’s success on the streaming platform can be gauged by its viewership numbers and audience response.
Budget: The total production budget of State of Siege: Temple Attack is estimated to be around INR 20 Crores. This is a relatively modest budget for a film of this genre, considering the high stakes of the story.
Worldwide Box Office Collection: As the film was released on a streaming platform, there is no official box office collection. However, the movie’s success can be measured by its viewership on ZEE5, where it garnered positive feedback for its action-packed narrative and realistic portrayal of the events.
Day-wise Earnings: Since State of Siege: Temple Attack was a direct-to-streaming release, day-wise earnings are not applicable in the traditional box office sense. However, the film’s popularity on ZEE5 and its engagement with audiences can be considered a success in terms of its digital performance.
Recommendation
State of Siege: Temple Attack is a thrilling, action-packed film that successfully captures the intensity of a real-life terrorist attack and the bravery of the NSG commandos who responded to it. While the film has its flaws, such as limited character development and occasional predictability, its strengths in direction, acting, and suspense make it a compelling watch. If you enjoy action-packed thrillers based on real events, this movie is definitely worth checking out.
Table of Contents
Genres:
Action, Drama
Rating:
6.2/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Akshaye Khanna | Major Hanut Singh |
| Gautam Rode | Major Samar |
| Vivek Dahiya | Captain Rohit Bagga |
| Abhimanyu Singh | Abu Hamza |
| Parvin Dabas | Colonel Nagar |
| Samir Soni | CM Choksi |
| Mir Sarwar | Bilal Naikoo |
| Akshay Oberoi | Captain Bibek |
| Manjari Fadnnis | Saloni |
| Shivam Bhaargava | Captain Abrar Khan |
| Chandan Roy | Mohsin |
| Anushka Luhar | Sejal |
| Harssh A. Singh | Harilal |
| Abhilash Chaudhary | Iqbal |
| Mridul Das | Farooq |
| Mihir Ahuja | Omar |
| Pavleen Gujral | Security Guard at Temple |
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
