‘State Of Siege: Temple Attack’ review: Akshaye Khanna’s combat drama is crisp and not overly dramatic

3/5

Story:

Inspired by true events, State of Siege: Temple Attack narrates the heroic tale from the year 2002 of the NSG commandos, who saved innocent lives when terrorists enter Krishna Dham Mandir (originally Akshardham Temple) in Gujarat and attack them.

Review:

In 2002, Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat was attacked by terrorists who were hunted down by NSG commandos. The attack claimed many innocent lives and in this fictional tale, NSG commando Hanut Singh played by Akshaye Khanna, teams up with his brave commandos to get back at them. The film starts with Akshaye and Akshay Oberoi who plays Capt. Bibek getting assailed by the terrorists while they arrest them.

This leads to the death of Bibek and Hanut gets back into action after nine months when the terrorists attack Krishna Dham Mandir. Though, Singh suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) but he makes sure that it doesn’t get in the way of his job.

The head of the terrorists, Abu Hamza, played by Abhimanyu Singh, demands the release of Bilal Naikoo (Mir Sarwar) after his men attack the temple.

The good thing about the film is the quick screenplay that doesn't waste time setting up the premise. Penned by William Borthwick and Simon Fantauzzo, their straightforward approach in the script makes the film precise and the editing makes it crisp. The film talks about the valour and bravery of NSG commandos but the point of view of every character from civilians to terrorists is captured aesthetically.

Ken Ghosh, who helmed several web series in recent times, has shown his direction prowess in all the genres. The filmmaker's way of storytelling, blended with Tejal Pramod Shetye's cinematography, make State Of Siege: Temple Attack more visually appealing.

Talking about the performances, Akshaye is not new to this genre as we have seen him in the 1997 release Border where he played the role of 2nd Lt. Dharamvir Singh Bhan and Lt. Balwan Singh, 18 Grenadiers in LOC Kargil which released in 2003. The actor who has been essaying hard-hitting roles lately, with a smirk and the right attitude, nails the part as Major Hanut Singh in State Of Siege: Temple Attack.

However, it's not just Khanna who is highlighted in the film, even Gautam Rode and Vivek Dahiya excel in the parts played by them. Vivek reprised his role as Capt. Rohit Bagga from State of Siege: 26/11 and glides into the character smoothly. Gautam's character has a more emotional role in Major Samar Chauhan as he leaves his pregnant wife for the mission while she is about to go into labour.

These actors manage to keep their performance more realistic going by the premise of the film. There are several action sequences but they’re portrayed in a minimal and true sense without going over-the-top.

The roles of terrorists are played by Abhilash Chaudhary, Dhanveer Singh, Mridul Das and Mihir Ahuja. They have a heavy Punjabi accent like Pakistanis which they deliver amazingly. Abhimanyu Singh is an actor who has shown his acting prowess over time and in this film, he portrays the role effortlessly.

Verdict:

State Of Siege: Temple Attack with its runtime and precise screenplay make for a smooth watch on OTT. The film has a realistic approach which doesn't make it overdramatised.