Overview: Based on the true incident of the 2002 terrorist attack in Gujarat’s Akshardham temple, the story revolves around the bravery of NSG commandos, who stood… Show More
Released on
July 4, 2025
Run Time
106 Minutes
Genres
Action, Drama
Languages
Hindi
Director
Ken Ghosh
If you’re a fan of high-stakes action and patriotic fervor, State of Siege: Temple Attack (2025), re-released in theaters as Akshardham: Operation Vajra Shakti, might be your kind of movie. Originally a 2021 ZEE5 direct-to-video film, this Ken Ghosh-directed action thriller, starring Akshaye Khanna, revisits the chilling 2002 Akshardham Temple attack in Gujarat.
This Action-packed with a touch of Action, Drama was released worldwide on July 4, 2025 with runtime of 106 minutes. Stay connected with for the latest updates, full cast details, and exclusive behind-the-scenes stories about its production.
If you are a movie lover searching for the State of Siege: Temple Attack movie, it’s good for you. This Action masterpiece is directed by Ken Ghosh and Produced by Abhimanyu Singh, Roopali Kadyan.
Let’s dive into this State of Siege: Temple Attack movie review to find out
State of Siege: Temple Attack Movie Cast from
Original Language: HI
Spoken Language: Hindi
Writers: Array
Producer: Abhimanyu Singh, Roopali Kadyan
Countries: India
Budget: $0
Vote Average: 0
Vote Count: 0
A Story Rooted in Real-Life Heroism
State of Siege: Temple Attack is a fictionalized take on the 2002 terrorist attack on Gujarat’s Akshardham Temple, renamed Krishna Dham in the film. The story follows Major Hanut Singh (Akshaye Khanna), an NSG commando haunted by a past mission gone wrong, as he leads a team to neutralize terrorists who storm the temple and take hostages.
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Plot Overview: The film opens in 2001 with Hanut’s team rescuing a minister’s daughter in Kashmir, a mission that costs a teammate’s life and leaves Hanut with PTSD. Fast forward to 2002, a terrorist group led by Abu Hamza (Abhimanyu Singh) attacks the temple, demanding the release of their leader, Bilal Naikoo. Hanut and his NSG team, including Captain Rohit Bagga (Vivek Dahiya), step in to save the day.
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Historical Inspiration: Loosely based on the real Akshardham attack, the film takes creative liberties, adding a hostage crisis and negotiations that didn’t occur in reality, to heighten the drama.
While the premise is gripping, the narrative follows a familiar template, making it feel like a standard Bollywood action thriller at times.
Watch State of Siege: Temple Attack Trailer
Main Cast of State of Siege: Temple Attack by
The film’s biggest strength is Akshaye Khanna’s commanding performance as Major Hanut Singh. His gravitas and subtle intensity anchor the movie, even when the script falters.
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Akshaye Khanna as Hanut: Khanna brings depth to a traumatized yet determined commando, balancing stoicism with vulnerability. His restrained performance makes Hanut relatable and heroic without being over-the-top.
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Supporting Cast: Vivek Dahiya and Gautam Rode deliver solid performances as NSG commandos, while Abhimanyu Singh’s Abu Hamza is menacing but one-dimensional. Samir Soni’s cameo as the Gujarat CM feels like a thinly veiled nod to real-life figures.
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Standouts: The terrorist ensemble, including Mir Sarwar as Bilal Naikoo, nails the local Pakistani-Punjabi accent, adding authenticity to their roles.
Khanna’s star power elevates the film, but some supporting characters feel like cardboard cutouts, lacking depth or emotional weight.
State of Siege: Temple Attack Main Cast
| Actor Name | Character Name |
|---|---|
| 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 |
State of Siege: Temple Attack Screenshots
Action and Cinematography: Tense but Not Flawless
Directed by Ken Ghosh, State of Siege: Temple Attack delivers well-choreographed action sequences that keep you hooked, especially in the first half. The cinematography, shot partly at Jaipur’s City Palace, creates a tense atmosphere.
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Action Highlights: The opening Kashmir raid and the temple assault scenes are gripping, with tight editing and realistic combat. The NSG’s strategic planning scenes add authenticity.
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Visuals: The film’s locations, from the temple’s interiors to Gujarat’s landscapes, create a vivid backdrop. However, some CGI effects, like an injured soldier’s graphic wound, feel jarring and dated.
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Weak Spots: The climax feels rushed, and certain scenes, like a hostage preaching about the Quran, seem forced for emotional impact, breaking the film’s momentum.
The visuals and action are engaging but don’t always match the intensity of the real-life events they depict.
State of Siege: Temple Attack Full Movie Review
State of Siege: Temple Attack is a captivating Action, Drama film that has won over audiences with its clever humor and compelling storyline. Written by Array.
What Works and What Doesn’t
State of Siege: Temple Attack has its moments but struggles to stand out in a crowded genre. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Strengths
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Akshaye Khanna’s Performance: His nuanced portrayal of Hanut Singh is the film’s heart, making it worth watching.
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Pacing: The 112-minute runtime keeps things tight, especially in the first half, with minimal fluff.
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Action Sequences: Well-executed combat scenes and NSG strategies create genuine tension.
Weaknesses
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Predictability: The story follows a clichéd “good vs. evil” template, with little surprise or subversion.
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Creative Liberties: The added hostage crisis and negotiations feel unnecessary and dilute the real-life tragedy’s impact.
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Weak Character Depth: Beyond Khanna, most characters lack emotional resonance, making it hard to connect with the victims.
The film excels when it focuses on action and Khanna but falters with its formulaic approach and lack of emotional depth.
Box Office and Audience Buzz in 2025
Re-released in theaters on July 4, 2025, under the title Akshardham: Operation Vajra Shakti, the film has seen modest success, riding on the wave of patriotic action films like Ground Zero. Exact box office figures for 2025 are unavailable, but the original 2021 ZEE5 release garnered strong viewership due to its timely release during a patriotic fervor.
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Audience Reaction: Fans on X praise Khanna’s performance and the action but criticize the predictable plot and lackluster climax. Some call it a “one-time watch” for its thrills, while others feel it doesn’t match the intensity of State of Siege: 26/11.
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Critical Reception: Reviews range from 1.75 to 3.5 stars, with critics lauding Khanna and the action but slamming the film’s political clichés and shallow characters.
The theatrical re-release has sparked renewed interest, but it hasn’t matched the buzz of newer 2025 releases like Maa or Saiyaara.
Final Verdict: Is State of Siege: Temple Attack Worth Watching?
State of Siege: Temple Attack (2025) is a taut, action-driven tribute to NSG commandos, elevated by Akshaye Khanna’s stellar performance. While its fast-paced action and tight runtime keep you engaged, the predictable plot, shallow characters, and unnecessary fictional additions hold it back from greatness. It’s a solid pick for fans of patriotic thrillers or Khanna’s work, but don’t expect a groundbreaking narrative.
Rating: 3/5 stars
Recommendation: Catch State of Siege: Temple Attack in theaters for its gripping action and Khanna’s brilliance, or stream it on ZEE5 for a quick, thrilling watch. If you’re looking for a deeper dive into real-life heroics, pair it with a read about the 2002 Akshardham attack. Share your thoughts below—did this film keep you on the edge of your seat?
FAQs about State of Siege: Temple Attack
Q: How long is State of Siege: Temple Attack?
A: State of Siege: Temple Attack has a runtime of 106 minutes.
Q: Who directed State of Siege: Temple Attack?
A: Ken Ghosh directed the State of Siege: Temple Attack movie.
Q: What genres does State of Siege: Temple Attack belong to?
A: State of Siege: Temple Attack belongs to the genres of Action, Drama.
Q: When was State of Siege: Temple Attack released?
A: State of Siege: Temple Attack was released on July 4, 2025.
