Akshaye Khanna to make OTT debut in ZEE5 film State of Siege: Temple Attack

Akshaye Khanna is set to make his OTT debut in the ZEE5 original film State of Siege: Temple Attack. The actor will be essaying the role of Major Hanut Singh, a special task force officer.

Speaking about donning fatigues, Khanna said in a statement, “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.”

The film will be based on the 2002 attack at the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Over 30 people lost their lives in the attack and more than 80 were left injured. The National Security Guard (NSG) took charge of the situation and killed the terrorists. The film comes after the platform’s re-telling of the 2008 Mumbai attacks in State of Siege: 26/11 (2020).

State of Siege: Temple Attack is being produced by Abhimanyu Singh's Contiloe Pictures. Lt Col (Retd) Sundeep Sen, who was a consultant on State of Siege: 26/11 and the second in command during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, will provide his expertise for this film as well. 

Commenting on the project and his lead actor, Singh said, “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.”

The film is directed by Ken Ghosh who has previously helmed both seasons of ZEE5's crime thriller series Abhay.