‘State of Siege: 26/11

Cast : Arjan Bajwa, Arjun Bijlani, Vivek Dahiya, Mukul Dev, Sid Makkar, Tara Alisha Berry, Khalida Jaan, Jyoti Gauba, Roshni Sahota, Suzanne Bernert, Naren Kumar and Jason Shah

Based on: Sandeep Unnithan’s book ‘Black Tornado: The Three Sieges of Mumbai 26/11

Director: Matthew Leutwyler

Rating: 4.5/5

Review: November 11, In 2008, every Mumbaikar picturesque the heinous terror attack in the city. Terrorists had selected some different spots Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station, Cama and Albless Hospital, Leopold Cafe, Nariman House, Taj Hotel, Tower Hotel, Oberoi Hotel, and Trident Hotel for the attack. This dastardly incident took the lives of 164 people and around 300 people injured and moreover 1000 lives affected by this deadly situation. 26/11 is inscribed in our mind as a black day and nobody wants to readdress.

The whole operation went on for 60 hours to put an end to 10 terrorists who had penetrated the city of dream. This was a planned attack that was monitored from our neighbouring country Pakistan.

Recently Zee5 released the series of State of Siege: 26/11 which takes us back to those 3 sleepless nights. Beginning with the show we will see some visuals of common people who are doing their daily routine. Everyone was unaware and in the dark of what’s going to come in their life within a minute, as the terrorists enter the city of dream with the demolition of the whole city in their mind.

Within a few minutes, the total scene was changed. initially, this attack was addressed to be a “gang war” but in some time Mumbai Police realized the importance of the situation.

In the 8 episode series revolves around from National Security Guard Base to Police Control Room to Defense Ministry to the making of a terrorist.

Arjan Bajwa portrays as obedient NSG commander who keeps the will power. Maj Sandeep Unnikrishnan (Arjun Bijlani), is extremely brave vulnerable, endangered and commanding at the same time. Mukul Dev portrays his role very well. He is the leader of the terrorist who trains and brainwashed the young blood of PoK. In this series, we spot on him on the local Pakistani Punjabi accent. Vivek Dahiya also brings in his spunk courage bravery daring impeccably.

State of Siege: 26/11 highlights some topics like NSG discussing budgets, Mumbai police not having enough manpower, outdated weapons, lack of zeal and preparedness to handle such crucial situations and so on. This 8 episode series make us ask a question that are we really well equipped, fully furnished to hold the situation at this time? Not only that, but one episode of this series focused on how country folks get brainwashed in the name of Jihad and taking up weapons.

In the 26/11 Mumbai attack, media played a very big role. The media’s role was also highlighted in this series. How they overexposed this sensitive issue, their TRP, conflict between media personalities all was noticeable in this show.

The research was pretty well. The screenplay doesn’t seem fictionalized. Every character, supporting character, terror attack, anguish, and agony makes you feel are real and subjugate the total frame.

ZEE5’s upcoming original series State of Siege: 26/11 is one of the most awaited OTT shows owing to its chilling and thrilling storyline. The series unravels the untold stories and is a true to account narrative of the various events that turned into the prolonged terror siege of Mumbai on 26th November 2008.

Talking about his experience shooting for State of Seige: 26/11, Arjan shares, “While shooting a firing scene, two blasts happened right next to my ear that I couldn’t hear anything for half a day. Thankfully it was normal later, I legit thought I almost lost my ear.”

The makers used real blasts instead of VFX shots to maintain authenticity and keep the recollections are as real as possible. The show features an impressive ensemble cast comprising Arjan Bajwa, Arjun Bijlani, Vivek Dahiya, Mukul Dev, Sid Makkar, Tara Alisha Berry and other key talents.

State of Siege: 26/11 based on Sandeep Unnithan’s best-selling novel ‘Black Tornado: The Three Sieges of Mumbai 26/11 is an 8 episode series produced by Abhimanyu Singh of Contiloe Pictures and directed by Matthew Leutwyler. The show is all set to premiere exclusively on ZEE5 on 20th March 2020.