Siege of State: 26/11 – Revisit Mumbai Attacks

After more than a decade to the most horrific Mumbai terror attacks in 2008, the scars on the soul of the nation are still not healed. The survivors of the fateful event still get petrified narrating the experience of how they managed to escape the well-conceived series of shooting and bombing by trained terrorists at multiple locations.

A few years ago, I had a chance to read Black Tornado: The Three Sieges of Mumbai 26/11 which is an admirable novel by Sandeep Unnithan wherein the author had interestingly documented the factual circumstances of the 26/11 attacks. After finishing the book, I realized that I had a better understanding of the terror siege of Mumbai and the role of the NSG. But somehow the book had ignited a curiosity in my heart to know more of the event.

Recently, while exploring some entertaining stuff to watch, I came across the trailer of State of Siege: 26/11 that is an adaption of the bestselling novel Black Tornado which I read years ago. The title obviously caught my attention and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it. 

Image Source: An OTT Platform ZEE5.com

Here is why you should be watching the series.. 

Plot 
11 years on from the Mumbai massacre, this ZEE5 Originals series State of Siege: 26/11 is being released that will present the untold stories from the 2008 Mumbai attacks responsible for giving the whole country a jolt out of brutal killing.
The eight-episodes long crime thriller, all set to premiere on 20th March, is believed to highlight the lesser-known facts and the challenges faced by brave NSG commandos during the rescue operation.
The plot revolves around bravery, passion, emotions and trauma stitching the anecdotes aptly.

Star Cast 
The main cast includes Mukul Dev, Arjan Bajwa, Arjun Bijlani, Vivek Dahiya, and Sid Makkar. Each and every character has aced the desired characteristics of the assigned role and got amalgamated so well in the story to leave the audience thrilled.

Arjun Bijlani, playing Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan in his digital debut, feels every line he utters with enthusiasm. His touching dialogues like "Hum lautkar zaroor aayenge. Apna Tiranga lehrakar ya phir usme lipatkar" will fill your heart with the feeling of patriotism and the regard for the brave martyr. The sharp body language of all the NSG commandos appeals a lot.

The performance of Mukul Dev in a negative role of terrorist head Zaki-Ur-Rehman Lakhvi goes way beyond acting. His appearance, clothing, makeup and the confident dialogue delivery in a husky voice is enough to unnerve the audience.

Image Source: An OTT Platform ZEE5.com

The Real Culprits 
The show doesn't mislead the audience by altering the facts about real culprits who are still on the loose. The flaws of the security, police, army and the bureaucracy have been delineated wherever required without any intention to conceal those.

Powerful Message
The trailer of the web series itself showcases a thoughtful message - 'Terrorism has no religion", which validates the secularist approach. It clearly conveys that no violence can be justified in the name of religion and one should discourage blatant misuse of religion for terrorist activities in the interest on mankind. Whichever country, religion or caste we belong to, above all, we are humans.

I must say I've been watching and enjoying ZEE5 earlier also, but State of Siege is certainly going to be the most gripping one. Watch out for the show to feel the pain of surviving Mumbai..