Our TV watching pattern is revolutionized by the OTT platforms. Today, we have a choice to watch movies and web-series from a great many options. There’s no scarcity of online extravaganza and the viewers are pampered with amazing content. ZEE5 being one of my favourite platforms for watching movies, I keep an eye on the latest releases there.

With the release of 8-episode series ‘State Of Siege:26/11’, ZEE5 proved to be one of the most sought after channels in terms of creating original content. The web-series, centered around the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, is based on journalist Sandeep Unnithan’s book, Black Tornado: The Three Sieges Of Mumbai 26/11. The book is said to reveal many unknown facts about the country’s horrific terror attack.

   About 166 people were killed and more than 300 were injured in a series of terrorist attacks that shook Mumbai in November 2008. 10 members of the terrorist group, Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out the shooting and bombing incident that lasted for four days. The terrorists attacked Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station, Cafe Leopold, Cama and Albless Hospital, Nariman House, Trident Hotel and The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Our brave NSG commandoes, Mumbai Police and marine commandoes killed nine terrorists and one, Mohd. Ajmal Kasab was caught alive.

Check out the trailer of State Of Siege: 26/11

State Of Siege: 26/11 doesn’t over-dramatise the incident. NSG commandoes are shown as common people rather than superheroes. The show begins with the NSG dealing with the rationing of weapons and ammunition. First few episodes revolve around how attacks are planned and the efforts of Mumbai Police to handle the situation. NSG enters to deal with the crisis only in the sixth episode. On 26th November 2008, people like us were aghast why NSG( National Security Guards) took so much time in coming and controlling the crisis. This web-series is in our platter to make us aware of what was happening at the NSG HQ at that time.

The series also highlights the way poison is injected into young minds by religious fundamentalists to create destruction in the world. One episode, ‘Jihad- The making of a Terrorist’ is all about the production of terrorists. The spectacular star cast together with the direction of Mathew Leutwyler makes ‘State Of Siege:26/11’, a complete package to entertain you.

*The character of Arjun Bijlani is based on Martyr Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan and he gave his best to the role.

* Arjan Bajwa is in the role of Col Kunal Sahota, the commanding officer of the NSG unit that was given the job to handle 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks.

* Mukul Dev is impressive as the leader of the terrorist group who brainwashes the youngsters in the name of religion.

Overall, ZEE5 Original, State Of Siege:26/11 is a good watch for those who want to know more about NSG commandoes and their lives. The web-series established a balance between telling the horrific terror attack of 26/11 and the background story showing NSG commandoes’ point of view.

It’s the collective effort of the commandoes, brilliant technique and patriotic spirit that we remember 26/11 attacks as a the success story of National Security Guards.

Warning – Do not miss this series!

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