Why I am excited about State of Siege, ZEE5’s newest web series

My last trip to Mumbai took me to the Taj Palace Hotel next to the Gateway of India. As I looked up at the grand structure, I was reminded of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, a series of gruesome terrorist attacks that shook the nation. My mind has been preoccupied by thoughts about the incident and so many untold stories that would have never seen the light of the day. Well, call it coincidence or otherwise, last week I stumbled upon the trailer of State of Siege, a new web series launched by ZEE5.

The first look of State of Siege

The trailer of the State of Siege starts with voice over of the terrorist mastermind talking about why he chose Mumbai as their target. Based on Sandeep Unnithan’s book ‘Black Tornado: The Three Sieges of 26/11’, this eight-episode series will portray the tragic events and many unknown incidents about the siege. The first look of the series brings flashes of stories that you would have heard or read about the 26/11 attacks. However, the trailer seems to go deeper into the tactics applied at each location and many untold incidents and personal accounts seem to come out. I am excited to see how the series shapes out this high energy historical operation where India’s all three military wings jointly contributed to thwarting the siege of Mumbai by terrorists.

Source : Video Streaming Platform Zee5

While many documentaries and movies have been made based on the true incidents of 26/11, looking at the Mumbai attacks from a different angle is going to be novel. I hope understanding the whole operation from the perspective of the forces will give us a better view of the challenges that the commandos faced on the ground along with limitations due to bureaucracy. What stands out during the trailer, are the individual stories of bravado, some forgotten and lost amidst the chaos. The audience can definitely look forward to being inspired and impressed by stories of ordinary people to rise up the occasion to protect and sacrifice for those in need of it more. I hope that this show also reminds us of the valor of brave hearts and martyrs who fought against all odds to keep us secured.

Based on real incidents

The 26/11 attacks, as they are now known, are widely regarded as the world’s first hybrid terrorist attack. Ten trained terrorists armed heavily board a fishing trawler and slip past the coastal security guard on India’s western coast. They reach Mumbai and as per their masterplan, begin the long-drawn siege of Mumbai. The terrorists hide in and carry out coordinated shooting and bombing attacks for four days in certain prominent landmarks of Mumbai.

Source : Video Streaming Platform Zee5

By 29^th November morning, all sites except Taj Hotel had been secured by Mumbai Police and security forces. To secure the Taj Hotel, India’s elite counter-terrorist force, the National Security Guard carried out Operation Black Tornado. The ZEE5’s State of Siege brings alive the strategy, challenges and all of the action as the NSG commandos were air-dropped over Nariman House. The trailer shows heart pumping dialogues by Arjan Bajwa and Arjun Bijlani as they lead the NSG team into the rescue operation to capture back the Taj.

About the cast

Produced and created by Abhimanyu Singh of Contiloe Pictures and co-created and directed by Matthew Leutwyler, the web series is quite eagerly awaited. Owing to its impressive star cast comprising Arjan Bajwa, Arjun Bijlani, Mukul Dev, Vivek Dahiya, Tara Alisha Berry, Sid Makkad, Vikram Gaikwad, Avinash Wadhwan and with the support of Sandeep Unnithan’s well-researched narration, the series is expected to deliver a thrilling account of the fateful events and a tribute to those who helped secure Mumbai.