Akshaye Khanna: If I had my way, would do three films a year

Making his web debut with 'State of Siege: Temple Attack', Akshaye Khanna says few projects appeal to him despite his eagerness to do more

It is not uncommon for Akshaye Khanna to stay away from the silver screen for a long period. Naturally then, it is surprising when he declares, "If I had my way, I would be doing three films a year. Anything less than that is a waste of a year. But it is not easy to find a project that appeals to you. There are several factors at work, and everything is not in your hands." 

Luckily, State of Siege: Temple Attack is one of those offerings that ticked all the boxes. The ZEE5 film, which marks Khanna’s web debut, is based on the 2002 attack at the Swaminarayan Akshardham complex in Gandhinagar that killed 30 people and injured more than 80. As the film is based on real-life events, the actor had his share of concerns. "[I was clear that] the project should in no way disrespect the uniform and the victims. Though it is based on a real incident, it is a fictional take on the events."

He plays an NSG commando in the Ken Ghosh-directed venture. Guiding the team was Lt Col (retd) Sandeep Sen, who — having led the final siege at Nariman House in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack — was previously appointed the consultant for State of Siege: 26/11 (2020). "We were lucky to have him as an advisor to look at every detail. [He taught us] how the NSG operates at several levels. The film was shot on a start-to-finish schedule from October to February."

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