Akshardham: Operation Vajra Shakti (2025): A Cinematic Salute to Unsung Heroes

Released: July 4, 2025

Director: Ken Ghosh

Starring: Akshaye Khanna, Manjari Fadnis, Gautam Rode, Vivek Dahiya, Akshay Oberoi, Abhilash Chaudhary

Runtime: 115 minutes (approx.)

Studio: Zee Studios, Contiloe Pictures

🎞️ Trailer:

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Plot & Themes

Akshardham: Operation Vajra Shakti dramatizes the chilling 2002 terrorist attack on the Akshardham Temple in Gujarat and India’s immediate response via Operation Vajra Shakti. The story centers on Major Hanut Singh (Akshaye Khanna), a seasoned NSG commando haunted by a past mission. When terrorists storm the temple, demanding a militant’s release, Singh defies orders and leads a daring rescue to save civilians and stop the terrorists.
The film explores themes of real-time valor, sacrifice, national resilience, and the moral cost of duty.

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Performances

• Akshaye Khanna anchors the film as the stoic, intense Major Hanut Singh — embodying leadership and emotional restraint.

• Gautam Rode and Manjari Fadnis deliver grounded support in supporting roles, while Abhilash Chaudhary as the terrorist leader Iqbal adds chilling menace.
  

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Direction, Style & Music

Directed by Ken Ghosh, the film reconstructs a national tragedy with accuracy and emotional gravity. Cinematography by Tejal Shetye delivers gritty, intense visuals, and the rapid-fire editing maintains narrative momentum during the rescue.
The screenplay by William Borthwick and Simon Fantauzzo prioritizes realism and dramatic tension over embellishment.

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Reception & Box Office

Critics praised the film for its urgency and tribute to India’s elite forces, though noted the narrative follows familiar rhythms of action thrillers.

• Moneycontrol called it “taut and tense,” appreciating its pace despite predictability.

• Filmibeat highlighted its emotionally layered performances and visual realism.
  

Although this 2025 release is actually a theatrical re-launch of the OTT film State of Siege: Temple Attack, the move to cinemas sparked renewed appreciation and visibility for the story.

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Final Thoughts

Akshardham: Operation Vajra Shakti isn’t just entertainment—it’s a visual memorial to courageous service members who stand between terror and survival. Precise in scope, emotionally sincere, and cinematically efficient, the film underscores that some stories—gruesome or glorious—deserve to be seen on the biggest screens.
If Saw a nail-biting thriller rooted in real courage and disciplined restraint, this film certainly belongs on your must-watch list.