"Duty Before Life": Ken Ghosh on ‘Akshardham’

Mumbai, Akshardham: Operation Vajra Shakti, produced by Zee Studios and Contiloe Pictures, is capturing hearts across the nation with its raw intensity and emotional depth. Inspired by true events, the film recreates the horrific 2002 terrorist attack on Gujarat’s Akshardham temple and the subsequent heroic NSG operation that followed. It is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on July 4, 2025.

Featuring Akshaye Khanna in the lead, with Gautam Rode and Vivek Dahiya in pivotal roles, the film is directed by Ken Ghosh and produced by Abhimanyu Singh. The trailer has been widely praised for its realistic action, emotional sacrifice, and powerful patriotic treatment.

Sharing his experience from the shoot, director Ken Ghosh said, “The courage of the commandos, their selfless spirit—knowing their lives were at risk, yet choosing duty over safety—was deeply moving.”

He further revealed that, “Our first shoot was actually the bridge sequence, which forms the film’s climax. We had just reached Manali, and snow started falling. That scene was shot amidst real snowfall. It was one of the toughest challenges we faced during production.”

Though the film is structured as a high-tension thriller filled with gripping action, its soul lies in the emotional moments of sacrifice, family, and courage. As the release date nears, Akshardham: Operation Vajra Shakti is shaping up to be more than a patriotic thriller—it is emerging as a heartfelt tribute to the unsung heroes of India.