The recently released web series ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack,’ directed by Anubhav Sinha, has found itself embroiled in controversy. The series, which is based on the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC 814, has sparked outrage over the portrayal of terrorists with Hindu names. The depiction of these characters has led to a strong backlash on social media, with calls for the series to be boycotted.
Government Steps In Amid Growing Backlash
As the controversy continues to grow, the Government of India has also taken notice. According to reports from ANI, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has summoned the content head of OTT platform Netflix to address the concerns. The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, aims to discuss the content of the series and the reasons behind the controversial choice of names.
The Hijacking Incident and Its Representation in the Series
The ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack series features a star-studded cast, including Vijay Verma, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapoor, and Arvind Swami. The show recounts the terrifying hijacking of Indian Airlines flight 814, which was en route from Kathmandu, Nepal, to Delhi in December 1999. Shortly after takeoff, the plane was seized by terrorists, leading to a harrowing journey that saw the aircraft diverted to Amritsar, Lahore, Dubai, and finally Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Controversy Over the Names ‘Bhola’ and ‘Shankar’
The controversy centers around the depiction of the hijackers in the series, who are given the codenames Chief, Doctor, Burger, Bhola, and Shankar. The use of the names Bhola and Shankar, both of which are traditionally associated with Hinduism, has drawn criticism for allegedly distorting the facts of the real-life event. Social media users have accused the makers of the series of intentionally choosing these names, sparking a heated debate online.
Adaptation from ‘Flight into Fear: The Captain’s Story’
The series is adapted from the book ‘Flight Into Fear: The Captain’s Story,’ co-authored by journalist Srinjoy Chaudhary and Captain Devi Sharan, who was the pilot of the hijacked plane. The book provides a detailed account of the hijacking, but the creative liberties taken in the series, particularly with the naming of the terrorists, have led to widespread discontent.
Star-Studded Cast and Release Details
Despite the controversy, ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ boasts an impressive lineup of actors, including Manoj Pahwa, Anupam Tripathi, Dia Mirza, Patralekha, Amrita Puri, Divyendu Bhattacharya, and Kumud Mishra in key roles. The series was released on August 29, 2024, and has been a topic of intense discussion ever since.
The ongoing debate over the portrayal of the hijackers in the series highlights the fine line between creative expression and factual accuracy, especially when dealing with sensitive historical events. As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how the makers and the platform respond to the criticism.
