Anubhav Sinha’s latest web series, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, streaming on Netflix, has found itself in the middle of a major controversy. The series, which features an ensemble cast including Vijay Verma, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapoor, Manoj Pahwa, and Dia Mirza, dramatizes the real-life hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in 1999. The controversy erupted over the naming of the terrorists in the series, with the code names “Bhola” and “Shankar” sparking outrage on social media.
Why the Uproar?
The real-life hijackers of Flight 814 used code names during the operation, and the series followed suit. However, when the code names “Bhola” and “Shankar” were used in the series, many viewers were offended, arguing that these names, which are commonly associated with Hindu deities, were inappropriate for portraying terrorists. The backlash was swift and severe, with many accusing the creators of hurting religious sentiments.
Netflix’s Response
The uproar reached the government level, leading to Netflix India’s content chief, Monica Shergill, being summoned by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Following the meeting in Delhi on September 3, Netflix announced that they would make changes to the series. The disclaimer now includes the real names of the hijackers to avoid further controversy. Director Anubhav Sinha, when questioned about the issue, expressed frustration, but the decision was made to update the series to reflect the real names.
Who Played Bhola and Shankar?
In the series, the characters of the five hijackers—codenamed Doctor, Chief, Burger, Bhola, and Shankar—are portrayed by a talented group of actors. Kunal Chopra played Bhola, whose real name was Zahoor Ibrahim Mistry. Kamal Batra portrayed Shankar, originally Shakir. Both actors had limited screen time, but their performances were well-received despite the controversy surrounding their characters’ names.
Here’s a look at the actors who played the hijackers in the series:
- Rajiv Thakur: Played the role of the Chief, the leader of the hijackers. Thakur, known for his comic roles on shows like Comedy Night with Kapil, took on a much darker role in this series. His portrayal of the chief terrorist left a strong impression on viewers.
- Diljohn Singh: Portrayed the character of Burger, whose real name was Sunny Ahmed Qazi. Diljohn has appeared in several films, including De De Pyar De, Gold, Jawani Jaaneman, and Bell Bottom. His performance as the ruthless hijacker was a departure from his previous roles.
- Harminder Singh: Played the role of the Doctor, real name Shahid Akhtar Saeed. Harminder has appeared in Salman Khan’s Tubelight and the web series Lootere. His portrayal of the Doctor was chilling, adding to the tension of the series.
The Real Hijackers Behind the Code Names
The real-life hijackers of Flight 814 were:
- Ibrahim Athar: Code name Chief
- Sunny Ahmed Qazi: Code name Burger
- Shahid Akhtar Saeed: Code name Doctor
- Shakir: Code name Shankar
- Zahoor Ibrahim Mistry: Code name Bhola
These five men were responsible for one of the most harrowing episodes in Indian aviation history. The plane, en route from Kathmandu to Delhi, was hijacked on December 24, 1999. The ordeal lasted seven days, with the aircraft landing at multiple locations before finally reaching Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Ongoing Debate
The controversy surrounding IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack has sparked a broader debate about the portrayal of real-life events and the sensitivity required when dealing with cultural and religious symbols. While the series has been praised for its performances and storytelling, the backlash over the names highlights the challenges of creating content based on historical incidents.
As the series continues to stream, it remains to be seen how audiences will react to the changes and whether the controversy will impact its overall success.
