Anubhav Sinha, a prominent name in Bollywood, is gearing up for the release of his web series ‘IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack’, which tells the story of one of the most intense hijacking incidents in India’s history. The director, known for his socially charged films like Article 15, Mulk, and Thappad, has shot several movies in Lucknow, a city close to his heart. However, this time, he is focusing on a more thrilling and less socially-driven narrative with the upcoming series.
Casting Vijay Verma for ‘IC-814’
Anubhav Sinha shared how he had been keen on casting actor Vijay Verma, known for his impressive work in recent years. During the making of Thappad, Vijay was considered, but schedules didn’t align. However, when the project of IC-814 came up, Sinha called Verma for a chat, which quickly escalated into a casting discussion. The two were able to settle on dates and the rest, as they say, is history. Sinha was impressed by Vijay’s enthusiasm and his commitment to the project.
From ‘Sea Hawks’ to Web Series
Anubhav Sinha isn’t new to the world of series. He recalls his earlier hit show, Sea Hawks, saying, “I think the series format has its own rules, which we as filmmakers need to adapt to.” While Sinha has been more focused on feature films in recent years, IC-814 gave him the opportunity to experiment with longer formats again.
Bhojpuri Industry Not My Cup of Tea
While discussing the regional Bhojpuri film industry, Sinha candidly admitted that he feels unfit for it. Though there has been a lot of talk about the Bhojpuri industry’s audience, Sinha feels that his storytelling and direction may not align well with that genre. Interestingly, he had once discussed working on a film with Manoj Bajpayee, but the project didn’t take off.
Challenges of Realistic Cinema
Sinha has often been associated with films that carry strong social messages, but he points out that these types of films come with their limitations. “Realistic stories have limits, while fiction offers an open sky,” he said. The Indian audience, according to him, still prefers entertainment, which is why genres like horror-comedy are flourishing. However, he believes that audiences are gradually developing a taste for socially relevant films.
Working with Friends in Films
Anubhav Sinha has built long-standing relationships with actors like Manoj Bajpayee and Kumud Mishra, but he maintains that friendship doesn’t influence his casting choices. He chooses actors who are perfect for the roles, and it just so happens that his favorite actors often fit those characters.
Rewriting the Hijack Story
Sinha shared that the script for IC-814 went through multiple rewrites over two and a half years. He was initially approached with the story, but it didn’t fully capture his interest until certain elements were modified. “The story had to answer why the hijack lasted eight days and why Kandahar was chosen,” Sinha explained. His attention to detail led the team to redo the research and rewrite the script, taking an additional six to eight months before shooting began.
A Star-Studded Cast for the Series
Casting for IC-814 involved roping in more than 113 artists, with Mukesh Chhabra handling the task of finding the right actors. Alongside stars like Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Sinha also brought in veterans like Naseeruddin Shah and Kanwaljit Singh. Yashpal Sharma, who joined the cast at the last minute, was also a significant addition. Sinha believes that while a multi-star cast may attract initial attention, it is ultimately the story and characters that captivate the audience.
Anubhav Sinha continues to push the boundaries of Indian cinema, from realistic social dramas to intense thrillers, always bringing his unique perspective to the screen.
