The hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC 814 in December 1999 remains one of the most harrowing events in India’s modern history. A routine flight from Kathmandu to Delhi was turned into a nightmare when terrorists took control of the plane, leading it on a tense journey across several countries. The week-long standoff ended with the release of three dangerous terrorists from Indian prisons in exchange for the safe return of the passengers. The new web series, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, directed by Anubhav Sinha, brings this intense story to the OTT platform, aiming to capture the fear, tension, and drama of those fateful days.
Plot and Inspiration
The series is inspired by Captain Devi Sharan’s book, Flight Into Fear, which provides a detailed account of the hijacking from the perspective of the original IC 814 pilot. It delves into the emotional turmoil of the passengers, the frustration and fear of their families, and the stress faced by the crew. The show also portrays the hijackers’ ruthlessness, the Indian government’s struggles in handling the situation, and the media’s frantic coverage.
Anubhav Sinha attempts to address many lingering questions about the hijacking, including how the security forces failed to detect such a major conspiracy, and how the hijackers managed to evade capture at multiple stops. The series explores why the hijackers chose Kandahar as their final destination and examines the Taliban’s involvement. The historical context of the time—India’s strained international relations post-Pokhran nuclear tests and the Kargil conflict—also plays a significant role in the narrative.
Direction and Storytelling
Initially, the series starts slowly, with the first few episodes lacking the intensity one might expect from a story about a hijacking. Scenes such as an Indian officer casually dining with Maulana Masood Azhar feel out of place and detract from the tension. Additionally, the portrayal of Indian officials as indecisive in the face of such a significant crisis is frustrating. However, the series gains momentum as it progresses, particularly during the dramatic depiction of the emergency landing in Lahore, which adds a palpable sense of danger and urgency.
The series does an excellent job of highlighting the day-to-day struggles of the hostages on the plane, such as the lack of basic amenities like toilets, which adds a layer of realism and empathy to their plight. The use of real news footage from the time also lends credibility to the story, making the viewer feel as though they are watching events unfold in real-time.
Performances and Cast
One of the series’ strengths is its strong cast of seasoned actors. Vijay Varma shines in his portrayal of Captain Sharan Dev, capturing the character’s bravery, wisdom, and vulnerability without resorting to melodrama. Patralekha and Aditi Gupta deliver strong performances as air hostesses, adding depth to their roles with their emotional expressions.
Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapoor, Aditya Shrivastava, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya also leave a mark in their limited roles as Indian officials, adding gravitas to the narrative. Arvind Swamy, Kumud Mishra, and Manoj Pahwa are commendable in their portrayals of other key figures involved in the crisis. Amrita Puri impresses as a sharp, determined journalist, though Dia Mirza’s role is too brief to make a significant impact.
Despite the impressive lineup, the casting of the terrorists falls flat. The actors playing these roles do not convey the necessary menace, which detracts from the overall tension and fear that the series aims to build. The production quality is generally high, but there is room for improvement in the background score and editing, which could have enhanced the suspense and drama.
Final Thoughts
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack offers a compelling look into one of India’s most dramatic and traumatic episodes. While the series has some pacing issues and could benefit from stronger performances from the actors playing the terrorists, it succeeds in capturing the gravity of the hijacking and the emotional toll it took on all involved. It provides valuable insights into the political and social dynamics of the time, making it a worthwhile watch for those interested in understanding the complexities of the hijacking and the broader geopolitical context.
This series is a must-watch for anyone who wants to explore the history behind the Kandahar hijacking and understand the multifaceted challenges faced by the Indian government, security forces, and the passengers themselves. With its mix of real events and dramatization, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack brings a slice of history to life, reminding viewers of a time when the entire nation held its breath, waiting for a safe resolution.
