At a recent press conference promoting the Netflix web series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, director Anubhav Sinha found himself at the center of a heated exchange with the media. The series, which premiered on August 29, recounts the harrowing 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight by five terrorists. However, controversy has erupted over the depiction of two of these hijackers, named Bhola and Shankar in the series, leading to widespread criticism on social media and concerns over potential religious insensitivity.
The controversy reached such a height that Netflix’s India content head, Monica Shergill, was summoned by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on September 2. She met with officials in Delhi the following day to address the issue. The result was a decision to update the show’s disclaimer, adding the real names of the hijackers alongside their code names, Bhola and Shankar.
Amidst this backdrop, Sinha, along with the cast of the series—including Pankaj Kapur, Dia Mirza, Vijay Varma, and Naseeruddin Shah—attended a press conference in Mumbai. During the event, Sinha was asked about the allegations surrounding the series, particularly the choice of names for the hijackers. The question struck a nerve, prompting the director to respond with visible frustration.
When asked why the series had attracted such criticism, Sinha retorted by questioning the journalist: “Have you seen the series?” He repeated the question multiple times, emphasizing that he could not engage in a meaningful conversation with someone who had not actually watched the show. His irritation was palpable, and the exchange quickly became the most talked-about moment of the event.
This tension at the press conference underscores the sensitivity of the topic. The series aims to depict a dark chapter in Indian history, but the choice to use Hindu names for the terrorists has sparked outrage. Critics argue that this decision was disrespectful and insensitive to Hindu sentiments, prompting calls for changes to the series.
In response to the backlash, Netflix has taken swift action. The streaming giant has agreed to modify the disclaimer to include the actual names of the terrorists, a move that aims to clarify any misunderstandings and address the concerns raised by viewers. Monica Shergill’s meeting with government officials was crucial in reaching this resolution, and Netflix has committed to being more mindful of national sentiments in its future content.
The controversy surrounding IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a reminder of the delicate balance creators must strike when dealing with historical events, especially those that still resonate deeply with the public. As the debate continues, Sinha’s emotional outburst has become a focal point, highlighting the intense scrutiny that filmmakers face in today’s media landscape.
