IC814: The Kandahar Hijack: I&B Ministry summons Netflix India content head amid row
IC814: The Kandahar Hijack: I&B Ministry summons Netflix India content head amid row
Netizens claim that the series hides the real identities of terrorists involved in the attack
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B Ministry) summoned Netflix’s Content Head amid controversy surrounding the streaming platform’s new web series, “IC814: The Kandahar Hijack,” on September 3, ANI reported citing multiple sources. It is worthy to note that the series follows widespread criticism on social media regarding the series’ portrayal of the 1999 Kandahar hijack incident.
Series faces criticism for inaccuracy
The controversy erupted on September 1, when users on X (formerly Twitter) alleged that the series misrepresented key details about the terrorists involved in the 1999 hijacking. Accusations were made that the show obscured the real identities of the terrorists, sparking outrage online. Critics argued that the series had renamed the hijackers to ‘Shankar’ and ‘Bhola’ to avoid identifying their true identities and to potentially shield a specific community.
Show’s response and background
Responding to the allegations, Mukesh Chhabra, casting director for the series, defended the production. Chhabra informed that the hijackers used nicknames among themselves. He further assured that thorough research was conducted for the show.
Directed by Anubhav Sinha, “IC814: The Kandahar Hijack” dramatizes the events of December 24, 1999, when five terrorists hijacked an Indian Airlines flight shortly after takeoff from Kathmandu. The series began streaming on Netflix on August 29.
Details of the Kandahar hijack incident
The hijacking of IC-814 involved five terrorists—Ibrahim Athar, Sunny Ahmed Qazi, Zahoor Ibrahim, Shahid Akhter, and Sayed Shakir—who seized control of the aircraft which was going from Kathmandu to Delhi. 154 passengers and crew were held hostage for eight days. The stand-off concluded with the release of terrorists Masood Azhar, Omar Sheikh, and Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar in exchange for the hostages, with External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh escorting them to Kandahar.
Cast of the controversial series
“IC814: The Kandahar Hijack” features a notable cast including Vijay Varma, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Arvind Swamy, Dia Mirza, and Patralekhaa.
(With inputs from PTI)
