The recent release of the Netflix series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, featuring prominent actors Vijay Varma and Dia Mirza, has sparked a heated controversy, particularly due to the use of Hindu codenames for the hijackers involved in the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814. The show, which dramatizes this real-life incident, employs names like ‘Bhola’ and ‘Shankar’ for the terrorists, a creative decision that has led to widespread criticism and accusations of misrepresentation. Also Read- Kangana Ranaut Responds Fiercely to Being Sl*t-shamed Over Old Videos of Her Dancing in Clubs: Says “Uska Agar Body Ka Koi Part…”; Read Now to Know More!
The controversy reached a boiling point during a press conference held in Mumbai on September 3, where the cast and crew of the series, including director Anubhav Sinha, were present to address the media. During the event, a journalist raised pointed questions about the portrayal of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the use of these codenames for the hijackers, challenging the historical accuracy of the series. Initially, Sinha attempted to deflect the question but soon found himself engaged in a heated exchange. He responded by asking the journalist if they had actually watched the series, implying that their criticism lacked substance if it was not based on firsthand viewing.
Check out! How Anubhav Sinha runs away from a question asked by a reporter on why he has deliberately hidden the true names of Pakistani Islamic terrorists and made some change after I&B Ministry's directions on the issue in series #ic814thekandharhijack pic.twitter.com/apc7xC6Spj
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) September 3, 2024
This interaction quickly became a focal point of discussion, with many social media users praising the journalist for their direct approach. Comments on social platforms highlighted the rarity of such bold questioning in today’s media landscape, with one user stating, “That’s brave journalism, asking the right questions.” Another remarked, “It is rare to see such journalism in today’s polarized world. Kudos to him.” However, the exchange also drew attention to Sinha’s frustration, with some noting that the director appeared to be caught off-guard and struggled to provide satisfactory answers.
In light of the growing backlash, Netflix took swift action to address the concerns raised by viewers and critics alike. On the same day as the press conference, the streaming giant issued a statement announcing that they would amend the series’ disclaimer to include both the real names and the codenames of the hijackers. The statement emphasized that the codenames used in the series were reflective of those employed during the actual hijacking, a point that Netflix sought to clarify for viewers unfamiliar with the historical context.
The controversy also drew the attention of government officials, leading to a meeting between Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju and Netflix India’s Content Head, Monika Shergill. During this meeting, Jaju expressed the government’s concerns over the portrayal of certain elements in the series. Following the discussion, Shergill issued an official statement reaffirming Netflix’s commitment to accurate and responsible storytelling. The statement also clarified that the opening disclaimer had been updated to provide clearer context, ensuring that viewers would understand both the real names and the codenames used by the hijackers. Also Read- Sudhanshu Pandey Speaks Out His Plans on Whether He’d Join Bigg Boss 18 Following His Exit From Anupamaa: Says “An Actor Like Me Will Never…”; Read Now to Find Out!
The real identities of the hijackers—namely Ibrahim Athar, Shahid Akhtar Sayed, Sunny, Ahmad Qazi, Zahoor Mistry, and Shakir—had been replaced with codenames such as ‘Bhola,’ ‘Shankar,’ ‘Doctor,’ ‘Burger,’ and ‘Chief’ in the series. This creative choice led to confusion and controversy among viewers, many of whom felt that it obscured the true nature of the events depicted.
Despite the controversy, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack has garnered significant attention for its portrayal of one of India’s most traumatic aviation incidents. The series boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including renowned actors like Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Arvind Swamy, and Patralekhaa, in addition to Vijay Varma and Dia Mirza. While the series has succeeded in sparking public interest, the ongoing debate over its portrayal of historical events continues to fuel discussions about the responsibilities of filmmakers in depicting real-life incidents.
As the discourse around IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack continues, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between creative expression and historical accuracy in the portrayal of real events. The series has undoubtedly made an impact, but whether it will be remembered for its storytelling or its controversy remains to be seen.
