The release of the Netflix series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, starring Vijay Varma and Dia Mirza, has sparked controversy due to the use of Hindu codenames for the hijackers involved in the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814. The series, which dramatizes the tragic event, uses names like ‘Bhola’ and ‘Shankar’ for the terrorists, leading to accusations of misrepresenting the actual culprits.
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Kangana Ranaut’s Take
Actress Kangana Ranaut also voiced her discontent, accusing the series’ makers of distorting facts by showing terrorists with Hindu names.
Press Conference Incident
On September 3, during a press conference in Mumbai, the controversy intensified. Anubhav Sinha, along with the cast and crew, faced questions from the media. When a journalist inquired about the portrayal of ISI’s involvement, Sinha initially sidestepped the query but eventually entered into a heated debate. He questioned whether the journalist had actually watched the series, suggesting that criticism without proper knowledge was unwarranted.
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
Social Media Reaction
Many on social media applauded the journalist for asking pointed questions. One user commented,
“That’s brave journalism, asking the right questions,” while another added, “It’s rare to see such journalism in today’s polarized world. Kudos to him!” Another user remarked, “Anubhav Sinha had no answers and got angry, lol.”
Netflix Responds
In response to the backlash, Netflix issued a statement on the same day, promising to update the series’ disclaimer to clarify both the real and codenames of the hijackers. They emphasized that the names used in the series were reflective of those employed during the actual hijacking. This move came after Netflix India’s Content Head, Monika Shergill, was summoned by Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju, who expressed the government’s concerns over certain aspects of the series.
Official Clarification
Following the meeting, Monika Shergill released a statement reaffirming Netflix’s commitment to accurate storytelling. The disclaimer was revised to ensure that viewers, especially those unfamiliar with the historical event, could clearly understand both the real identities and the codenames used by the hijackers during the 1999 incident.
The Real Hijackers
The true hijackers were Ibrahim Athar, Shahid Akhtar Sayed, Sunny, Ahmad Qazi, Zahoor Mistry, and Shakir. However, the series portrays them with codenames such as ‘Bhola,’ ‘Shankar,’ ‘Doctor,’ ‘Burger,’ and ‘Chief,’ which caused confusion and sparked debate.
Despite the controversy, the series has drawn significant attention for its portrayal of one of India’s most harrowing aviation incidents. The ensemble cast, featuring notable actors like Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Kumud Mishra, and Arvind Swamy, continues to captivate audiences, though the debate surrounding the depiction remains ongoing.
