Netflix’s latest offering, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, has ignited a storm of debate in India, revealing the deep-seated tensions that often bubble beneath the surface of historical dramatizations. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the six-episode mini-series recounts the harrowing 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight from Kathmandu to Delhi, a tragedy that saw the plane diverted to Taliban-controlled Kandahar and an eight-day standoff that shook the nation. As the series lands on screens, it has sparked intense controversy over its portrayal of historical figures and events.
The Story Behind the Series
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack draws from Flight Into Fear: The Captain’s Story, penned by Devi Sharan, the captain of the hijacked flight, and journalist Srinjoy Chowdhury. The show begins with a dramatic depiction of the hijackers boarding the aircraft at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. Within minutes of takeoff, the hijackers announce their takeover, throwing the lives of 179 passengers and 11 crew members into chaos.
The narrative unfolds with a focus on the tense interactions between the hijackers, the passengers, and the crew, as well as the frantic efforts of Indian government officials working to resolve the crisis. The series’ portrayal of these events has garnered praise for its gripping storytelling, but it’s also faced severe criticism.
The Controversy Unveiled
The backlash erupted shortly after the series debuted. Critics on social media have accused the filmmakers of historical distortion. Specifically, there’s uproar over the depiction of the hijackers using Hindu names such as Bhola and Shankar. The real hijackers, however, were identified as Ibrahim Athar, Shahid Akhtar Sayed, Sunny Ahmed Qazi, Mistri Zahoor Ibrahim, and Shakir—Pakistani nationals whose real names were not Hindu.
BJP leader Amit Malviya voiced concerns on social media, alleging that the use of “non-Muslim” aliases could lead viewers to mistakenly believe that Hindus were behind the hijacking. The controversy has been further fueled by a petition from a Hindu right-wing organization seeking to ban the series, accusing the creators of distorting crucial facts and misrepresenting history.
In response to the growing backlash, reports suggest that the Indian federal government has met with senior Netflix executives to discuss the matter. Both Netflix and India’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry have yet to respond to requests for comment from the BBC.
The Debate: Fact vs. Fiction
The debate over the series raises significant questions about the line between historical accuracy and dramatic license. Defenders of the series argue that it remains true to historical accounts. In a statement from India’s Home Ministry in 2000, it was confirmed that the hijackers used aliases like Bhola and Shankar as part of their communications with passengers and among themselves.
Survivors of the hijacking, such as Kollattu Ravikumar, who later became a merchant navy captain, have corroborated these details. Ravikumar recounted in an article that the hijackers, including one known as Berger, were addressed by the names used in the series, including Bhola and Shankar.
Previous Controversies and International Reactions
This isn’t the first time that streaming platforms have faced backlash in India. Earlier in 2024, Netflix pulled a Tamil-language film following objections from hard-line Hindu groups over several scenes. Similarly, in 2021, Amazon Prime’s show Tandav faced criticism for allegedly mocking Hindu deities, leading to an apology from the cast and crew.
These incidents highlight a recurring pattern where international streaming platforms find themselves navigating the complex and often contentious landscape of Indian socio-political sensitivities. Each controversy underscores the challenge of balancing artistic freedom with cultural and historical accuracy.
The Bigger Picture
The uproar surrounding IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack serves as a reminder of the potent power of media portrayals in shaping public perception. While artistic interpretations can bring historical events to life, they also have the potential to spark significant controversy, particularly when dealing with sensitive topics.
As the series continues to be a topic of heated discussion, it raises important questions about how historical events are represented and the impact such portrayals can have on collective memory and national identity. For now, viewers and critics alike will be watching closely to see how this latest drama unfolds, both on and off the screen.
