Anubhav Sinha’s latest web series, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, released on Netflix, has sparked significant controversy and public outrage, leading to a series of events that have now compelled the streaming platform to make changes to the show. The series, which revisits the harrowing 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814, has faced backlash over the portrayal of the hijackers and their code names, stirring up national sentiments and prompting a response from both the makers and Netflix.
The Incident That Sparked the Controversy
The controversy erupted when viewers noticed that the web series used Hindu names like “Bhola” and “Shankar” as code names for the hijackers, who were in reality Pakistani terrorists. This creative choice led to widespread criticism, with many accusing the makers of distorting facts and potentially hurting religious sentiments. Social media platforms were abuzz with demands to ban the series and even Netflix itself, with critics arguing that the portrayal was misleading and insensitive.
Netflix and Anubhav Sinha’s Response
In response to the growing backlash, Netflix quickly engaged with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, leading to a meeting where concerns were addressed. Following this, Netflix issued a statement clarifying that the Hindu names used in the series were indeed code names, as stated in official documents from the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2000. To mitigate the controversy, the streaming platform announced that they would update the show’s disclaimer to include both the real names and code names of the hijackers, aiming to provide clarity to viewers.
Monika Shergill, the content head at Netflix India, released an official statement saying, “The disclaimer has been updated for viewers unaware of the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in 1999, including the real names and code names of the hijackers. The code names in the series reflect the names used during the actual incident. India has a rich culture of storytelling, and we are committed to showcasing these stories and their authentic representation.”
Anubhav Sinha Faces Tough Questions at Press Conference
Amidst the brewing controversy, Anubhav Sinha, the director of IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, found himself in a tense situation during a press conference held on September 3 in Mumbai. The event, intended to promote the series, quickly took a different turn when a journalist repeatedly questioned Sinha about the alleged factual inaccuracies in the show.
Initially, Sinha attempted to avoid answering the question, but as the journalist persisted, he lost his temper. “Have you seen the series?” Sinha asked sharply, visibly irritated. When the journalist failed to confirm whether he had watched the series, Sinha responded angrily, “Watch the series. I cannot talk to you; you have not seen it.” The heated exchange highlighted the intense scrutiny the series is under, with Sinha’s frustration reflecting the pressure surrounding the release.
Cast Members Speak Out: Naseeruddin Shah’s Concerns
The press conference also saw notable reactions from the cast members of the series. Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, who plays a significant role in IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, shared his personal reflections on the 1999 hijacking incident. Shah, who was around 50 years old at the time, revealed that the event deeply disturbed him, particularly due to the potential for a rise in Islamophobia in its aftermath.
“There was a fear that this could lead to a new wave of Islamophobia,” Shah said, expressing his concerns that the incident might have fueled negative stereotypes against Muslims. Although he acknowledged that the feared wave of Islamophobia did not materialize, he admitted that the situation left him with a lingering sense of unease. Shah’s comments added a layer of complexity to the discussion, emphasizing the emotional and social impact of the real-life event and its portrayal in media.
The Real Story Behind the Code Names
The uproar surrounding the series largely stems from the use of Hindu code names for the Pakistani hijackers. The hijackers of Flight IC 814, identified as Ibrahim Athar, Shahid Akhtar Saeed, Sunny Ahmed Qazi, Zahoor Mistry, and Shakir, were all members of a Pakistan-based terrorist organization. According to official records, these terrorists used Hindu code names like “Bhola” and “Shankar” during the hijacking, a detail that was retained in the web series but not adequately explained, leading to misunderstanding and backlash.
To address these concerns, the updated disclaimer in the series will now explicitly state that “Bhola” and “Shankar” were code names used by the hijackers, along with their real names. This move is intended to ensure that viewers are fully informed and to prevent any further misinterpretation of the series’ content.
The Hijacking Incident: A Recap
For those unfamiliar with the real-life event, the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 occurred on December 24, 1999. The flight, en route from Kathmandu, Nepal to Delhi, India, was hijacked after it entered Indian airspace. The hijackers forced the plane to land in multiple locations, including Amritsar, Lahore, and Dubai, before finally landing in Kandahar, Afghanistan, which was then under Taliban control.
The hijackers demanded the release of several terrorists held in Indian prisons, including Masood Azhar, a notorious figure who would later go on to form the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist group. The Indian government eventually conceded to the demands, leading to the release of the prisoners in exchange for the safe return of the passengers and crew. The incident remains one of the most significant and traumatic events in Indian aviation history.
The Series and Its Reception
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a six-episode drama that delves into the tense and dramatic events of the hijacking. The series features an ensemble cast, including Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Varma, Dia Mirza, Pankaj Kapur, Arvind Swami, and Patralekhaa, among others. The show aims to bring the 1999 incident to life, exploring the emotional and political ramifications of the hijacking, as well as the personal stories of those involved.
Despite the controversy, the series has garnered attention for its gripping narrative and strong performances. However, the debate over the portrayal of the hijackers has somewhat overshadowed these aspects, with viewers and critics alike focusing on the ethical and factual implications of the series’ content.
Future Implications for Content on OTT Platforms
The controversy surrounding IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack has sparked a broader conversation about the portrayal of sensitive historical events in entertainment. With the rise of OTT platforms like Netflix, there is increasing scrutiny on how such platforms handle content that touches on real-life incidents, especially those with significant cultural or political implications.
Netflix’s decision to update the disclaimer and its commitment to reviewing future content with national sentiments in mind reflects the growing importance of responsible storytelling in the digital age. As viewers become more discerning and vocal about the content they consume, creators and platforms alike will need to navigate these challenges carefully, balancing artistic freedom with ethical responsibility.
In conclusion, while IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack has successfully brought a critical historical event to the screen, it has also highlighted the complexities of retelling real-life stories in a way that respects both the facts and the sensitivities of the audience. The series’ journey, from its controversial release to the ongoing discussions it has sparked, underscores the power of media to shape public perception and the responsibility that comes with it.
