The IC 814 web series, which revisits the Kandahar hijacking incident of 1999, has stirred up a storm, with many questioning the director Anubhav Sinha’s portrayal of terrorists in the series. The series features prominent actors like Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapoor, and Vijay Verma, and showcases the seven-day terror that gripped the country during the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814. However, instead of focusing on the harrowing tale, much of the conversation has been centered on two names—Bhola and Shankar—used for the terrorists. This has sparked widespread debate and led to accusations against the director and Netflix India.
The Backstory of the IC 814 Hijacking Incident
The IC 814 plane was hijacked by five terrorists on December 24, 1999, during its flight from Kathmandu to New Delhi. It was diverted to Kandahar, Afghanistan, where the passengers and crew were held hostage for seven days. The terrorists demanded the release of three militants held in Indian prisons. The Indian government eventually agreed to their demands, resulting in the release of the hostages.
This incident was one of the most painful events in recent Indian history, with the country facing a major challenge in handling international pressure and ensuring the safety of the hostages. It left a lasting scar on the national psyche, and the trauma of those seven days is still fresh for many.
Controversy Over ‘Bhola’ and ‘Shankar’
The IC 814 web series aims to bring this tragic story back to life, but instead of being celebrated for its content, it has faced severe backlash. The most significant issue arises from the names used for the terrorists. In the series, two of the terrorists are referred to by the names Bhola and Shankar. Critics argue that using these names for Muslim terrorists distorts history and misleads the audience, as Bhola and Shankar are traditionally associated with Hindu culture.
Many have questioned the decision to assign these names to terrorists, wondering if it was an attempt to soften their image. Social media users and critics alike have raised concerns, accusing the creators of being insensitive and misleading. Some have even claimed that this choice was a deliberate attempt to confuse viewers, leading them to associate Hindu names with terrorist activities.
Where Did the Names Come From?
In response to the controversy, Netflix and Anubhav Sinha explained that the names Bhola and Shankar were the codenames used by the terrorists during the hijacking. According to official records, the terrorists used these aliases to communicate with one another.
The terrorists involved in the hijacking were:
- Ibrahim, codenamed Chief, from Bahawalpur.
- Shahid Akhtar Syed, codenamed Doctor, from Karachi.
- Sunny Ahmed Qazi, codenamed Burger, from Karachi.
- Mistry Zahoor Ibrahim, codenamed Bhola, from Karachi.
- Shakir, codenamed Shankar, from Sukkur City.
These names were not randomly chosen by the director or the writers but were based on historical documents. The book Flight into Fear by Captain Devi Sharan and Srijoy Chaudhary, which the web series is based on, also mentions these names. Captain Devi Sharan, who was the pilot during the hijacking, wrote the book based on his firsthand experience of the event.
The Impact of the Controversy
Despite this clarification, the controversy refuses to die down. The use of Hindu names for Muslim terrorists has struck a chord with many viewers, leading to a barrage of complaints on social media. Some have accused the series of trying to whitewash the terrorists’ actions by portraying them with softer names, while others believe it was an honest mistake that has been blown out of proportion.
The uproar reached such a level that Netflix India’s content head, Monika Shergill, had to engage in discussions with the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. As a result, the series’ opening disclaimer was updated to include a clarification about the use of codenames. The real names of the terrorists were also revealed later in the series.
However, this did not stop the controversy from spreading. Some viewers continued to argue that even if the names were based on historical records, the series should have handled the sensitive topic more carefully. They questioned why the real names of the terrorists were not used throughout the series, especially given the emotional weight of the incident.
How Often Are ‘Bhola’ and ‘Shankar’ Mentioned?
Interestingly, the names Bhola and Shankar are used only a few times in the entire six-episode series. The first mention comes in the fourth episode when the plane has landed in Kandahar. In one scene, Burger, one of the terrorists, tells the passengers, “All of you can raise your heads now. My name is Burger. We have two companions behind us—Shankar and Bhola. Let us do our work. They will not do anything to you.”
Later in the same episode, Burger calls out to Bhola, asking him to fetch a doctor after the plane’s toilet begins to emit a foul smell. These are the only instances in the entire series where the names Bhola and Shankar are used. Despite this, the controversy has focused almost entirely on these two brief mentions.
Could the Controversy Have Been Avoided?
The question now is whether the controversy could have been avoided. Some believe that if the series had included a clearer disclaimer from the beginning or used subtitles to indicate the codenames were based on real events, the backlash may not have been so severe. Others argue that given the sensitive nature of the subject matter, the creators should have exercised greater caution, especially when dealing with the portrayal of terrorists.
It is worth noting that the religious identity of the terrorists is never hidden in the series. From the very first episode, it is clear that the hijackers are Muslim, and their motives and actions are consistent with the historical record. Much of the series focuses on the negotiations between the Indian government and the terrorists, with the tension building as the days go by.
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The Series’ Reception
Despite the controversy, the IC 814 web series has garnered a significant amount of attention. Many viewers who would not have otherwise watched the series were drawn to it because of the debate surrounding Bhola and Shankar. This has led to an increase in viewership for Netflix, and in some ways, the controversy has worked in favor of the platform.
For those who lived through the events of 1999, the series has reopened old wounds, reminding them of the fear and uncertainty that gripped the nation during those seven days. Eyewitnesses and survivors of the hijacking have shared their experiences, and younger viewers who were not alive at the time have learned about a critical chapter in India’s history.
What Could Have Been Done Differently?
Critics have pointed out several areas where the series could have been improved. For one, the repeated scenes of the terrorists singing and playing games inside the plane felt out of place. While these moments were meant to show the terrorists trying to maintain control over the passengers, some viewers felt that it softened the seriousness of the situation.
Additionally, some have questioned the need for certain scenes involving a reporter and an editor, which they felt added little to the overall narrative. The frequent flashbacks to Nepal also felt excessive to some, disrupting the flow of the main storyline.
On the other hand, the series has been praised for its use of archival footage, particularly in scenes involving the press conferences held by the Indian government. Pankaj Kapoor’s portrayal of the then Foreign Minister, Jaswant Singh, has also been widely appreciated. While the character’s name was changed to Vijay Bhan Singh for the series, Kapoor’s performance was lauded for its authenticity.
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Conclusion
In the end, the IC 814 web series has sparked an important conversation about the responsibility of filmmakers when handling sensitive historical events. While the controversy over Bhola and Shankar may seem like a small issue in the grand scheme of things, it has highlighted the need for greater care and attention to detail in storytelling.
