The recently released mini-series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack on Netflix has become the center of controversy, triggering a wave of criticism and the trending hashtag ‘Boycott Bollywood’ on social media. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the series premiered on August 29, 2024, and features a star-studded cast including Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Vijay Varma, Manoj Pahwa, Arvind Swamy, and Dia Mirza. Despite its promising lineup, the show has received significant backlash from audiences.
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is based on the book Flight Into Fear by Devi Sharan and Srinjoy Chowdhury, which details the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814. While the series aims to narrate this crucial event in India’s history, viewers have voiced their concerns about how certain aspects of the story were handled. Many believe that the show has taken a lenient approach towards the terrorists involved.
Netizens have criticized the decision to alter the names of the real hijackers, replacing them with Hindu names like ‘Bhola’ and ‘Shankar’. This creative choice has sparked outrage, with one user questioning, “Why change the hijackers’ names from Mohammad Ibrahim Akhtar and others to Bhola and Shankar?” Another concern raised is the portrayal of the Taliban and the ISI’s involvement, which some feel has been softened. One viewer pointed out, “The show depicts the hijackers playing antakshari with the passengers, which seems to downplay the gravity of the situation.”
In response to the criticism, some have defended the series, noting that the hijackers were referred to by the names Bhola and Shankar during the actual hijacking, according to official records. However, this explanation has done little to quell the growing discontent among viewers.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Anubhav Sinha and the creators of IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack will address these concerns. The controversy highlights the challenges of retelling historical events through a fictionalized lens, where balancing accuracy and creative interpretation often sparks intense discussion.
Also Read: IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack Story Review – Play The Blame Game
