TNFNew Delhi/ TNF
Netflix has made changes to the controversial web series “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack” in response to recent criticism. As of Tuesday, September 3rd, the series now includes both the real and code names of the hijackers in its opening disclaimer.
The series has faced backlash for depicting the hijackers with Hindu names, which led to demands for a ban. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a notice to Netflix seeking clarification on the issue. Following this, Monica Shergil, Netflix’s Head of Content in India, met with the ministry.
Series Controversy
The web series portrays the hijackers using code names such as ‘Burger,’ ‘Chief,’ ‘Shankar,’ and ‘Bhola,’ rather than their real names. This led to controversy on social media, where critics alleged that the series was trying to obscure the hijackers’ real identities. The series premiered on Netflix on August 29.
In response, Netflix stated that the code names used in the series reflect those used during the actual hijacking. The streaming platform affirmed its commitment to presenting stories as accurately as possible.
Ministry’s Stance
On September 2nd, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting emphasized that no one has the right to hurt the sentiments of Indian citizens. The ministry stressed the importance of respecting India’s culture and civilization and warned against misrepresenting historical events.
Key Points of Controversy
- Petition for a Ban: A public interest litigation was filed in the Delhi High Court on Monday, seeking a ban on the series. The petitioner, Surjit Singh Yadav, President of the Hindu Sena, accused the filmmakers of distorting facts.
- Hindu Names of Terrorists: The petition alleged that the series used Hindu names for the terrorists, including ‘Bhola’ and ‘Shankar,’ which are names associated with Hindu deities, while the real names were different. The actual names of the hijackers were Ibrahim Akhtar, Shahid Akhtar, Sunny Ahmed, Zahoor Mistry, and Shakir.
- BJP’s Criticism: Amit Malviya, head of the BJP IT cell, criticized the series on social media, accusing director Anubhav Sinha of using a leftist agenda to obscure the true identities of the terrorists. Malviya argued that the series aimed to hide the Muslim identity of the hijackers by using fictional names.
Series Synopsis
“IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack” is based on the real events of December 24, 1999, when five terrorists hijacked Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport en route to New Delhi. The terrorists diverted the plane to Amritsar, Lahore, Dubai, and finally Kandahar, holding the 176 passengers hostage for seven days. The series depicts the harrowing experiences of the passengers and their families, as well as the negotiations between the government and the hijackers.
Source Material
The series is adapted from the book “Flight into Fear: The Captain’s Story” by senior journalist Sreenjoy Chowdhury and Devi Sharan. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the six-episode series features a cast including Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapoor, Vijay Varma, Dia Mirza, Patralekha, Arvind Swami, and Kumud Mishra.
