Netflix India has found itself at the center of a controversy regarding its original series, ‘IC814 – The Kandahar Attack’. The web series, directed by Anubhav Sinha, depicts the real-life hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in 1999, and has faced criticism from social media users and political figures over its portrayal of the hijackers. The primary point of contention is the use of aliases for the Pakistani terrorists involved in the hijacking, which included the names ‘Shankar and Bhola’. Critics alleged that the makers deliberately used these aliases to obscure the real identities of the terrorists, potentially protecting them.
This backlash prompted the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to summon a Netflix content head. In response to the criticism, Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content, Netflix India, issued a statement clarifying that the disclaimer of the series has been updated to include the real and code names of the hijackers. Shergill stated that the code names used in the series reflect those used during the actual event.
The use of aliases for the hijackers had sparked considerable debate. BJP leader Amit Malviya expressed his discontent on X, stating that the hijackers, who were dreaded terrorists, had acquired these aliases to hide their Muslim identities. He criticized Anubhav Sinha for legitimizing their criminal intent by furthering these non-Muslim names. Malviya’s concerns were echoed by many users on X, who used hashtags like #BoycottNetflix, #BoycottBollywood and #IC814 to express their anger and call for a boycott of the series.
The 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 was a significant event in Indian history. The Airbus A300, en route from Kathmandu to Delhi, was hijacked by five masked men shortly after entering Indian airspace. The aircraft was diverted through several locations, ultimately ending up in Kandahar, Afghanistan, which was then under Taliban control. The hijackers demanded the release of three Pakistani terrorists – Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, Masood Azhar, and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar. After a seven-day standoff, India reluctantly agreed to release the terrorists. These individuals have since been linked to other terrorist attacks, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
The controversy surrounding ‘IC814 – The Kandahar Attack’ highlights the sensitivity surrounding historical events and the portrayal of terrorism in media. The use of aliases, although potentially intended to reflect the actual events, has raised concerns about the impact on public perception and the potential for unintended consequences. This case serves as a reminder of the complex issues at play when depicting sensitive historical events, and the importance of ensuring that such portrayals are balanced and nuanced.
