Last Updated on September 14, 2024 by Wenivesh Team
Netflix’s latest release, IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack, has become the center of a heated debate since it premiered on August 29, 2024. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the series is a dramatized retelling of the infamous 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 by terrorists. The incident, which remains a dark chapter in India’s history, involved the hijacking of a plane traveling from Kathmandu to Delhi, forcing it to land in Kandahar, Afghanistan, then under Taliban control.
IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack – Netflix Series Controversy
The series has garnered significant attention, but not all of it is positive. Shortly after its release, IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack faced backlash on social media. The controversy centers around the portrayal of the terrorists, who in the series are referred to by the names “Shankar” and “Bhola.” Many viewers have taken issue with this, interpreting it as an attempt to obscure the real identities of the hijackers, who were members of the Pakistan-based terrorist group Harkat-ul-Mujahideen. Critics argue that the series might be downplaying the terror inflicted by the actual hijackers by assigning them Hindu names, which has led to accusations of historical distortion.
The uproar led to hashtags like #BoycottNetflix and #BoycottBollywood trending on social media platforms, with many users expressing their dissatisfaction and accusing the filmmakers of rewriting history. The accusations have sparked a broader conversation about the responsibilities of filmmakers when depicting real-life events, especially those as sensitive as the IC 814 hijacking.
In response to the controversy, Netflix India released a statement clarifying that the names used in the series reflect code names used during the actual event. To address concerns, Netflix has updated the opening disclaimer of the series to include both the real and code names of the hijackers. They also reiterated their commitment to authentic representation and showcasing India’s diverse storytelling culture.
Despite the ongoing controversy, IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack has become one of the most-watched series on Netflix, drawing in viewers curious about the dramatized version of the historical event. The series continues to spark conversations about the portrayal of sensitive events in media, but it remains a topic of interest for many.
As the debate around IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack continues, it serves as a reminder of the powerful role that media plays in shaping public perception of historical events. Whether the series will continue to face criticism or be remembered as a compelling retelling of a tragic event remains to be seen. However, it is clear that IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack has left a significant impact on viewers and the broader conversation about how history is depicted on screen.
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