IC 814 has prompted the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to summon Netflix’s head of content to discuss concerns regarding the web series.

Netflix’s IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack Sparks Controversy and Government Summons

Netflix’s latest series, *IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack*, directed by Anubhav Sinha, has stirred significant controversy due to its portrayal of the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814. The drama recounts the harrowing ordeal when the Delhi-bound flight from Kathmandu was seized by five terrorists. However, the series has come under intense scrutiny for its depiction of the hijackers, leading the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) to summon Netflix’s content head, Monika Shergill, to address the concerns.

In the series, the hijackers are referred to by codenames: Chief, Doctor, Burger, Bhola, and Shankar. This choice of nomenclature has sparked widespread debate and criticism. The controversy centers on accusations that the series deliberately altered the names of the real hijackers to create a more sanitized or sensationalized narrative. Social media has been abuzz with criticisms, with users and commentators accusing the makers of the series of insensitivity and a misrepresentation of historical events.

The series is based on the real-life incident in which Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 was hijacked by five terrorists while en route from Kathmandu to Delhi. The hijackers, who were later identified as part of a terrorist group with links to various extremist organizations, demanded the release of their comrades imprisoned in India. The ordeal lasted for several days, culminating in a high-stakes negotiation that saw the Indian government accede to some of the terrorists’ demands in exchange for the safety of the passengers and crew.

In crafting this portrayal, the series has drawn on investigation reports and the book *Flight into Fear: The Captain’s Story*, authored by Srinjoy Chowdhury and Devi Sharan, the captain of the hijacked flight. The use of codenames in the series is explained by the creators as a creative choice, intended to reflect the nature of the situation without necessarily identifying the individuals involved directly. This approach is intended to capture the essence of the hijacking while avoiding potential legal and diplomatic repercussions.

Despite these explanations, the series has faced backlash from various quarters. Critics argue that the codenames used for the hijackers—particularly those that might seem trivial or non-threatening—could be seen as undermining the gravity of the incident and the real-life trauma experienced by those involved. The naming of the hijackers has been described as insensitive and inappropriate, given the severe nature of the crime and the impact it had on countless lives.

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Social media users have called for a boycott of the series and Netflix, accusing the streaming service of trivializing a serious historical event. Prominent figures and political commentators, including BJP’s Amit Malviya, have expressed their disapproval, suggesting that the series’ failure to use the real names of the hijackers is a deliberate attempt to distort history for entertainment purposes.

In response to the growing controversy, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has taken the step of summoning Monika Shergill, Netflix’s head of content, to discuss the issue. This move reflects the government’s concern over the portrayal of sensitive historical events and the impact of such portrayals on public perception. The meeting is expected to address the concerns raised by critics and determine whether any regulatory action or other measures are warranted.

The outcome of this meeting will be closely watched, with potential implications for the future of content regulation and creative freedom in India. Supporters of the boycott movement view the government’s intervention as a necessary step to hold streaming platforms accountable for their portrayals of sensitive subjects. On the other hand, some argue that the intervention may infringe on creative freedom and raise questions about the extent to which artistic expressions should be regulated.

The series, featuring a notable cast including Vijay Varma, Pankaj Kapoor, Dia Mirza, Naseeruddin Shah, and Arvind Swamy, has thus far been met with a polarized reception. While some viewers appreciate the dramatic representation of a significant historical event, others are concerned about the implications of the series’ portrayal choices.

As the controversy continues, it remains to be seen what actions the government will take following its discussion with Netflix. Whether this will result in a reprimand, a complete ban, or an outcome that allows the series to proceed without further intervention will be revealed in the coming days. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between creative expression and historical accuracy, and its resolution may set important precedents for future portrayals of sensitive historical events.