In a recent revelation that has intrigued fans and critics alike, director Anubhav Sinha shared a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the acclaimed Netflix series “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.” The series, which is an adaptation of Capt Devi Sharan’s book detailing the harrowing 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight, has been receiving rave reviews not only for its gripping narrative but also for its stellar cast.
“IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack” narrates the true story of a flight that was hijacked by Pakistani militants en route from Kathmandu to Delhi, stretching an eight-day ordeal that gripped the nation. At a recent press conference held in Mumbai, Sinha revealed the intricate process of assembling a cast that includes industry veterans like Naseeruddin Shah and Pankaj Kapur. Their on-screen chemistry, along with their distinct styles, offered a unique dimension to the series.
The casting journey, as described by Sinha, began simultaneously with the scripting process. “Casting process started right with the writing. Every time a new character of significance comes up, Trishant and I start discussing names,” he said. Sinha emphasized that some names are almost definitive for his projects, making the casting both a challenge and a delight.
The journey started with the casting of Vijay Varma, followed by identifying the importance of two other key roles. As the characters evolved, Sinha casually decided to reach out to Naseeruddin Shah and Pankaj Kapur.
Sinha recalled his meeting with Shah vividly: “Toh mai pehle Naseer bhai ke paas gaya aur uss din woh acche mood mai the. Toh unhonhe haan keh diya meri baat khatam hone se pehle. Main fir bhaag gaya isse pehle ki iraada badal de (I went to Naseeruddin Shah first and he instantly said yes. His approval came even before he could hear me out completely. I chose to run away from there before he could change his mind),” Sinha recounted with a humorous undertone.
Next came the turn of Pankaj Kapur. “Inko phone kiya, bole nahi bhai. Fir inhe script padni thi par time nahi tha. But mai chipka raha and fir unhone script padhi and said ‘kya? ok karta hu.’ Toh ye aise kuch hua.
. Khel khel mai ho gaya (I called Pankaj ji. He wanted to read the script but had no time. So it all just fell into place).”
The inclusion of Shah and Kapur added layers of depth to the series, especially given their history of collaboration in notable films over the past three decades, including “Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro”, “Mandi”, “Khamosh”, and “Maqbool”. Their off-screen relationship as brothers-in-law further enriched their on-screen dynamics.
Naseeruddin Shah, 74, expressed his pleasure in working with Kapur, highlighting the latter’s unpredictability and diligent preparation. “It is such a joy to work with him because he is unpredictable and you know that this person has done his preparation. I also make it a point to be completely prepared. It’s great fun. It’s like playing tennis where you admire his game and respect it at the same time,” he said.
Pankaj Kapur, in response, reciprocated Shah’s admiration. “Such kind words from somebody you deeply admire. When I’m working with him there’s a sixth sense within me which is always ready to learn, to see what he is up to, and what new I can learn from him because that’s the kind of respect and awe I hold him in. He has said such beautiful words for me and I’m going to relish that for the years that are left for me,” Kapur shared.
The show’s ensemble cast, featuring talents like Vijay Varma, Dia Mirza, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, and the surprising turn of comedian Rajeev Thakur as one of the hijackers, has significantly contributed to its success. Thakur’s portrayal of Chief, a character starkly different from his usual comic roles, has particularly stood out.
“IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack” has not only captivated viewers with its taut storytelling but also with the intricate detailing of its characters brought vividly to life by an exemplary cast. Sinha’s approach of intertwining casting with character evolution has evidently paid off, pushing the boundaries of traditional casting norms and offering a fresh perspective to the audience.
As the series continues to garner acclaim, it stands as a testament to the meticulous planning and collaborative spirit behind its creation. The interplay between Shah and Kapur serves as a reminder of the power of seasoned actors joining forces, creating magic on-screen that resonates deeply with viewers.
