Netflix India announced on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, that it has revised the opening disclaimer for its latest series, “IC814: The Kandahar Hijack.” This move comes in response to growing controversy surrounding the depiction of hijackers’ code names within the series. According to Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, the change aims to provide clarity for audiences unfamiliar with the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814.
“For the benefit of audiences unfamiliar with the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814, the opening disclaimer has been updated to include the real and code names of the hijackers,” Shergill explained in an official statement.
The series, chronicling the harrowing events of December 1999, depicts the hijacking and its aftermath with a stellar cast featuring Vijay Varma, Patralekhaa, Pankaj Kapur, Naseeruddin Shah, Arvind Swamy, and Dia Mirza. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, “IC814: The Kandahar Hijack” is also inspired by real events and adapted from the book “Flight Into Fear,” authored by Captain Devi Sharan and Srinjoy Chowdhury.
However, “IC814: The Kandahar Hijack” has not been without its detractors. The controversy began when critics accused the filmmakers of changing the hijackers’ names to ‘Shankar’ and ‘Bhola’ in what some interpreted as an attempt to obscure their true identities. Critics assert that this was an effort to protect the identities of the hijackers who belonged to a specific community.
In response to the backlash, Shergill emphasized that the code names used in the series are historically accurate. “The code names in the series reflect those used during the actual event. India has a rich culture of storytelling — and we are committed to showcasing these stories and their authentic representation,” she said.
Shergill’s comments followed a meeting with Sanjay Jaju, the Information and Broadcasting Secretary, in New Delhi. The meeting addressed various concerns, including the use of Hindu code names by the hijackers and the series’ portrayal of some hijackers in a perceived humane light.
The official statement from Netflix India underscored the platform’s commitment to authenticity and transparency in its storytelling. “We aim to provide an accurate, nuanced, and multi-dimensional portrayal of historical events. This series is just one effort in that direction,” read the statement.
Social media has been particularly active in the debate, with hashtags like #BoycottNetflix, #BoycottBollywood, and #IC814 trending prominently.
. Some critics argue that the series could contribute to historical revisionism, while others have lauded it for shedding light on a dark chapter in Indian aviation history.
Despite the controversy, many survivors of the hijacking and journalists have come out in support of the series. They affirm that the aliases used by the hijackers in the series have long been part of the public domain, including information available in the Union Home Ministry’s official statement issued on January 6, 2000.
“I was there on that flight and can verify that these code names were indeed used by the hijackers,” said one survivor. “This series does not obscure the truth but brings it to light for a newer generation that hasn’t experienced or read about the event.”
The series aims to stay as close to reality as possible, relying on well-documented sources and corroborated stories. By incorporating real names and code names, Netflix hopes to quell the rising tide of misinformation and controversy.
“Authenticity is key for us,” said Shergill. “We understand the sensitivity around such topics, and we strive to handle them responsibly, always aiming for factual accuracy.”
As “IC814: The Kandahar Hijack” continues to stream, viewers are encouraged to watch the series with an understanding of its historical context, now clarified by the updated disclaimer. Whether it will quell the ongoing debates or stoke further discourse remains to be seen. For now, Netflix India stands by the historical accuracy of its controversial yet compelling narrative.
In addition to the updated disclaimer, Netflix is reportedly considering adding a post-credits segment featuring interviews with experts and survivors, further contextualizing the events depicted in the series. This added feature aims to educate viewers and offer a balanced perspective on the unfolding historical drama.
Only time will tell how this move impacts the series’ reception and whether it manages to bridge the gap between creative freedom and historical accuracy. As the conversation continues, “IC814: The Kandahar Hijack” serves as a poignant reminder of a dark episode in India’s recent past, bringing it back into public discourse and ensuring that the story is told in its entirety.
As the streaming platform navigates the tricky landscape of historical representation, it remains committed to transparency and factual accuracy, as evidenced by its prompt action in addressing audience concerns.
