The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has summoned the Head of Content at Netflix for a meeting on September 3, following widespread controversy surrounding the web series “IC-814 — The Kandahar Hijack.” The series, which dramatizes the infamous 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 by Pakistan-based terror group Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, has come under fire for its portrayal of the hijackers.
Controversy Over Hijacker Names
At the heart of the controversy is the series’ depiction of the hijackers, whose names were altered to “Bhola” and “Shankar.” This creative choice has sparked outrage on social media, with critics accusing the series’ creators of deliberately misrepresenting the hijackers, who were, in reality, notorious terrorists with ties to Pakistan.
The web series, directed by Anubhav Sinha, is inspired by the book “Flight Into Fear: The Captain’s Story,” co-authored by Devi Sharan, the flight’s captain, and journalist Srinjoy Chowdhury. The story revolves around the events of December 24, 1999, when five armed hijackers seized control of Flight 814 after it departed from Kathmandu, Nepal, en route to Delhi. The hijacking resulted in a tense eight-day standoff, ultimately leading to the release of three infamous terrorists—Masood Azhar, Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar—by the Indian government to secure the hostages’ release.
Political Backlash
The series has attracted significant criticism from various quarters, including prominent political figures. Amit Malviya, the chief of the BJP IT Cell, has been vocal in his disapproval, arguing that the portrayal of the hijackers as “Bhola” and “Shankar” could mislead future viewers into believing that Hindus were responsible for the hijacking. Malviya contends that the filmmakers are engaging in a deliberate act of whitewashing, using cinema to shift blame away from Pakistani terrorists and undermine India’s security.
Kangana Ranaut’s Criticism
Adding to the controversy, actress Kangana Ranaut has also condemned the series, accusing OTT platforms of bias. Ranaut argued that while content featuring violence, nudity, and politically motivated distortions is often allowed to stream without censorship, nationalist perspectives are suppressed. She expressed frustration over what she perceives as an unfair double standard in the entertainment industry, where filmmakers who seek to promote the integrity and unity of India face obstacles in bringing their content to audiences.
IB Ministry’s Response
In response to the growing backlash, the I&B Ministry has taken swift action by summoning Netflix’s Head of Content for a meeting to address the concerns raised by the series. The Ministry’s intervention reflects the seriousness of the issue, as the portrayal of sensitive historical events and figures is a matter of national importance.
As the meeting approaches, all eyes will be on the outcome and the potential implications for content creators and streaming platforms in India. The controversy highlights the ongoing debate over creative freedom, historical accuracy, and the responsibility of filmmakers to portray events in a manner that respects the sensitivities of the public and the nation.
The “IC-814” series has undoubtedly struck a nerve, and the discussions that follow may set a precedent for how such issues are handled in the future.