The release of IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack on Netflix has sparked a significant debate in India, centred around allegations of historical distortion and potential religious insensitivity.
The series, which dramatises the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC 814 by the Pakistan-based terrorist group Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, is under fire for its portrayal of the hijackers.
PIL Demands Ban On Vijay Varma Starrer IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack
A report from Indian Express reveals that public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court by Surjit Singh Yadav, the president of the Hindu Sena, calling for a ban on the series. The petition argues that the show wrongly depicts the hijackers with Hindu names like “Bhola” and “Shankar,” which are alternative names for the Hindu deity Shiva.
According to Yadav, this misrepresentation is a deliberate attempt to distort historical facts and hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community.
The petition further claims that such inaccuracies not only misrepresent historical events but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and spread misinformation. Yadav has urged the court to take immediate action to prevent further public misunderstanding and potential harm.
Central Govt Summons Netflix Head Amid Rising Concerns
In response to the growing controversy, the central government has stepped in, summoning the content head of Netflix India for an explanation. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has expressed concern over the series, particularly its depiction of the hijackers, and is closely monitoring the situation. Officials are worried that the series might inflame national sentiments and cause unnecessary division.
Directed by Anubhav Sinha, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack was released on Netflix India on August 29. Despite the controversy, the show has received praise for its intense and sharp portrayal of the events.
However, the allegations of historical inaccuracies and potential religious offences have cast a shadow over its reception, raising questions about the ethical responsibility of filmmakers in handling sensitive historical events.
Produced by Matchbox Shots in association with Benaras Mediaworks, the series is based on the book Flight Into Fear by Captain Devi Sharan and Srinjoy Chowdhury. It offers a gripping look at the hijacking and the tense negotiations that took place both in Delhi’s War Room and at Kandahar’s Negotiation Station.
(Also read: IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack Director Anubhav Sinha To Work On An Action-Packed Superhero Film Next)
Stay tuned with us for latest news, Hindi box office news, Hollywood news, OTT news, latest bollywood news and latest box office news.
