IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack Review: What goes through the mind of a hijacker? What truly happens during a hijacking—inside the plane, outside the plane, among political leaders, and within intelligence agencies? Most of us know about the infamous hijacking of the Indian Airlines flight IC 814, which was taken from Kathmandu to Kandahar, but this gripping Netflix series starring Vijay Varma, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur delves deeper, presenting the events in such a compelling way that once you start watching, you're mentally hijacked until the very end.
IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack plot
The story is well-known—a plane hijacked on its way from Kathmandu to Delhi, ultimately landing in Kandahar. But how was the situation handled? How were the passengers saved, except for one? This series meticulously explores every aspect of the hijacking, from the harrowing experiences of the passengers to the strategic moves by agencies, making it a detailed retelling of events that kept the entire nation on edge.
How is IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack plot
Imagine a single scene with legendary actors like Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Arvind Swami, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, and Divyendu Bhattacharya—all in one frame. Bringing together such seasoned talents is a testament to the effort poured into making this series, and it shows. The six-episode series, with each episode lasting 30 to 40 minutes, moves at such a fast pace that you won't want to skip a moment. There's no unnecessary heroism, no exaggerated cinematic liberties—just a carefully crafted narrative that reveals the layers of each character, explains the background of every event, and uses real footage from the time to enhance authenticity. Even if you know the ending, the journey will keep you hooked, making it a perfect binge-watch.
Performances
The series is packed with powerhouse performances. Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Manoj Pahwa, Arvind Swami, Kumud Mishra, and Divyendu Bhattacharya deliver outstanding performances. Amidst this ensemble of veteran actors, Vijay Varma shines as the pilot. Vijay's strength lies in knowing when to underplay and when to showcase subtle heroism. He brings depth to his character, proving once again that his involvement signals quality content. Patralekhaa excels as the air hostess, portraying the emotional turmoil of a flight attendant caught in a hijacking with authenticity. Her character’s struggle to protect her passengers, even at the cost of her own safety, is palpable. Dia Mirza is convincing as a journalist, while Amrita Puri stands out as a sharp and determined reporter. Rajeev Thakur surprises as the hijacker, delivering a chilling performance.
Direction
The series is helmed by Anubhav Sinha, and his experience is evident throughout. His research, dedication, and ability to bring together such an ensemble cast to tell a story that everyone already knows, yet still manages to surprise, showcase his directorial prowess. Sinha successfully crafts a taut, engaging series that keeps you at the edge of your seat.
This series is a masterful retelling of the IC 814 hijacking, with stellar performances and expert direction. It offers insights and details that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the events, even if you thought you knew the whole story.
Rating: 3.5