The Netflix series ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’, which stars Vijay Varma and Dia Mirza, has generated a huge debate on social media. Due to its portrayal of the hijackers and its interpretation of the historical events, this six-episode series, which narrates the terrifying 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight by terrorists, has drawn mixed reviews.
Netizens slam Netflix series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack
The makers' decision to rename the terrorists has been the main focus of criticism. The actual names of the hijackers were Shakir, Ahmad Qazi, Sunny, Ibrahim Athar, and Shahid Akhtar Sayed. But these names were changed to Bhola, Shankar, Burger, Chief, and Doctor in the series.
Some users argue that these changes not only misrepresent historical facts but also undermine the impact of the incident by incorrectly portraying the hijackers.
Here is how the viewers are reacting to the IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack series:
However, some fans have defended the show, saying it offers an intriguing viewpoint on the tragedy. They insist that narrative and artistic expression are elements of the creative license exercised by the filmmakers.
Neelesh Misra clarifies hijackers used different names in real life
Now, author Neelesh Misra, whose book was the inspiration for Netflix's IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, has reacted to criticism about the terrorists' "changed" names in the show. “All the hijackers assumed false names. That is how they referred to each other and how the passengers referred to them throughout the hijacking — Regards, the author of the first book on the IC-814 hijacking,” Neelesh shared.
Anubhav Sinha's Netflix series is filmed on the Indian Airlines flight 814 aka IC 814 hijack on December 24, 1999 released on August 29, 2024.