'IC814' name fabrication controversy: Real life survivors defend the show; "the portrayal was accurate"

The Netflix series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack has sparked significant debate and controversy, particularly over the use of Hindu codenames for the terrorists involved in the infamous 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight. Audiences have raised concerns about the depiction, leading to a legal dispute. However, two real-life survivors of the terrifying incident have stepped forward to defend the series, asserting that Netflix has portrayed the truth.

Rakesh and Pooja Kataria, a couple who were newlyweds at the time of the hijacking, shared their perspectives in a recent interview with India Today TV. Addressing the controversy, Rakesh clarified that the series' portrayal was accurate, explaining that the terrorists used aliases, including Hindu names like 'Bhola' and 'Shankar,' but these were not their real identities. "Netflix did not make up the names," Rakesh said, emphasizing that the five hijackers were indeed Muslim, and the use of Hindu codenames was a factual detail rather than a fabrication by the show.

Pooja Kataria echoed her husband's sentiments, adding that the series faithfully depicted their harrowing experience during the hijacking. However, she noted that while the show focused heavily on the political negotiations between the hijackers and the Indian government, it did not delve deeply into the internal dynamics of the hostage situation. Pooja recalled the traumatic moments when one of the hijackers, referred to as 'Doctor,' attempted to persuade passengers to convert to Islam and threatened to kill them if their demands were not met.

The controversy surrounding the show has only fueled interest in the series, which recounts the hijacking of the Delhi-bound Indian Airlines flight on December 24, 1999. The plane was diverted multiple times, from Amritsar to Dubai, before finally landing in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The series provides a detailed account of the negotiations that took place between the hijackers and the Indian government, a critical aspect that shaped the course of the incident.

While the controversy continues to stir public debate, the support from survivors like Rakesh and Pooja lends credibility to Netflix's depiction of this dark chapter in Indian history. Despite the legal challenges, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack remains a gripping retelling of a story that shook the nation, offering viewers a glimpse into the real-life horror faced by those on board and the complex political landscape that unfolded.