'IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack' on Netflix India Updates Disclaimer Amid Controversy

Netflix India has recently updated the disclaimer for its web show IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack following significant controversy. The series, which began streaming on August 29, dramatizes the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC-814. The platform's move is intended to address concerns regarding the depiction of the hijackers.

The controversy arose when viewers noticed that the show used fictional names like ‘Shankar’ and ‘Bhola’ for the terrorists involved in the hijacking. Many on social media criticized the series for allegedly altering the names to obscure the true identities of the terrorists. This led to a surge in hashtags such as #BoycottNetflix, #BoycottBollywood, and #IC814, with users expressing their dissatisfaction and concern over the portrayal of this sensitive historical event.

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In response to the backlash, Monika Shergill, Netflix India's content chief, announced that the series' opening disclaimer has been revised. The updated disclaimer now includes both the real and code names of the hijackers to provide clarity. Shergill stated, “For the benefit of audiences unfamiliar with the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814, the opening disclaimer has been updated to include the real and code names of the hijackers. The code names in the series reflect those used during the actual event.” She also reaffirmed Netflix’s dedication to authentic storytelling and acknowledged India’s rich narrative tradition.

The situation has escalated to the point where the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has summoned the Netflix Content head for a discussion on September 3. Government sources, as reported by ANI, indicated that the distortion of historical facts undermines national sentiments and cultural values. The officials stressed that respect for India’s history and civilization is paramount when portraying such significant events.

Director Anubhav Sinha has come under fire for allegedly distorting the facts and accused of promoting propaganda. The actual hijacking involved five terrorists—Ibrahim Athar, Sunny Ahmed Qazi, Zahoor Ibrahim, Shahid Akhter, and Sayed Shakir—who seized the aircraft shortly after it left Kathmandu. The standoff lasted eight days and ended with the release of notorious terrorists Masood Azhar, Omar Sheikh, and Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar in exchange for the hostages.

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