Netflix has faced significant backlash over its new series, “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack,” due to the use of Hindu names for the real hijackers. To address these concerns, the streaming giant has updated its disclaimer to include both the real and code names of the individuals involved in the 1999 Indian Airlines flight hijacking.
Disclaimer Updates and Public Reaction:
Following a meeting between Netflix India’s content head, Monika Shergill, and the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the decision to update the disclaimer was made. This move comes in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Delhi High Court, alleging that the series distorts the actual identities of the hijackers.
The PIL claimed that the miniseries erroneously assigns Hindu names such as “Bhola” and “Shankar” to the real hijackers, Ibrahim Akhtar, Shahid Akhtar Sayeed, Sunny Ahmed Qazi, Zahoor Mistry, and Shakir. This has sparked widespread criticism from political leaders and the public.
Political Figures Weigh In:
BJP leader Amit Malviya criticised the series, asserting that filmmaker Anubhav Sinha legitimized the criminal intent of the hijackers by using Hindu names. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, another BJP leader, expressed satisfaction with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry’s intervention, emphasising the well-known fact that the hijackers were Pakistan’s ISI-backed terrorists.
Series Overview:
The six-episode series, created by Anubhav Sinha and Trishant Shrivastava, is based on the events of December 24, 1999, when Indian Airlines flight IC 814 was hijacked shortly after taking off from Kathmandu. The series stars Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Vijay Varma, Arvind Swamy, Patralekhaa, and Dia Mirza.
Also Read: Netflix India Content Head Meets I&B Ministry Over Series on IC-814 Hijack Controversy
Netflix’s decision to update the disclaimer is a significant step towards addressing the concerns raised about its portrayal of the IC-814 hijacking. While the move may appease some critics, it remains to be seen whether it will fully resolve the controversy surrounding the series.