Controversial web series ignites debate in India

A new web series titled ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack,’ directed by Anubhav Sinha for Netflix, has sparked significant controversy in India over its portrayal of certain characters.

The series revisits the harrowing events of the 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight, IC 814, which was diverted from its Kathmandu-Delhi route to Taliban-controlled Kandahar. The hijackers demanded the release of militants imprisoned in India, leading to a tense standoff that ended with the Indian government conceding to their demands.

The series, based on the book ‘Flight Into Fear: The Captain’s Story’ by Captain Devi Sharan and journalist Srinjoy Chowdhury, explores the psychological and political dynamics during the eight-day hijacking. However, it has come under fire from social media users and political figures, particularly for the depiction of the hijackers’ names. 

In the series, the hijackers are shown using common Hindu names like Bhola and Shankar, despite their real names being Ibrahim Athar, Shahid Akhtar Sayed, Sunny Ahmed Qazi, Mistri Zahoor Ibrahim, and Shakir—all Pakistani nationals. This creative choice has led to accusations that the series distorts historical facts and misrepresents the religious identities of the hijackers, with critics claiming it could mislead viewers into believing that Hindus were responsible for the hijacking.

The controversy has escalated to the point that Netflix was reportedly summoned by the Indian federal government to discuss the issue. In response, Netflix has updated the show’s disclaimer to clarify the use of both real and code names by the hijackers. Despite this, a Hindu right-wing organization has filed a petition in a Delhi court seeking a ban on the series, alleging that it distorts crucial historical facts.

This is not the first time that films and series on streaming platforms have ignited controversy in India. The intersection of history, religion, and national identity in Indian cinema has often led to heated debates. Netflix had to pull a Tamil-language film earlier this year after protests from Hindu organizations, and in 2021, the Amazon Prime series Tandav faced backlash and legal challenges over its portrayal of Hindu gods.

The IC 814 series is reminiscent of other controversial works like the film ‘Padmaavat’ (2018), which faced violent protests from Rajput groups over its portrayal of historical figures, and ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ (2019), which was criticized for its portrayal of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his tenure. These instances reflect the volatile environment in India where cinematic representations of history and religion are often contested.

In the broader geopolitical context, IC 814 also touches on sensitive issues involving India-Pakistan relations, the Taliban’s role in Afghanistan, and the global fight against terrorism. The decision to release militants like Masood Azhar, who went on to found the terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad, continues to be a contentious topic in India, especially in the context of subsequent terror attacks attributed to his organization.

India-Pakistan relations have been fraught with tension and conflict since the partition of British India in 1947, which led to the creation of two separate nations. The partition was marked by one of the largest mass migrations in history and widespread communal violence. Since then, the two countries have fought three major wars, primarily over the disputed region of Kashmir, and have had numerous military standoffs. The bilateral relationship has been further complicated by issues such as cross-border terrorism, nuclear arms race, and differing national identities rooted in religion. In recent years, while there have been sporadic attempts at peace talks and confidence-building measures, the relationship remains strained, particularly following incidents like the 2019 Pulwama attack and the subsequent Balakot airstrikes. 

ALSO READ: Tear gas deployed against protesters outraged by Indian doctor’s murder