• durgesh dubey
• 02 Sep, 2024

web series

It is now learnt that Netflix Content Head has been summoned by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting over the 'IC814' web series content row. Anubhav Sinha's web series 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack,' which premiered on Netflix on August 29, has sparked controversy over the depiction of the hijackers involved in the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814.

A section of social media has accused the filmmaker of deliberately changing the names of two hijackers to Hindu names, Bhola and Shankar. The series portrays the hijackers using codenames like Chief, Doctor, Burger, Bhola, and Shankar, which has led to backlash online, with critics alleging that the names misrepresent the real identities of the terrorists and potentially stir religious sentiments. The controversy has ignited a heated debate, with some accusing Sinha of distorting historical facts and portraying the government and its agencies in a negative light. The Union Home Ministry had earlier confirmed that the real names of the hijackers were Ibrahim Athar, Shahid Akhtar Sayed, Sunny Ahmed Qazi, Mistri Zahoor Ibrahim, and Shakir. However, these hijackers reportedly used the codenames, including Bhola and Shankar, during the hijacking, which were later incorporated into the series. The series, adapted from the book "Flight into Fear: A Captain’s Story," tells the story of the longest hijacking in Indian history and has received mixed reactions, with some praising its narrative and others criticizing it for being "pro-terrorist" and "anti-government." The depiction has led to a wider discussion on the portrayal of sensitive historical events in media and the responsibility of filmmakers to stay true to factual accuracy.