The web series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack directed by Anubhav Sinha and featuring Vijay Varma has stirred up controversy for supposedly misrepresenting the religious identity of the five terrorists involved in the actual hijacking. The show's compelling storyline and performances have won it praise, but its portrayal of the hijackers has drawn criticism on social media.
In response to the backlash Sinha opted not to respond to the criticism saying he stayed faithful to the script and steered clear of discussions. "I don’t want to play that game, nor do I know how to do that! I just know how to make a film; it is a very intensely researched project, and we have been working on it since June 2022," told to Hindustan Times.
The show's writers added a note at the beginning explaining the true names of the hijackers in response to the negative feedback. Despite the uproar Sinha stressed that the affection and admiration he has garnered from viewers surpasses the negativity remarking, "These controversies are something else entirely."
The show has been well received by some survivors of the hijacking who commended its faithfulness and genuineness. Sinha recognized for his movies like Mulk, Thappad, Anek and Bheed that tackle societal issues emphasized his dedication to maintaining a perspective in all his projects. He noted that IC 814 is being regarded as his finest creation so far with certain individuals even referring to it as ‘Anubhav 3.0.’
While Sinha was initially unsure about the show being available on a screen, she is now excited to witness its popularity across 42 countries. "People are binge-watching it, and the platform’s data reflects that. I couldn’t be happier," he said.
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack draws inspiration from the book Flight Into Fear written by Captain Devi Sharan and Srinjoy Chowdhary. This Netflix series showcases a talented cast consisting of Vijay Varma, Pankaj Kapur, Dia Mirza, Manoj Pahwa, Naseeruddin Shah and Rajiv Thakur. It also marks Anubhav Sinha’s first venture into direction for a digital platform.
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