A multitude of social media users have taken to accusing Netflix India
the producers of the web series, of intentionally altering the names of the hijackers to “Bhola” and “Shankar.”
New Delhi: Netflix India has revised the opening disclaimer for its web series “IC-814 Kandahar Hijack” to feature the actual names and code names of the hijackers, as announced by Monika Shergill, the Vice President of Content for the platform in India.
To assist viewers who may not be aware of the 1999 hijacking, the initial disclaimer has been revised… the code names featured in the series now correspond to those utilized during the incident, she stated on Tuesday.
Ms. Shergill emphasized that Netflix is dedicated to presenting narratives that feature genuine representation.
A significant controversy has ignited surrounding the Netflix series that depicts the harrowing tale of the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814 by the Pakistan-based terrorist group Harkat-ul-Mujahideen. Five armed hijackers seized the aircraft and redirected it to Afghanistan, a country under the control of the Taliban at that time.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the government made the controversial decision to free three terrorists—Masood Azhar, Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, and Mushtaq Zargar—in exchange for the liberation of 154 hostages.
The ‘Bhola’, ‘Shankar’ Row
Following the release of the series, a wave of social media users took to their platforms to criticize the creators, Anubhav Sinha and Trishant Srivastava, for altering the names of two hijackers to ‘Bhola’ and ‘Shankar’.
Critics argue that this portrayal distorts historical truths and misrepresents the true identities of the terrorists involved. They further assert that it is offensive to Hindu sentiments.
In January 2000, the Union Home Ministry disclosed the true identities of the five hijackers: Ibrahim Athar, Shahid Akhtar Sayed, Sunny Ahmed Qazi, Mistri Zahoor Ibrahim, and Shakir. The ministry highlighted that during the hijacking and the ensuing hostage crisis, the hijackers communicated using code names, including ‘Bhola’ and ‘Shankar’, along with others like ‘chief’, ‘doctor’, and ‘burger’. Journalists reporting live on the hijacking took to social media amidst the unfolding drama, sharing that passengers had revealed the hijackers indeed referred to one another using these peculiar names.
Engaging with the Emotions of Indigenous Peoples
The demonstrations prompted the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry to call Ms. Shergill in for a meeting. According to sources speaking to NDTV, the government is treating the situation with utmost seriousness, emphasizing that “no one has the authority to toy with the feelings of the Indian populace.”
Earlier today, officials from Netflix India engaged in a meeting with government representatives that lasted more than an hour. Following the discussions, sources informed NDTV that the streaming platform indicated its future content will align with the prevailing “sentiments.”
Amit Malviya, the head of BJP’s social media, launched a fierce critique on X, alleging that the series’ creators are attempting to sanitize the heinous acts of Pakistani terrorists by assigning them Hindu names.
Conversely, opposition figures such as Priyanka Chaturvedi from Shiv Sena (UBT) and ex-Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, have condemned the selective outrage, highlighting the historical inaccuracies found in various other controversial films and series released in recent months.
Beyond the political disagreements, social media buzzed with calls to boycott Netflix.
The tale of Netflix’s IC-814 unfolds with gripping intensity, capturing the harrowing events surrounding the hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight. This dramatic narrative delves into the lives of the passengers and crew, showcasing their resilience and the relentless efforts of authorities to secure their safe return. As the clock ticks down, the tension escalates, revealing the intricate web of negotiations and the emotional turmoil faced by those on board. The story is a poignant reminder of courage in the face of adversity, making it a compelling watch for audiences.
The Netflix adaptation draws its inspiration from the harrowing events surrounding flight IC-814, both in the skies and on the ground in Kandahar and Delhi. It also takes cues from the book ‘Flight Into Fear: The Captain’s Story’ authored by Devi Sharan, the captain of the ill-fated plane.