The IC 814 controversy has caused quitea stir, especially with the recent news that Netflix India’s content head was summoned by the IB Ministry. The movie, which dramatizes the 1999 Kandahar hijacking, has been accused by many, including netizens, of misrepresenting the identities of the hijackers. In the film directed by Anubhav Sinha, the hijackers are named Chief, Doctor, Burger, Bhola, and Shankar—names that sparked a heated debate on social media for possibly hiding the real identities of those involved.
The IB Ministry reportedly acted after the ANI cited sourcesindicating that the show’s portrayal was controversial. Netflix’s content head was called to explain the choice of character names and the depiction of events. The Kandahar hijacking involved Indian Airlines Flight IC 814, which was seized on December 24, 1999, while carrying 154 passengers. The plane was taken over by five terrorists shortly after it departed from Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital. The row has brought to light the sensitive nature of retelling historical events, especially when it concerns national security and public memory.
The Incident: Hijacking of IC 814
The IC 814 row has stirred up a significant reaction, especially after the government summoned Netf
lix India’s content head on Monday over the limited series depicting the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814. The show has faced a massive backlash online, with critics accusing the filmmakers of distorting facts and inciting tensions by identifying the hijackers with Hindu codenames. The series, titled IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, has drawn attention from top sources within the Delhi administration, who claim the platform has mishandled sensitive historical events.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Dmr5rktfGY
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has directed Netflix India’s content chief, Monika Shergill, to appear on Tuesday, September 3, to provide an explanation regarding the allegedly contentious aspects of the web series. The Ministry is particularly concerned about how the series has portrayed the hijack and its poten
tial to mislead viewers. With Netflix being a major streaming platform in India, the stakes are high for how this row might impact future content.
Netflix Content Head has been summoned tomorrow by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting over the ‘IC814’ web series content row:
The Netflix Content Head has been summoned tomorrow by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting over the ongoing row surrounding the IC814 web series. The content has sparked a heated debate, with sources indicating that the Ministry is concerned about the portrayal of events in the series. The IC 814 hijacking was a deeply impactful event, and its depiction on such a large platform has led to widespread scrutiny. The government’s move has been lauded by some who believe it’s necessary to maintain historical accuracy, while others see it as an infringement on creative freedom in India.
While the Government’s Move is Being Lauded
The government’s action has gained the support of those who back the boycott movement, questioning the series’ creative choices. However, many are questioning whether this move could stifle creative freedom in India. The series includes a character named Burger, a hijacker whose portrayal by Captain Devi Sharan won the hearts of hostages through his unusual behavior of telling jokes and singing songs. Despite these lighter moments, the controversy refuses to die down, with people across the political spectrum vehemently arguing the portrayal. As the Government considers whether to rap Netflix’s head or enforce a complete ban, the tension continues to build, with a meeting reported on Wednesday to decide the way forward.
