Netizens slam ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ series, says its soft on terror

The recent release of the Netflix series "IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack," starring Vijay Varma, has sparked considerable debate among viewers and netizens. This six-episode series, which recounts the harrowing 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight by terrorists, has received mixed reactions due to its portrayal of the hijackers and its interpretation of the historical events.

Many social media users have expressed concern over what they perceive as the series' attempt to "whitewash" the terrorists involved in the hijacking.

Kandahar flight hijackers' original names:
* Ibrahim Athar* Shahid Akhtar* Sunny Ahmed* Zahoor Mistry* ShakirAnubhav Sinha hijacker web series IC 814 depicted as:* Bhola* ShankarThis is how whitewashing done cinematically pic.twitter.com/8WPzJqExNO Rishi Bagree (@rishibagree) August 31, 2024

A significant point of contention is the change of the terrorists' names in the series. In reality, the hijackers were named Ibrahim Athar,Shahid Akhtar Sayed, Sunny , Ahmad Qazi, Zahoor Mistry and Shakir. However, in the series, these names were changed to names like Bhola, Shankar, Doctor, Burger and Chief. These were the code names used by the terrorists.

The code names used by the hijackers of the IC-814 plane were: Bhola, Shankar, Doctor, Burger, Chief.The chief was Ibrahim Ather, brother of Jaish founder Masood Azhar.Ibrahims son Umar Farooq was the mastermind of the 2019 Pulwama attack. This is his photo. pic.twitter.com/zVA0syQEJXRahul Pandita (@rahulpandita) September 1, 2024

Can we Boycott this Hinduphobic film by Netflix & Anubhav Sinha which shows IC814 hijackers named as Bhola & ShankarRemember how we brought Amir to his knees by ensuring Lal Singh Chadha was a super flop ? Ab iss movie ko bhi gutter mein daal do #BoycottIC814 pic.twitter.com/sa6FE3Y1Y6 Kedar (@shintre_kedar) August 31, 2024

This decision has led to accusations that the series downplays the terrorists' identities, which some viewers feel could be an attempt to dilute the historical context and impact of the real events.

Where did you get these terrorist names?BholaShankarBurgerDoctor@anubhavsinha @NetflixIndia#IC814TheKandaharHijack Before its release date, terrorism had no religion. What changed? Shameful, unfortunate and disgusting agenda peddling#IC814 Geetesh Makkar (@Geetcasm) August 30, 2024

Some critics argue online that such changes not only distort historical facts but also undermine the gravity of the incident by not accurately representing the individuals responsible for the hijacking.

Can we Boycott this Hinduphobic film by Netflix & Anubhav Sinha which shows IC814 hijackers named as Bhola & ShankarRemember how we brought Amir to his knees by ensuring Lal Singh Chadha was a super flop ?Ab iss movie ko bhi gutter mein daal do #BoycottIC814 pic.twitter.com/sa6FE3Y1Y6 Kedar (@shintre_kedar) August 31, 2024

The IC-814 hijacking led to release of Masood Azhar,Omar Sheikh,& Mustaq Zargar. Mustaq carried out the 2001 Parliament attack,2008 Mumbai attack,& Pulwama attack,Omar killed Daniel Pearl & Zargar trained militants. But director is humanising them like they were good people. pic.twitter.com/XLks2TL0VS (@CarnieBlondie) August 27, 2024

Anubhav Sinhas latest cinematic disaster is nothing short of an insult to the collective memory of a nation that still reels from the horror of the IC 814 hijacking.In a baffling display of hypocrisy, he has not only failed to portray the real villains but has gone a step Sonam Mahajan (@AsYouNotWish) August 31, 2024

They believe that altering the names removes the cultural and religious context, which is crucial for understanding the motives and backgrounds of the terrorists. This has led to accusations that the series is "pro-terrorist" and "anti-government" in its storytelling approach.

Whoever funded @anubhavsinhas IC814 should be investigated, that is my review of this shit Gappistan Radio (@whyteknight07) August 31, 2024

Names of the original #IC814 hijackers were Ibrahim Athar, Shahid Akhtar Sayed, Sunny Ahmed Qazi, Zahoor Mistry, and Shakir.The entire plane was stinking and people were suffocated because of overflowing toilets and a plane without Power. People were given rice and meat curry SUDHIR (@seriousfunnyguy) August 31, 2024

Director Anubhav Sinha has come under fire for these creative choices, with netizens questioning the rationale behind them. They argue that such portrayals can be misleading and might send the wrong message about the severity of the hijacking and the suffering endured by the passengers and crew of IC 814.

The criticism also extends to the series' depiction of the Indian government's response to the hijacking, with some viewers feeling that it shows the government in a negative light without adequately contextualizing the challenges faced during the crisis.

Shall not watch @anubhavsinhas #IC814 because - I lived in #Kathmandu then - lived thru it moment by moment, know many who were on the plane (including crew members) and R&AW Officers who handled the crisis and also went to Kandahar. Its a shame and disservice to the nation. pic.twitter.com/fc3Y5s533g GhoseSpot (@SandipGhose) August 31, 2024

On the other hand, some viewers have defended the series, stating that it provides a fresh perspective on a well-known event. They argue that the creative liberties taken by the filmmakers are a part of storytelling and artistic expression.

Some critics have praised the series for its intense narrative and strong performances, particularly by Vijay Varma, Naseeruddin Shah, and the supporting cast.

Despite these mixed reactions, "IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack" has successfully generated conversation and debate, highlighting the complexities involved in retelling historical events through a fictionalized lens. As the discourse continues, it remains to be seen how the creators will respond to the criticism and whether any changes will be made to address the concerns of the audience.