IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack: Netflix India makes this revision after public outcry and controversy
A damaging attempt was allegedly made by the creators of IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack to shield terrorists who belonged to a certain community.
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The head of programming at Netflix India has now issued an official statement in response to a summons issued by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting on a contentious label in IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.
Monika Shergill, Vice President (Content) of Netflix mentioned, “For the benefit of audiences unfamiliar with the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814, the opening disclaimer has been updated to include the real and code names of the hijackers.” On September 3, Monika was called in as a result of a response that ensued from the show and culminated in a related but secret PIL
She quoted, “The code names in the series reflect those used during the actual event. India has a rich culture of storytelling — and we are committed to showcasing these stories and their authentic representation.”
Strong boycott demands urging the showrunners to rename the hijackers Shankar and Bhola to their original names sparked the controversy on social media.
This gripping television series, directed by Anubhav Sinha, is based on the tragic December 24, 1999 hijack of the Indian Airlines IC-814 aircraft by five terrorists. The airplane was headed for Delhi when it was hijacked by Ibrahim Athar, Sunny Ahmed Qazi, Zahoor Ibrahim, Shahid Akhter, and Sayed Shakir forty minutes after it took off from Kathmandu.
During the eight days that they were held captive, at least 154 passengers and crew demanded the release of their fellow terrorists, Masood Azhar, Omar Sheikh, and Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar. What took place next? See for yourself by watching IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack only on Netflix.
Government sources stated as quoted by ANI, “Nobody has the right to play with the sentiments of the people of this nation. India’s culture and civilization should always be respected. You should think before portraying something in a wrong manner.”
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack also stars in lead roles Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Vijay Varma, Dia Mirza, and Arvind Swamy among others.
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