The Netflix show 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack,' directed by Anubhav Sinha, has stirred significant controversy since its release. The show, based on real-life events, has been accused of hiding the real names of the hijackers. As the controversy escalated, the Indian government's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting summoned Monika Shergill, Netflix India's content head, to Delhi. Following the meeting, the disclaimer of 'IC 814' was updated to include the real names of the hijackers.
However, the controversy surrounding the show continues. Various aspects of the show are being scrutinized. Anil Sharma, the chief of the cabin crew of the hijacked plane in 1999, has pointed out a major mistake in the Netflix show. One of the two books referenced for the show's facts includes Anil Sharma's book 'IA's Terror Trail.'
Anil Highlights Over Half a Dozen Mistakes
In a conversation with journalist Barkha Dutt, Anil Sharma expressed his objections to Netflix's show 'IC 814.' He found the show 'disappointing' and 'ridiculous' and stated that those who endured this ordeal feel justifiably angry after watching the show.
Anil Sharma remarked, 'While some applaud the well-known director Anubhav Sinha, who undoubtedly understands his craft, I have an issue with the liberties taken in altering real-life events. A significant portion of the action took place inside the cabin, where many horrifying incidents occurred, but these were not handled with the requisite sensitivity and detail.'
Anil Points Out a Major Error in the Show
When asked what a single glaring untruth in the show was, Anil said, 'I can list at least half a dozen mistakes, but let me highlight one. The show incorrectly depicts a hijacker slapping an air hostess. The only crew member they physically assaulted was our junior-most flight purser, Mr. Satish. They struck him on the back of the head, pulled his hair, and pushed him into a chair, figuring they could treat him this way.'
Pointing out a significant factual error in the show, Anil stated, 'The hijackers did not physically assault the female crew members or me. Although at one point, they conducted a thorough search on me, scrutinizing every part of my body. It baffled me how the creators could portray such inaccuracies (physical assault on the crew) in the flight.'
Critics on social media who oppose the show have also accused 'IC 814' of whitewashing the terrorists, portraying terrorism and terrorists too lightly. When asked if he felt this as a survivor of the incident, Anil responded, 'It’s well-known that this event brought a nation to its knees, and one can debate whether the government failed or couldn't act. But portraying it this way isn't right. It could have been shown as a lesson for today's times.'
Anil also disagreed with the portrayal of the negotiation team and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval (character inspired by Manoj Pahwa in the show). He mentioned that the depiction of the Indian negotiation team in the show doesn't do justice to how seriously they took the situation in reality. 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack' premiered on August 29 and is streaming on Netflix.
