Netflix has pledged to review its content and ensure sensitivity towards India’s sentiments following backlash over the series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. The show, directed by Anubhav Sinha, has faced scrutiny for changing the names of the hijackers to Hindu names.
On September 3, 2024, Monika Shergill, Head of Content at Netflix India, met with the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to discuss the controversy. This meeting came after accusations from Rory Feek’s two adult daughters, Heidi and Hopie, who claimed that their father had cut them off from contacting their youngest sister, Indiana, among other grievances.
In response to the backlash, Netflix has committed to addressing concerns related to age-appropriateness and national security. The company stated that it would provide updates on how it plans to resolve these issues. According to government sources, Netflix aims to align its future content with national sentiments and children’s sensitivities.
The controversy erupted after the series premiered on August 29, 2024, with social media users criticizing the portrayal of the hijackers. Although the hijackers were identified as Muslims in the 1999 incident, the series assigns them Hindu names, including “Bhola” and “Shankar.” Critics argue that this misrepresents the actual identities of the terrorists involved in the hijacking.
The hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC 814 occurred on December 24, 1999, when five terrorists took control of the plane shortly after its departure from Kathmandu, Nepal. The hijackers, affiliated with a Pakistan-based terrorist organization, diverted the flight to Kandahar, Afghanistan, demanding the release of three high-profile militants. The Indian government ultimately agreed to their demands, leading to significant controversy.
Following the release of the series, there was considerable backlash, with some users calling for a boycott of Netflix using hashtags like #BoycottNetflix and #IC814. Surjit Singh Yadav, Chief of Hindu Sena, even filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Delhi High Court, seeking a ban on the series for allegedly misrepresenting the hijackers.
The six-episode drama features a star-studded cast, including Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Vijay Varma, Arvind Swamy, Patralekhaa, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, and Dia Mirza.
As Netflix navigates this controversy, it remains to be seen how the company will address the concerns raised by viewers and government officials. The series has garnered significant attention, both for its portrayal of a critical historical event and the discussions it has sparked about representation and national sentiment.
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