Netflix's IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack Faces Criticism Over Hijacker Names and Crew Representation

The Netflix series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack has drawn criticism from Anil Sharma, head of the IC 814 cabin crew, for assigning Hindu god-associated names to two hijackers while other names remained neutral. Additionally, Sharma raised concerns over altered names of crew members and the sidelining of five crew members.

Amidst a controversy surrounding the names of hijackers depicted in Netflix's IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, Anil Sharma, the head of the IC 814 cabin crew, questioned why two of the hijackers were given names associated with Hindu gods, whereas the others had neutral names. Sharma suggested potential mischief in the naming process. Speaking to ANI, Sharma noted, "They had these names from the beginning, and it should be mentioned that the names weren't given by the filmmakers. Speculating why two names associated with Hindu gods were used is challenging as the issue is 24 years old. Perhaps there was some mischief in their minds because the other three had very neutral names."

Sharma further expressed discomfort over changes made to his name, as well as those of the pilots, flight engineers, and two hostesses. He also highlighted the exclusion of five cabin crew members from the Netflix series. Sharma insisted, "I don't think I feel very comfortable with this arrangement. They've changed the names of the pilots, flight engineers, and my own name. The names of two hostesses were also altered, and five cabin crew members haven't been depicted at all."

Sharma criticized Netflix for not addressing the issue sooner. "Initially, Netflix was very aggressive about it, but now they have backtracked and added a disclaimer. Why couldn't this have been done earlier? Why does it take an outcry over hurt Hindu sentiments before action is taken?" He said.

The series has ignited controversy on social media, prompting Netflix to update its disclaimer to include the real and code names of the hijackers. Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, stated, "For audiences unfamiliar with the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines flight 814, the opening disclaimer now includes both the real and code names of the hijackers. The code names used reflect those from the actual event. India has a rich culture of storytelling, and we are committed to showcasing these stories with authentic representation."

The updated disclaimer came after a meeting between Shergill and the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in Delhi discussing contentious issues with the web series. Additionally, Surjit Singh Yadav, Chief of the Hindu Sena, filed a Public Interest Litigation in the Delhi High Court seeking a ban on the series. The PIL alleges that the series distorts the identities of the terrorists by assigning them Hindu names, such as "Bhola" and "Shankar," associated with Lord Shiva, instead of their real names, Ibrahim Akhtar, Shahid Akhtar Sayeed, Sunny Ahmed Qazi, Zahoor Mistry, and Shakir.

The hijacking miniseries, created by Anubhav Sinha and Trishant Shrivastava, features Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Vijay Varma, Arvind Swamy, Patralekhaa, and Dia Mirza. It is based on the December 24, 1999, hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC 814, which took off from Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport en route to Delhi.

(With inputs from agencies.)