In a recent controversy surrounding the Netflix series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, Anil Sharma, the head of the cabin crew on the hijacked flight, has raised questions about the portrayal of the hijackers' names in the series. Sharma, who was directly involved in the 1999 incident, expressed concern over the use of names associated with Hindu gods for two of the hijackers while the other three were given neutral names. He suggested that there might have been some underlying intent behind this decision.
In an interview with media, Sharma highlighted that the names used in the series were not created by the filmmakers. Instead, he noted, "They had these names from the beginning, and it should be noted that the names were not given by the filmmakers. Why they used two names associated with Hindu gods cannot be speculated on, as the issue is 24 years old. Perhaps there was some mischief in their minds because the other three had very neutral names."
Sharma also voiced discomfort over changes made to the names of himself, the pilots, flight engineers, and two hostesses. He pointed out that five members of the cabin crew were completely excluded from the series. “I don’t think I feel very comfortable with this arrangement,” Sharma said, criticising the portrayal as inaccurate and incomplete.
The controversy intensified when Sharma criticised Netflix for their delayed response. Initially, Netflix had been aggressive in defending the series, but after backlash, they added a disclaimer.
Sharma questioned why it took so long for Netflix to act and remarked, “Why couldn’t they have done this earlier? Why does there always need to be an outcry over hurt Hindu sentiments before collective action is taken? They could have addressed this from the beginning.”
The series, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, has been the subject of significant controversy on social media due to the names of the hijackers. In response, Netflix updated its disclaimer to clarify the real and code names of the hijackers.
Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, stated, “For the benefit of audiences unfamiliar with the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines flight 814, the opening disclaimer has been updated to include both the real and code names of the hijackers. The code names used in the series reflect those from the actual event. India has a rich culture of storytelling, and we are committed to showcasing these stories with authentic representation.”
This update followed a meeting between Shergill and the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in Delhi, aimed at addressing the series' contentious elements.
Additionally, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Delhi High Court by Surjit Singh Yadav, Chief of the Hindu Sena, seeking a ban on the series. The PIL alleged that the series inaccurately portrayed the hijackers by assigning Hindu names like “Bhola” and “Shankar,” which are associated with Lord Shiva, instead of their actual names: Ibrahim Akhtar, Shahid Akhtar Sayeed, Sunny Ahmed Qazi, Zahoor Mistry, and Shakir.
The six-episode drama, created by Anubhav Sinha and Trishant Shrivastava, features actors Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Vijay Varma, Arvind Swamy, Patralekhaa, and Dia Mirza.
The series recounts the dramatic events of December 24, 1999, when Indian Airlines flight IC 814 was hijacked shortly after departing Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, sparking a high-stakes international crisis.
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