IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack Series Premieres on Netflix

On August 29, 2024, the highly anticipated web series “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack” premiered on Netflix, created by acclaimed director Anubhav Sinha. This series delves into the real-life hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814, which occurred in December 1999, when the flight was en route from Kathmandu, Nepal, to New Delhi, India.

The narrative follows the harrowing experience of 180 passengers who were taken hostage by five armed hijackers. As the flight was diverted to various locations before finally landing in Kandahar, Afghanistan, the unfolding events challenged the Indian bureaucracy’s capability to manage such a crisis.

In this dramatization, Anubhav Sinha aims to provide a comprehensive portrayal of the hijack, balancing the precision of the historical account with the emotional facets of the individuals involved. The story seeks to capture not only the immediate threat posed by the hijackers but also the broader implications reflected in the response of Indian intelligence and government officials during this unprecedented situation.

Featuring a star-studded ensemble, including veterans like Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, and Aravind Swamy, the series brings together notable actors who portray key figures within the Indian intelligence community. Their performances highlight the complexities of decisions made in high-stakes environments where national security is at risk.

The series is structured not just around the hijackers’ actions, but also the passengers’ experiences and the responses from authorities, making it a multifaceted exploration of a crucial moment in Indian history. This layered storytelling aims to engage the audience while prompting critical reflections on the choices made during the crisis.