IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack Web Series Released on Netflix

The highly anticipated web series ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’, directed by Anubhav Sinha, has been released on Netflix as of August 29, 2024. This series commemorates the 1999 hijacking incident of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 which took place during a crucial period in Indian aviation history.

The series features a talented cast including Arvind Swamy, Pankaj Kapur, and Naseeruddin Shah, among others. Vijay Varma plays the role of Captain Sharan Dev, the pilot of the hijacked plane, showcasing the intense drama that unfolded during the seven-day ordeal involving five hijackers and 188 hostages.

‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ elaborates on the hijacking event that started on December 24, 1999, when the Indian Airlines flight took off from Kathmandu, Nepal, before being seized and rerouted multiple times. It ultimately landed in Kandahar, Afghanistan, asking the audience to reflect on the broader implications of terrorism.

The series is structured into six episodes, capturing the fear and tension experienced by the passengers and crew, while also portraying the efforts of Indian authorities to resolve the crisis. The series takes a thoughtful look at the challenges faced by the Indian government in handling the situation.

This production marks Anubhav Sinha’s entry into the web series domain, which he has approached with a focus on factual recounting rather than dramatic embellishments. The narrative captures not only the immediate dangers of the hijacking but also provides insights into the responses by the intelligence community and political leaders at that time.

As ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ becomes available for streaming, it serves as a reminder of a significant event in India’s past and its ongoing relevance in discussions around security and terrorism in the modern world.