IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack: Anubhav Sinha addresses accusations of his show whitewashing ISI’s involvement: ‘I am not writing history’

IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack: Anubhav Sinha addresses accusations of his show whitewashing ISI’s involvement: ‘I am not writing history'

As an ardent fan of gripping dramas that delve deep into our nation’s history, I found myself utterly captivated by Director Anubhav Sinha’s masterpiece, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. Having lived through the tumultuous era of the late ’90s, I can attest to the gripping realism portrayed in this series.


Director Anubhav Sinha’s series titled IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack received both acclaim and controversy. Some spectators claimed that the portrayal of the terrorists’ religious affiliations was distorted, and that it downplayed the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) from Pakistan’s involvement. Anubhav Sinha has since spoken out about these concerns, stating, “Ultimately, it’s a dramatic retelling of an incident. I am not penning history.

In an interview with India Today, filmmaker Anubhav Sinha addressed a scene from his show depicting Osama bin Laden hosting a party for the hijackers without any ISI operatives present, sparking questions about whether this implied the series was exonerating the ISI of wrongdoing. However, Sinha explained that the events portrayed were based on truth and underscored that his work is rooted in extensive research.

Anubhav mentioned that extensive research was done for the series, yet it functions more as a dramatic presentation rather than an accurate historical account. He further stated, “For any references concerning the Kandahar hijack incident, you’d consult other authentic documents and resources instead of this series. We don’t rely on films for historical accuracy. Films usually include a disclaimer stating that ‘all characters are fictional.'” Additionally, Anubhav pointed out that films often use creative license when specific facts aren’t available.

The director clarified that the series faithfully portrays the ISI’s role in Kathmandu based on real-life occurrences, and it does not offer any form of vindication for the agency. Sinha added that the series should not be perceived as a factual retelling of history.

As a devoted chronicler, I decided against adopting the captain’s moniker, instead preferring to offer a novel perspective on the occurrences. I understand that while certain elements of this supposed plot have unequivocal resolutions, there are frequently diverse narratives surrounding the same events.

As a dedicated follower, I’ve taken note of the criticism surrounding the portrayal of the Kandahar Hijack following its release on August 29. Accusations of ‘whitewashing’ the event’s history have been raised. To address concerns about factual inaccuracies, Netflix has chosen to modify the series’ disclaimer by including the real names of the hijackers. However, it’s important to clarify that the code names used in the show do align with those employed by the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen terrorists, as confirmed by a Home Ministry statement dated January 6, 2000, accessible on the Ministry of External Affairs website.

Simultaneously, this show is influenced by the 2000 book “Flight Into Fear: The Captain’s Story” written by Captain Devi Sharan and journalist Srinjoy Chowdhury. This six-episode series centers around the hijacking of an Indian Airlines plane that took place in 1999 between Kathmandu and Delhi.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I’m thrilled to share that this production boasts an exceptional ensemble cast. Among them are Vijay Verma, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Pankaj Kapur, Naseeruddin Shah, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Rajiv Thakur, Dia Mirza, Amrita Puri, and Patralekhaa. And that’s just naming a few!

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2024-09-18 13:53