IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack: Anubhav Sinha labels criticism surrounding his Netflix series ‘gobar’; avoids taking responsibility for controversy

IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack: Anubhav Sinha labels criticism surrounding his Netflix series ‘gobar’; avoids taking responsibility for controversy

As a seasoned film enthusiast with a rich tapestry of experiences under my belt, I must say that the controversy surrounding “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack” has left me somewhat bewildered, much like trying to decipher the intricate patterns on a traditional Rajasthani phulkari. On one hand, there’s an overwhelming wave of affection for this gripping narrative, and on the other, a torrent of criticism that can be as relentless as the monsoon rains in Kerala.


IC 814: Since its debut, the Kandahar Hijack Netflix series has sparked numerous debates, with accusations ranging from downplaying the terrorists’ religion and factual inconsistencies. Those involved in the production have strongly refuted all allegations, and director Anubhav Sinha echoes this denial in his conversation with Mukesh Chhabra.

The experienced movie director was inquired about his thoughts regarding the mixed response to IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. In response, Anubhav stated, “It’s perplexing; on one hand, there is an overwhelming amount of affection, but on the other, it’s garbage.” Later, he was questioned about assuming responsibility for the negative backlash and controversy.

Speaking directly, let me clarify: I’m not one for self-aggrandizement. Instead, I aim to approach my responsibilities with unwavering dedication and relentless effort. I wouldn’t have embarked on this journey if the story didn’t captivate me deeply. The tale was irresistible, which is why I chose to bring it to life. Now, it’s about putting in the hard work, and then, the outcome will be determined by the universe. The universe, as we know, is capable of both destruction and creation…

It’s important to note that while IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack faced criticism, it was also highly lauded in greater numbers. In summary, the controversy started on social media, sparked by calls for boycott and a name change of the hijackers from Shankar and Bhola to their authentic names. Accusations were leveled at the makers of IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, suggesting they were attempting to shield terrorists from a specific community.

This Netflix series is adapted from the book “Flight Into Fear: The Captain’s Story” by Devi Sharan and Srinjoy Chowdhury, and it dramatizes the events surrounding the December 24, 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC-815 by five unidentified terrorists. Their real names were Ibrahim Athar, Sunny Ahmed Qazi, Zahoor Ibrahim, Shahid Akhter, and Sayed Shakir; however, it is said that they used pseudonyms during the hijacking.

In response to the commotion caused by a summons from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and favorable feedback, Netflix included explanatory disclaimers on their content. This action, combined with the enthusiastic praise, effectively cooled down the heated controversy.

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2024-09-28 21:37