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Anubhav Sinha's web series, "IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack," has sparked controversy since its release on Netflix. The series, which chronicles the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814, has been accused by some viewers of misrepresenting the religious identities of the hijackers, leading to claims of hurting sentiments and distorting historical facts. The controversy reached a point where the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting summoned the content head of Netflix India.
In response to these accusations, actress Patralekhaa, who plays a cabin crew member in the series, defended the show's creative approach, clarifying that "IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack" is not a documentary but a fictionalized drama. She emphasized that the show incorporates both factual elements and imaginative interpretations to offer a fresh perspective on the event. She also noted that the show uses fictionalized names for many characters, acknowledging the sensitivity of the subject matter and seeking to respect the real-life individuals involved.
Director Anubhav Sinha, addressing the controversy, highlighted the extensive research conducted for the series, reiterating that it was meticulously developed and truthful to its narrative. He emphasized the dedication and thoroughness invested in the project, which started as early as June 2022.
Amid the ongoing controversies, Netflix acknowledged the concerns and took action by updating the opening disclaimer for the show in India. This updated disclaimer includes the real and code names of the hijackers, aiming to provide clarity to viewers unfamiliar with the original incident.
The series' portrayal of the hijacking has sparked a debate about the balance between artistic interpretation and historical accuracy, prompting discussions about the ethical considerations of dramatizing real-life events. The controversy has also raised questions about the responsibilities of streaming platforms in ensuring responsible content creation and presentation.