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Anubhav Sinha's limited series, 'IC 814 - The Kandahar Hijack,' streaming on Netflix, has ignited controversy due to its factual discrepancies regarding the 1999 IC 814 hostage crisis. The series has been called out by passengers, crew members, and experts who were involved in the real-life event, highlighting multiple inconsistencies and inaccuracies in its portrayal.
One of the most prominent criticisms centers around the series' downplaying of the Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)'s role in the hijacking. While the series acknowledges ISI involvement, it ultimately portrays it as insignificant. This assertion is countered by former RAW chief AS Dulat and former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan G Parthasarathy, both of whom emphatically state that ISI orchestrated and controlled the entire operation. The series' attempt to present a more benign image of ISI has been met with strong disapproval from experts and those who witnessed the events firsthand.
Furthermore, the series has faced backlash for its portrayal of the hijackers. Critics argue that the series humanizes the terrorists, downplaying their brutality and the fear they instilled in the passengers. The series' depiction of the hijackers as empathetic towards injured crew members and passengers has been met with sharp criticism from those who lived through the ordeal. Passengers like Ipseeta Menon and Pooja Kataria, who were on board the hijacked plane, have highlighted the hijackers' actual cruelty and the high-tension environment that prevailed throughout the ordeal. They point out that the series fails to accurately capture the fear and anxiety experienced by the hostages.
The series has also been criticized for omitting crucial details about the hijackers' religious motivations. Passengers like Ipseeta Menon and Pooja Kataria have pointed out that one of the hijackers, known as 'Doctor,' gave multiple speeches about converting the hostages to Islam. These speeches, which emphasized the superiority of Islam and the atrocities committed in Kashmir, are not adequately depicted in the series. This omission further contributes to the series' inaccurate portrayal of the event.
The controversy surrounding 'IC 814 - The Kandahar Hijack' highlights the delicate balance that filmmakers must strike between storytelling and factual accuracy, particularly when dealing with sensitive historical events. The series' attempt to create a more palatable narrative, downplaying the role of ISI and the hijackers' brutality, has ultimately led to a significant backlash from those who experienced the event directly. While cinematic liberty is expected, historical events demand careful consideration and respectful representation to ensure a truthful and impactful narrative.
Source: Not just the names, Anubhav Sinha's IC 814 hijacked several facts