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Netflix's latest offering, 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack', based on the 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight, has sparked heated controversy on social media. While the series has received positive reviews from critics, it faces a wave of condemnation, with many demanding a boycott. The primary source of contention is the alleged 'whitewashing' of historical events and the use of fictional names for the hijackers.
The series, directed by Anubhav Sinha, portrays the hijackers with fictional names like 'Bhola', 'Shankar', 'Doctor', 'Burger', and 'Chief', a decision that has angered many viewers. Critics argue that this move diminishes the real identities and motivations of the terrorists, a group of Pakistani nationals. The public outcry is fueled by the perception that the show minimizes the gravity of the event and its lasting impact on India's national security.
Adding to the controversy is the use of codenames for the hijackers. While the show seemingly suggests the hijackers had these codenames, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revealed that they were known to the passengers by these names. The MEA, however, has provided the actual names of the hijackers, which have been widely circulated online. This discrepancy has further fueled accusations of deliberate distortion and a lack of historical accuracy in the series. The social media storm, fueled by the hashtag #BoycottIC814, has drawn attention to the delicate balance between artistic license and historical integrity.
Director Anubhav Sinha has refrained from directly addressing the controversy. However, he shared a post by Dr Arunesh Kumar Yadav on X, which attempted to clarify the use of fictional names. Yadav argued that the hijackers were known to the passengers by these names, and their actual identities were revealed at the end of the series. The controversy underscores the ongoing debate about how historical events are portrayed in entertainment media. Critics argue that the responsibility lies with filmmakers to present historical events accurately, while respecting the victims and their families. The controversy also highlights the increasing role of social media in shaping public discourse and influencing the reception of artistic works.