A two-member team from Netflix is scheduled to meet with the Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) on Tuesday in response to growing controversy over the streaming platform’s series “IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack.” The series, which dramatizes the 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight, has faced backlash for alleged misrepresentation of the hijackers, with critics claiming it inaccurately portrays their identities and potentially distorts historical facts.
The I&B Ministry summoned Netflix’s content head, Monika Shergill, following accusations that the series altered the names of the hijackers, which some argue could mislead viewers about the events and figures involved in the hijacking. Critics, including members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have voiced concerns that the changes could impact public perception, particularly in relation to the religious identities of the terrorists involved.
The series, directed by Anubhav Sinha and released on Netflix on August 29, depicts the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC 814 by the Pakistan-based terror group Harkat-ul-Mujahideen. Government sources quoted by ANI expressed strong disapproval, stating, “Nobody has the right to play with the sentiments of the people of this nation. India’s culture and civilization should always be respected. You should think before portraying something in a wrong manner. The government is taking it very seriously.”
The controversy centers on claims that the series downplays the involvement of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and inaccurately portrays the hijackers’ identities by using non-Muslim names, which critics argue could lead to misunderstandings about the historical event. Amit Malviya, head of the BJP IT cell, criticized the series, stating, “Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha legitimized their criminal intent by furthering their non-Muslim names. Result? Decades later, people will think Hindus hijacked IC 814. The Left’s agenda to whitewash the crimes of Pakistani terrorists, all Muslims, served.”
Actor and Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut also weighed in on the issue, condemning the series and suggesting a double standard in the portrayal of nationalistic versus leftist narratives on streaming platforms. She remarked, “One can even distort real-life events to suit their politically motivated sinister motives… There is freedom for Communists or Leftists across the world for such anti-national expression, but as a nationalist, no OTT platform allows us to make films that revolve around the integrity and unity of Bharat.”
As the controversy unfolds, the I&B Ministry is reportedly seeking an explanation from Netflix regarding the contentious elements of the series. The meeting on Tuesday is expected to address these concerns and discuss potential remedies for the alleged misrepresentations. The government has made it clear that it takes these issues “very seriously,” emphasizing the need for accurate and respectful portrayals of historical events, particularly those involving national security and public sentiment.
Netflix has yet to issue a public statement regarding the controversy. The outcome of the meeting with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting remains to be seen, but it could have significant implications for content regulation on streaming platforms in India.
