Why is IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack Web Series on Netflix Garnering Negative Reviews?

The release of IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, Netflix's newest web series, has generated a lot of conversation among internet users and viewers. This six-episode series, starring Vijay Varma, explores the terrifying 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 by terrorists. The series has generated criticism while being well-received for its compelling plot and performances, particularly in relation to the portrayal of the hijackers and the event.

Criticism over Portrayal of Hijackers and Historical Context

For many viewers, one of the main points of controversy is the apparent "whitewashing" of the terrorists who carried out the hijacking. There has been a lot of talk on social media about how the show might be trying to hide who the real hijackers are. In the series, code names like Bhola, Shankar, Doctor, Burger, and Chief have taken the place of the real terrorists' names, who were Ibrahim Athar, Shahid Akhtar Sayed, Sunny, Ahmad Qazi, Zahoor Mistry, and Shakir. Despite the fact that these were the code names the terrorists used during the hijacking, many viewers contend that this decision may have lessened the significance of the incident in history and lessened the gravity of the situation.

Director Anubhav Sinha Faces Backlash for Creative Decisions

Due to his creative decisions throughout the series, director Anubhav Sinha has come under heavy fire. Many have questioned why the hijackers' true names were not used and expressed concerns about the hijackers' identities possibly being misrepresented. Many think that this could deceive viewers and downplay the gravity of the hijacking, one of the most horrific incidents to ever occur in India.

Concerns about Depiction of the Indian Government's Response

The way that the Indian government's handling of the hijacking is portrayed has also garnered criticism. Some viewers believe that the show underplays the difficult obstacles the administration encountered throughout the crisis and paints a negative picture of their actions. More discussions have resulted from this representation, with critics highlighting the need for the series to present a more truthful and balanced account of the events.

Strong Performances vs Controversial Choices

Despite the controversy, some aspects of the series have been met with praise. Many viewers have highlighted the powerful performances by the cast, particularly Vijay Varma and Naseeruddin Shah. The intense narrative and gripping storytelling have also been appreciated by certain sections of the audience. However, the mixed reviews continue to dominate the conversation surrounding the series.