Netflix IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack (2024) – The series is based on the real-life hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814, which took place on December 24, 1999. The flight, traveling from Kathmandu, Nepal, to New Delhi, India, was hijacked by five armed terrorists shortly after takeoff. The plane was eventually flown to Kandahar, Afghanistan, where the hijackers demanded the release of several terrorists imprisoned in India.
The series will likely delve into the harrowing events of the hijacking, the negotiations between the Indian government and the hijackers, and the eventual release of the hostages after a tense week-long standoff. The incident is one of the most significant and traumatic events in Indian aviation history, and it had wide-ranging political and security implications.
Netflix’s adaptation is expected to be a gripping and intense portrayal of the events, with a focus on the emotional and psychological toll on the passengers, crew, and their families, as well as the high-stakes diplomacy and decision-making involved in resolving the crisis. The show might also explore the broader impact of the hijacking on India’s counter-terrorism policies and its relationship with neighboring countries.
This series is highly anticipated, particularly in India, where the events of the hijacking are still vividly remembered.
Some interesting facts
Here are some interesting facts about the IC 814 hijacking and its broader context:
Duration of the Hijacking: The IC 814 hijacking lasted for seven days, making it one of the longest hijacking incidents in aviation history. The flight was diverted to multiple locations, including Amritsar in India, Lahore in Pakistan, and finally Kandahar in Afghanistan, where the standoff occurred.
Demand for Prisoner Release: The hijackers demanded the release of three high-profile terrorists held in Indian prisons: Maulana Masood Azhar, who later founded the terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed; Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, who was involved in the kidnapping and murder of journalist Daniel Pearl; and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar, a Kashmiri militant leader.
The Role of Pakistan: Pakistan’s involvement in the incident was a point of contention. The hijacked plane was allowed to land in Lahore, where it refueled, despite Indian authorities requesting that Pakistan not permit it. There were allegations of Pakistani complicity, although this has been a subject of debate.
Negotiations in Kandahar: The negotiations between the Indian government and the hijackers were extremely tense. The Indian negotiators were in a difficult position, as the hijackers were armed and had already killed one passenger, Rupin Katyal, to pressure the government into meeting their demands.
Impact on Indian Policy: The incident had a lasting impact on India’s security and counter-terrorism policies. It highlighted vulnerabilities in Indian aviation security and led to significant changes in how such threats are handled.
International Diplomatic Dynamics: The hijacking occurred during a period of complex international relations. The Taliban, which controlled Afghanistan at the time, played a significant role in the negotiations. However, their level of involvement and whether they were complicit or simply mediators remains debated.
Public Response in India: The release of the terrorists in exchange for the hostages was highly controversial in India. It sparked widespread public outrage and led to intense criticism of the Indian government’s handling of the situation. Many argued that the release of the terrorists set a dangerous precedent.
Aftermath for the Hijackers: After the release of the hostages and the escape of the hijackers, they were never brought to justice. The hijackers were believed to have been protected by the Taliban, and they continued to be involved in terrorist activities in the region.
The Role of Media: The incident was covered extensively by Indian and international media, bringing the crisis into homes across the world. The intense media coverage influenced public perception and added pressure on the Indian government during the negotiations.
Legacy: The IC 814 hijacking is often cited in discussions about terrorism and national security in India. It has also been referenced in various forms of media, including films, documentaries, and now, the upcoming Netflix series, which aims to bring this complex and tragic event to a global audience.
The Netflix series "IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack" features a strong ensemble cast led by some of the most prominent actors in Indian cinema
- Vijay Varma plays the role of Captain Devi Sharan, the head pilot of the hijacked IC 814 flight.
- Naseeruddin Shah portrays Cabinet Secretary Vinay Kaul, an IAS officer involved in managing the crisis.
- Dia Mirza appears as Shalini “Sha” Chandra, the editor of a prominent news outlet.
- Pankaj Kapur takes on the role of Vijaybhan Singh, the Minister of External Affairs.
- Manoj Pahwa is seen as Mukul Mohan, an Additional Director of the Intelligence Bureau.
- Arvind Swami plays the Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), named DRS.
- Kumud Mishra plays Ranjan Mishra, the Joint Secretary of RAW (Research and Analysis Wing).
The series also features Patralekha, Aditya Srivastava, Kumud Mishra, Sushant Singh, Amrita Puri, and several others in significant roles. This star-studded lineup brings to life the tense and dramatic events surrounding the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC 814
