The highly-anticipated Netflix series, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, has taken the streaming world by storm, garnering rave reviews from critics and viewers alike. The thrilling series is based on the harrowing real-life incident from 1999, where an Indian Airlines flight from Kathmandu to Delhi was hijacked by Pakistani terrorists, prolonging its journey to Delhi to an agonizing eight days. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the show is adapted from the book written by Capt Devi Sharan, who was the pilot in command during the hijacking.
At a recent press conference in Mumbai, director Anubhav Sinha shed light on the intricate casting process of the series, which has become one of its most talked-about aspects. “Casting process started right with the writing,” Sinha stated. “Every time a new character of significance comes up, Trishant and I start discussing names.” The director emphasized how thorough the casting discussions were, even from the very early stages of the script development.
Rajeev Thakur’s portrayal of ‘Chief,’ one of the hijackers, has particularly captured the attention of the audience, as Thakur is traditionally known for his comedic roles. “There are some obvious names whom I call every time I do something,” Sinha explained. “So we ended up casting everyone. Vijay was the first one to be cast.” Vijay Varma had been one of the initial key figures to join the ensemble cast, paving the way for subsequent iconic additions.
However, the casting of veteran actors Naseeruddin Shah and Pankaj Kapur stands out as a notable highlight. Sharing the screen, these stalwarts brought a dynamic presence to the series. Sinha recounted his unique experience of approaching these two iconic actors. “Then one day I casually thought of talking to Naseer bhai and Pankaj bhai,” he recalled.
Talking about his initial approach to Naseeruddin Shah, Sinha shared an amusing anecdote. “Toh mai pehle Naseer bhai ke paas gaya aur uss din woh acche mood mai the. Toh unhonhe haan keh diya meri baat khatam hone se pehle. Mai fir bhaag gaya isse pehle ki iraada badal de,” he said, revealing that Shah agreed to the role almost instantaneously, before Sinha could even finish his pitch.
. His excitement was palpable as he humorously mentioned rushing away before Shah could change his mind.
The journey to secure Pankaj Kapur’s participation was equally compelling but required more persistence. “Inko phone kiya, bole nahi bhai,” Sinha recalled, explaining that Kapur initially rejected the offer. Unperturbed, Sinha persisted. “Fir inhe script padni thi but time nahi tha. But mai chipka raha and fir unhone script padhi and said ‘kya? ok karta hu.’ Toh ye aise kuch hua,” Sinha narrated with a smile, emphasizing that perseverance played a crucial role in making this star-studded cast a reality.
Reflecting on their chemistry on set, both veteran actors expressed mutual admiration. Shah remarked on the joy of collaborating with Kapur, whom he recognized as unpredictable and meticulously prepared. “It’s great fun. It’s like playing tennis where you envy his game and you also respect it at the same time,” said Shah, who has known Kapur for decades, having shared screen space in films like “Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro,” “Mandi,” “Khamosh,” and “Maqbool.”
Pankaj Kapur reciprocated his brother-in-law’s sentiments with equal warmth and gracious appreciation. “Such kind words from somebody you deeply admire. When I’m working with him there’s a sixth sense within me which is always ready to learn, to see what he is up to, and what new I can learn from him because that’s the kind of respect and awe I hold him in,” Kapur commented, clearly touched by Shah’s praise. He expressed that he would cherish Shah’s kind words for the rest of his life.
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack also boasts an ensemble of notable talents such as Dia Mirza, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, and several others, further solidifying its status as a must-watch series. Each performer contributed to the compelling narrative, bringing to life the tense and emotional tale that captivated the nation decades ago.
With its gripping storyline, brilliant performances, and meticulous direction, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack serves as a stellar example of exceptional storytelling in modern Indian television. It’s not just a recounting of a historical event but a profound depiction of human endurance, dramatized by a remarkable cast whose connections and experiences add layers of depth to the visuals on screen. The series continues to receive widespread acclaim, and the revelation of its casting journey only adds to its fascinating lore.
