On December 31, 1999, as the world eagerly awaited the dawn of a new millennium, India faced one of its most harrowing crises. Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh was en route to Kandahar, Afghanistan, accompanied by three notorious terrorists who had been released from Indian jails just hours earlier. This exchange was part of a deal to secure the release of 176 passengers and crew members aboard Indian Airlines flight IC 814, which had been hijacked eight days prior after departing from Kathmandu.
The IC 814 hijacking and the Indian government’s subsequent compliance with the terrorists’ demands have been subjects of intense scrutiny and debate. Academics, political analysts, and popular culture have all attempted to dissect this event, often resulting in a multitude of interpretations, akin to the parable of the “blind men and the elephant.” This week, writer-director Anubhav Sinha offers a fresh examination of this period with his socio-political lens and modern technology in the series “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.”
Set against the backdrop of real-life events, this action-packed series balances the narrative without falling into monotony. Drawing inspiration from “Flight Into Fear,” the account by Captain Devi Sharan—the pilot during the hijacking—the series delves beyond Sharan’s perspective to present a comprehensive view of the geopolitical landscape post-Pokhran and post-Kargil War. Sinha meticulously unfolds the delayed response in Amritsar and the presence of RDX on board, crafting a compelling narrative.
“IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack” respects various viewpoints while critiquing hypocrisy and bigotry. The series is set against a stage where 200 lives are at stake, and India’s credibility as a resolute state is questioned. For Masood Azhar, the top terrorist on the swap list, the struggle extends beyond the cockpit of IC 814 to the myriad conflicts in Afghanistan and Palestine. Meanwhile, the terrified hostages simply yearn to reunite with their families before the new millennium. The series examines each perspective with a nuanced hand, delivering lines that both amuse and sting the conscience.
Anubhav Sinha has a proven ability to blend realism with drama, as seen in his previous works, “Article 15” and “Anek.” With a stellar ensemble cast and rich material, he portrays the workings of Indian democracy during the coalition era with finesse. Clipped conversations, pragmatic nationalism, diplomatic maneuvering, and subtle one-upmanship between security agencies are depicted with authenticity. Sinha identifies the distinct responses of various officials within the Crisis Management Group based on their roles, hierarchy, and social backgrounds, and highlights the difference between merely performing a job and fulfilling a duty.
The series underscores the complexities of geopolitical dynamics, revealing that India’s responses were as multifaceted as Afghanistan’s players.
. It points out the oversimplification of attributing blame solely to Pakistan and delves into the intricate web of geopolitics. Personal interests often overshadow political wisdom in the high-stakes game of international diplomacy.
Humor and human drama are interwoven within this robust procedural. Sinha does not exploit the tragic situation for emotional excess but instead uses his sardonic wit to keep the narrative engaging. Situations like the captain cleaning the toilet line become metaphors for the call of duty, and the depiction of Indian officials adjusting to Taliban territory offers moments of dark humor. The VFX team plays a crucial role, using a blend of archival footage and computer-generated imagery to recreate the era, providing viewers with an immersive experience. The meticulous camerawork by Ewan Mulligan and Ravi Kiran Ayyagari keeps the audience’s imagination kindled throughout the series.
Despite hijacking being a recurrent theme in Hindi entertainment, “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack” manages to surprise viewers with its mix of emotion and action. Vijay Varma, as Captain Sharan Dev, delivers a standout performance, embodying the resilience and hope amid the crisis. His expressive face conveys a spectrum of emotions, making him the heartbeat of the series.
Pankaj Kapoor shines as Foreign Minister Vijaybhan Singh, leading the diplomatic front with commendable poise. Manoj Pahwa, in the role of Mukul, an intelligence official, brings humor and aggression to the negotiations, creating some of the series’ most memorable moments. Alongside actors like Kumud Mishra, Naseeruddin Shah, Kanwaljeet Singh, Aditya Srivastav, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya, the series offers plenty of impactful performances. Female actors, including Patralekhaa and Additi Gupta, also leave a strong impression.
While the series constructs a narrative based on real events, it selectively omits the roles of certain officials, keeping the focus mainly on the foreign minister. This choice, along with altering the names of Indian politicians while retaining the identities of terrorists, presents a curated version of the events.
Comedian Rajeev Thakur, cast as the chief hijacker, proves to be a weaker link in an otherwise strong ensemble, failing to convey the intended menace. Nonetheless, “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack” offers a sophisticated commentary on media dynamics and governance, maintaining a measured tone throughout.
Streaming now on Netflix, “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack” offers viewers a profound exploration of one of India’s most intricate political crises, presenting a balanced, engrossing narrative that blends action, emotion, and historical context.
