New Delhi: As the release date for the much-anticipated Netflix limited series titled ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ draws near, the excitement among viewers continues to build. This fervor recently saw a new high when actor Vijay Varma shared a poignant moment with Captain Devi Sharan, the real-life hero at the helm of the infamous hijacking incident. On Saturday, the actor delighted his followers on Instagram by sharing two evocative pictures alongside Captain Devi Sharan.
Captain Devi Sharan, known for his unyielding bravery and calm demeanor during the hijack of Indian Airlines Flight 814, piloted the aircraft while First Officer Rajinder Kumar and Flight Engineer Anil Kumar Jaggia supported him. The interaction between the reel and real-life captains promises to add authenticity and depth to the series, which dramatizes the harrowing events of December 1999.
In an emotion-laden caption accompanying the photographs, Vijay Varma offered a heartfelt reflection on meeting Captain Devi Sharan for the first time. He wrote, “Real and Reel Captain Sharan. When I first met the captain, I was taken in by his pleasant smile and his simplicity. Then, I noticed a scar on his neck. When I asked him about it, he simply and politely said, ‘Woh hijackers ki gun 7 din tak yahi ragadti rahi, toh wound ho gaya tha jo heal nahi hua’ (the wound caused by the hijacker’s gun never healed). I froze. He smiled.”
The actor continued, “I knew I was talking to a real-life hero. It was such a huge honor to get to depict Captain Devi Sharan on screen. His efforts to save lives amidst chaos and dread are truly inspiring! A tale of resilience and honor, of critical thinking and duty, of patience and hope, and most of all, bravery. We salute you captain. IC814, streaming on Netflix from August 29th.
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The series anchors its narrative on the dramatic hijack of Indian Airlines Flight 814, an Airbus A300, which was en route from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, India. The aircraft was overtaken by hijackers and subsequently redirected to several locations before it finally landed in Kandahar, Afghanistan, then the stronghold of the Taliban. This incident remains etched in the collective memory of the nation, showcasing a tense standoff that lasted days and involved intricate negotiations.
Those harrowing seven days saw Captain Devi Sharan and his crew exhibiting extraordinary composure under duress. The hostage crisis gripped the nation, captivating attention and drawing in various international mediators attempting to secure the safe release of more than 150 passengers and crew members onboard.
The captain’s account and his presence in the series serve as a testament to the undying spirit of resilience against overwhelming adversity. Varma’s admiration for Captain Sharan’s bravery and dedication reflects deeply in his portrayal, promising viewers an authentic and gripping retelling of the events.
Sharing further insights on social media, Varma emphasized the somber realities faced by the crew and passengers in those testing times. He said that portraying Captain Sharan required tapping into an immense reservoir of emotional and psychological strength, a journey that he describes as both harrowing and humbling.
Steered by visionary director Anubhav Sinha, known for his meticulous approach to storytelling, and produced by Matchbox Shots, the series aims to offer a close-up look at the real-life heroics that unfolded amidst unparalleled pressure. Sinha’s visionary direction, paired with Varma’s immersive performance, positions ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ as not just a dramatization but a tribute to those who faced the ordeal head-on.
The confluence of real-life heroes and their reel counterparts magnifies the anticipation surrounding the series. Netflix India’s official handle also shared Varma’s post, further piquing the interest of viewers eagerly awaiting the series’ release on August 29.
In revisiting this chapter from India’s aviation history, the series underscores themes of bravery, steadfastness, and the indefatigable human spirit in the face of terror. With the added credibility of Captain Devi Sharan’s involvement, ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ is set to engage and move audiences, providing not just a high-octane narrative but a poignant reminder of the resilience innate to the human spirit. This series is poised to be a remarkable tribute to the unsung heroes of Flight 814 and a gripping recounting of an incident that has not lost its significance over the years.
