IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack – A Detailed Overview
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a gripping web series that dramatizes the harrowing hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in 1999. This series, directed by Anubhav Sinha and written by Adrian Levy and Trishant Srivastava, delves into the intense and emotional journey of the passengers, crew, and the Indian government during this crisis. Here’s a comprehensive look at the series, including reviews, cast details, plot summary, release date, and where to watch.
Plot Summary
The series is based on the real-life hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814, which was en route from Kathmandu to Delhi on December 24, 1999. The flight was hijacked by five terrorists and diverted to Kandahar, Afghanistan, which was under Taliban control at the time. The series meticulously portrays the six-day ordeal, highlighting the negotiations, the passengers’ plight, and the political and diplomatic maneuvers involved.
The narrative is intense and emotionally charged, capturing the fear and uncertainty faced by the passengers and their families. It also sheds light on the internal conflicts within the crisis management team and the challenges they faced in negotiating with the hijackers. The series is not just a retelling of events but also an exploration of the human spirit and resilience in the face of terror.
Cast
The series boasts a stellar cast, bringing together some of the finest actors in the Indian film industry:
- Vijay Varma as Captain Sharan Dev, the head pilot of IC 814, based on Captain Devi Sharan.
- Naseeruddin Shah as Cabinet Secretary Vinay Kaul, IAS, based on Prabhat Kumar.
- Pankaj Kapur as Vijaybhan Singh, Minister of External Affairs, based on Jaswant Singh.
- Arvind Swamy as DRS, Secretary of MEA.
- Dia Mirza as Shalini “Sha” Chandra, Editor of India Headlines.
- Kumud Mishra as Ranjan Mishra, Joint Secretary of RAW.
- Manoj Pahwa as Mukul Mohan, Additional Director of IB.
- Aditya Srivastava as V K Agarwal, Head of RAW.
- Additi Gupta as Air Hostess Chhaya.
- Patralekhaa Paul as Air Hostess Indrani.
- Amrita Puri as Nandini Martin, Reporter of India Headlines newspaper.
- Dibyendu Bhattacharya as Abhijeet Kumar, senior officer in the MEA.
- Pooja Gor as Simar Dev, Sharan’s wife.
- Kanwaljit Singh as J P Kohli, Director of IB.
- Anupam Tripathi as Ram Chandra Yadav, RAW agent in Kathmandu.
- Yashpal Sharma as Sanjay Mehta (cameo appearance).
- Sushant Singh as Lt. General Ravi Shankar, Director General of NSG (cameo appearance).
Reviews
The series has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. While some praise its gripping narrative and stellar performances, others feel it could have delved deeper into the emotional and psychological aspects of the hijacking.
Positive Reviews:
- Times Now describes the series as a “compelling true-life drama” that is elevated by its star-studded cast.
- IMDb users have rated it 5.4/10, appreciating the performances of the lead actors and the realistic portrayal of the events.
Criticisms:
- Some critics feel that the series could have explored the psychological trauma of the passengers more deeply.
- There are also comments on the pacing of the series, with some episodes feeling slower compared to others.
Release Date and Where to Watch
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack premiered globally on Netflix on August 29, 2024. The series consists of six episodes, each ranging from 28 to 46 minutes in length. Netflix subscribers can stream the series in multiple languages, including Hindi and English.
Conclusion
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a powerful retelling of one of the most significant hijacking incidents in Indian history. With its strong cast and gripping narrative, it offers a compelling watch for those interested in true-life dramas and historical events. Whether you are a fan of intense thrillers or looking to understand the complexities of this real-life event, this series is worth adding to your watchlist.
