'IC 814': Netflix changes opening credits, replaces codenames with real-names
Following the controversy surrounding its web series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, helmed by Anubhav Sinha, Netflix has updated the show's opening credits to include the actual names of two hijackers. Previously, the series had faced criticism for using Hindu codenames—'Bhola' and 'Shankar'—for these terrorists. This move comes after a meeting between Monika Shergill, Vice-President of content at Netflix and officials from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.
Netflix's commitment to authentic storytelling
Netflix released an official statement on Tuesday, in which Shergill clarified, "For the benefit of audiences unfamiliar with the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814, the opening disclaimer has been updated to include the real and code names of the hijackers. The code names in the series reflect those used during the actual event." She emphasized that apart from this change, no other edits have been made to the series. Shergill also highlighted Netflix's dedication to presenting authentic narratives.
Meeting with Information and Broadcasting Ministry officials
Earlier on Tuesday morning, Shergill met with Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju to discuss the portrayal of terrorists in IC 814 series. A senior official expressed concern over the series's content, stating that it is not acceptable to toy with national sentiments. This meeting and subsequent update to the show's opening credits are in response to accusations of the show 'whitewashing terrorism.'
Criticism for using codenames of terrorists
After its premiere on August 29, the series came under fire for referring to the terrorists by their codenames - 'Chief,' 'Doctor,' 'Shankar,' 'Bhola,' and 'Burger.' Critics argue that this approach downplays the severity of their actions. According to official records, the hijackers' real names were Ibrahim Athar, Shahid Akhtar Sayeed, Sunny Ahmed Qazi, Zahoor Mistry, and Shakir. They were part of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM), a terrorist group based in Pakistan.
'IC 814': A recap of the 1999 hijacking
IC 814 is a dramatized retelling of the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC 814 by five terrorists. The flight, en route to Delhi from Kathmandu, was seized and the ensuing crisis lasted for seven days. The then BJP-led government eventually conceded to the hijackers' demands and released three high-profile terrorists. The series features a star-studded cast including Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Varma, Dia Mirza, Pankaj Kapur, Amrita Puri, Manoj Pahwa, Patralekhaa, Kumud Mishra, Aditya Srivastava, and Aravind Swamy.
