IC814 The Kandahar Hijack: Netizens Call Out Netflix For As New Disclaimer Features Only In India

IC814 The Kandahar Hijack Controversy: The series premiered on Netflix and has stoked a row for whitewashing the identity of terrorists and comical portrayal of authority. As a result, several social media users demanded a ban on the show. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting consequently summoned the Netflix India head to discuss the issue. The streamer then decided to put a disclaimer clearly stating the real name of the terrorists involved in the 1999 hijack. However, social media users have now alleged that the disclaimer features only for Indian users of the platform.

Netflix stokes fresh controversy with IC814 The Kandahar Hijack

A day after assuring that they will be adding a fresh disclaimer at the beginning of the web series, the streaming platform Netflix has landed in a new trouble. On September 3, Monika Shergill, Vice President of content at Netflix India said in a statement, “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 statement added, “The code names in the series reflect those used during the actual event. India has a rich culture of storytelling — and we are committed to showcasing these stories and their authentic representation.”  This came after outrage on social media over Muslim terrorists being referred to by Hindu names - Bhola and Shankar - on the show.

However, social media users residing outside of India have now been sharing screengrabs of Netflix confirming that the new disclaimer does not appear on their streamer. The users went on to blame the platform for cheating the Indian government and of running a ‘propoganda'. Users from the Middle East, and the United States of America have confirmed the news till now. A user wrote, “The ‘disclaimer’ that @netflix has somehow added in the IC 814 series is not visible here in US. Seems like Netflix has only added the disclaimer disclosing the real identity of the Pakistani hijackers in India. The same show doesn’t have it when shown outside India. #IC814.” Another agreed and mentioned, Cousin in the Middle East tells me that the disclaimer (stays couple of seconds) put out by @netflix  is not visible out there before #IC184. This is a terrible deal GoI has struck. The fake narrative builders have won.  @NetflixIndia".

Why are people boycotting IC814: The Kandahar Hijack?

IC814: The Kandahar Hijack is directed by Anubhav Sinha and features Vijay Varma in the lead role as captain Devi Sharan. However, following the release of the series social media users slammed it over the alleged whitewashing of the Pakistani intelligence agency, ISI, for humanising the cruel terrorists and over its misleading content. Several users also alleged that the religion of the hijackers was deliberately changed by the makers. '

A PIL submitted in the Delhi High Court seeks for the ban of public view of the series and withdrawal of CBFC certification. “The distortion of crucial facts about the real identities of the hijackers not only misrepresents historical events but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and misinformation, warranting interference of this court to prevent further public misunderstanding and potential harm,” the petition said.  The plea alleged that the mini-series erroneously shows the real hijackers as having Hindu names, including ‘Bhola’ and ‘Shankar’, the other names of Lord Shiva, which hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community.

(With inputs from PTI)