Government Summons Netflix India Content Head Over Controversy Surrounding ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’

The Indian government has summoned Netflix India’s content head, Monika Shergill, to Delhi following backlash over the streaming platform’s series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has directed Shergill to appear before it on Tuesday, September 2, to address concerns regarding the series.

IC 814 dramatizes the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 by the Pakistan-based terror group Harkat-ul-Mujahideen.

The series, which portrays the harrowing ordeal of the passengers and the challenges faced by the Indian government, has faced criticism on social media.

The controversy centers on the use of Hindu codenames for two hijackers, specifically “Bhola” and “Shankar.” Critics argue that these names are misleading and could incite religious tensions.

The series, adapted from the book Flight into Fear: The Captain’s Story by journalist Srinjoy Chowdhury and Captain Devi Sharan, has drawn scrutiny from viewers and political leaders. The show stars Vijay Varma, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Manoj Pahwa, and others in key roles.

Director Anubhav Sinha has faced accusations of distorting facts, intensifying the debate online. The government’s intervention underscores the sensitivity surrounding the portrayal of significant national events.

The matter will continue to unfold as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting seeks clarification on the series’ depiction of historical events.