The makers of the recently released miniseries IC814: The Kandahar Hijack have responded to the controversy surrounding the use of code names for terrorists by updating the show's opening disclaimer. This move comes after the series faced significant backlash for its portrayal of the hijackers and the alleged whitewashing of their identities.

Controversy and Backlash: The Code Name Issue

The miniseries, which depicts the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814, sparked outrage on social media due to its use of code names for the terrorists involved in the event. Critics accused the show of whitewashing the actions of the Pakistani intelligence agency, ISI, and misleading viewers by altering the religion and identities of the hijackers.

One of the most vocal criticisms came from social media users who pointed out the discrepancy between the original names of the hijackers-such as Ibrahim Athar, Shahid Akhtar, and Zahoor Mistry-and the names used in the series, such as Bhola and Shankar. These users argued that the show had deliberately sanitized the portrayal of the hijackers, leading to accusations of historical distortion.

Netflix India's Response: Updating the Disclaimer

In response to the mounting criticism, Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, met with the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to discuss the concerns raised about the series. Following this meeting, Netflix decided to update the opening disclaimer of the series to provide greater clarity for viewers.

In a statement, Monika Shergill explained, "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 further emphasized Netflix's commitment to authentic storytelling, stating, "India has a rich culture of storytelling-and we are committed to showcasing these stories and their authentic representation."

No Additional Changes Required

Aside from the updated disclaimer, Netflix is not required to make any further changes to the series. This decision suggests that the streaming platform and the show's creators believe that the revised disclaimer sufficiently addresses the concerns raised by critics and viewers.

The Series and Its Depiction of Historical Events

Directed by Anubhav Sinha, IC814: The Kandahar Hijack is based on the real-life hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 by six terrorists from the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen group. These terrorists, identified as Ibrahim Athar, Shahid Akhtar Sayed, Sunny, Ahmad Qazi, Zahoor Mistry, and Shakir, took control of the flight and demanded the release of Pakistani terrorists imprisoned in India.

The series aims to dramatize the tense and tragic events of the hijacking, but its depiction has sparked debate over the balance between creative license and historical accuracy. The controversy over the use of code names and the portrayal of the hijackers underscores the challenges filmmakers face when adapting sensitive historical events for the screen.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Clarity

By updating the opening disclaimer, Netflix and the creators of IC814: The Kandahar Hijack have taken a step toward addressing the concerns of viewers and critics. While the series continues to generate discussion, the updated disclaimer aims to provide viewers with a clearer understanding of the historical context and the identities of those involved in the hijacking. Whether this move will fully satisfy the critics remains to be seen, but it demonstrates a willingness to engage with the feedback and ensure that the story is told with greater transparency.