'Everything is verifiable': Dia Mirza defends 'IC 814' amid backlash
What's the story
The Netflix series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, which debuted on August 29, has been embroiled in controversy for its alleged misrepresentation of facts.
The show uses the aliases "Bhola" and "Shankar" for two of the hijackers, leading some viewers to accuse it of obscuring the terrorists' real identities.
These individuals were associated with Islamic extremist groups.
Now, director Anubhav Sinha and cast members have addressed the controversy in a recent interview.
Director's response
'I know what I have done': Sinha
During an interview with Galatta Plus, Sinha responded to the controversy surrounding the hijackers' aliases.
He said, "I know what I have done and there is too much love for it. That's enough to actually fill in my days."
His comments were met with agreement from cast members Dia Mirza, Vijay Varma, Kumud Mishra, Arvind Swamy, and Manoj Pahwa.
Cast's perspective
'Everything is verifiable and factual': Mirza
Mirza, who portrays the role of a journalist in the series, added to Sinha's comments.
She said, "I think what matters is the intention. I don't think the intention of the show is to cause any disharmony. That's the most important thing. And that's our truth."
"The second thing is that I think everything that is being questioned is verifiable and factual. How do you debate that?"
Media's role
Varma highlights media's role in controversy
Varma, who plays Captain Devi Sharan in the series, highlighted the significant role played by the media in this controversy.
He said, "I saw a remarkable role played by media in this. I think a lot of people are speaking up just for the show. And when that happens, I feel this is the biggest victory."
Mirza added that this is because they can verify the information.
Information verification
'These were the names given': Varma
Varma continued, "Yeah, and people are really able to explain to the concerned parties on what actually went down. These were the names given and this was part of the press release given by the Union Minister in January 2000."
He emphasized that what they are doing now is coming together and standing with the show.
Mirza quickly added, "And celebrate our collective hard work and the man sitting here," pointing toward Sinha.
Code names
Series uses code names for hijackers
In the series, the five hijackers are referred to by code names: Chief, Doctor, Burger, Bhola, and Shankar. The use of the last two names sparked online outrage due to their religious connotations.
Following this controversy, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting summoned Netflix's content head for India and instructed them to be mindful of religious sensitivities.
The series later added a disclaimer at the beginning to clarify the real names of the hijackers.
Series background
Series based on the 2000 book 'Flight into Fear'
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is based on the 2000 book Flight Into Fear: The Captain's Story by Captain Devi Sharan and journalist Srinjoy Chowdhury.
The six-episode series focuses on the 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight traveling from Kathmandu to Delhi.
The hijacking, which lasted a harrowing eight days, involved holding 154 passengers and crew hostage and eventually led the Indian government to concede to the terrorists' demands.