IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack Indian TV Miniseries Review

Anubhav Sinha’s previous works have tackled various socio-political issues, but his latest venture, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, marks his debut in the realm of web series. Unlike his earlier films, which often allowed for creative liberties, this series confronts the challenge of narrating a true story—the 1999 hijack of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814—through a lens of historical accuracy and a non-judgemental perspective.

IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack Indian TV Miniseries Review

IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack Indian TV Miniseries Plot Summary:

YouTube (Netflix India)

IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack recounts the harrowing hijack of Indian Airlines Flight 814, which took place on December 24, 1999. The flight, en route from Kathmandu, Nepal, to New Delhi, was commandeered by five armed men shortly after takeoff. The hijackers forced the plane to land in multiple locations before finally settling in Kandahar, Afghanistan, a region under Taliban control at the time. The series dives deep into the nerve-wracking six-day ordeal, highlighting the Indian government’s desperate efforts to negotiate the release of the 180 passengers on board, amidst growing international pressure.

IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack Indian TV Miniseries Cast:

The series boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including:

Patralekhaa as Indrani, a compassionate air hostess who becomes the passengers’ lifeline.
Aditi Gupta as Chhaya, another air hostess whose interactions with the hijackers hint at a deeper, untold story.
Vijay Varma as Captain Sharan Dev, the efficient and empathetic pilot of Flight 814.
Pankaj Kapur as the Minister of External Affairs.
Naseeruddin Shah as the National Security Advisor.
Aditya Srivastava as the RAW Secretary.
Kumud Mishra as the RAW Joint Secretary.
Aravind Swamy and Dibyendu Bhattacharya as officers from the Ministry of External Affairs.

The hijackers are portrayed by Rajiv Thakur, known for his work in comedy, who brings a menacing edge to his character, though some critics argue that a more seasoned actor could have added depth to this role.

IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack Indian TV Miniseries Review:

IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack navigates the complex interplay of power, diplomacy, and human emotion during one of India’s most significant crises. Anubhav Sinha’s direction is focused on maintaining historical accuracy while simultaneously providing a broad perspective on the events surrounding the hijack.

What Works:

Narrative Integrity: The series remains true to the facts, resisting the temptation to dramatize for effect. This commitment to truth enhances the gravity of the situation and respects the real-life individuals involved.
Holistic Approach: Sinha’s decision to cover all fronts—be it the passengers on the plane, the hijackers, or the behind-the-scenes government machinations—provides a comprehensive view of the incident.
Stellar Performances: The cast delivers powerful performances, particularly Vijay Varma as the steadfast Captain Sharan Dev and Patralekhaa as the empathetic air hostess, Indrani.
Subversion of Genre: The series surprises by subverting typical hijack thriller tropes, such as the unexpected camaraderie between passengers and hijackers during a game of antakshari.

What Doesn’t Work:

Pacing Issues: While the series is grounded in reality, the pacing at times falters, with certain scenes dragging on longer than necessary.
Limited Exploration of Hijackers: The portrayal of the hijackers, particularly the lead played by Rajiv Thakur, could have been more fleshed out, adding to the tension and depth of the narrative.
Unresolved Subplots: Some narrative threads, such as the mystery surrounding the RAW officer on board, remain unexplored, leaving viewers with lingering questions.

IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack Indian TV Miniseries Cast Performances:

The cast delivers a range of noteworthy performances. Vijay Varma excels as a composed and resourceful pilot, while Patralekhaa imbues her role with deep empathy and strength. The seasoned actors in the government roles, such as Pankaj Kapur and Naseeruddin Shah, lend gravitas to the series, their interactions serving as a highlight.

Verdict:

IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a gripping, if somewhat uneven, portrayal of a pivotal moment in Indian history. Anubhav Sinha’s meticulous direction, coupled with strong performances, makes this series a must-watch for those interested in real-life dramas and historical events. Despite some shortcomings, the series succeeds in honoring the true story of the hijack, offering a compelling look at the complex dynamics at play during a national crisis.

IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack Indian TV Miniseries Director:

Anubhav Sinha, known for his socially relevant films like Mulk (2018) and Article 15 (2019), makes his web series debut with IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. His direction is measured and respectful of real-life events, opting for a holistic approach to the storytelling.

IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack Indian TV Miniseries Writer:

The screenplay, written by Trishant Srivastava and Anubhav Sinha, is based on a story by Adrian Levy, co-author of The Siege: The Attack on the Taj. The writing is focused on accuracy and depth, though it occasionally struggles with pacing.

IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack Indian TV Miniseries Rating:

Rating: 4/5.

Where to Watch IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack Indian TV Miniseries:

IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is now streaming on Netflix India.

FAQs: (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack about?
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a web series that dramatizes the real-life hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in December 1999. The series explores the hijack, the government’s response, and the experiences of the passengers on board.
Who are the main actors in the series?
The series stars Vijay Varma, Patralekhaa, Aditi Gupta, Pankaj Kapur, Naseeruddin Shah, and Rajiv Thakur in key roles.
Is the series historically accurate?
Yes, the series is noted for its commitment to historical accuracy, depicting the events of the hijack with minimal dramatization.
How long is the series?
The series consists of eight episodes, each running for approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
Who directed IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack?
The series is directed by Anubhav Sinha, known for his films that tackle socio-political issues.
Where can I watch IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack TV Miniseries?
The series is available for streaming on Netflix India.
How was the series received by critics?
The series received positive reviews for its narrative integrity, strong performances, and commitment to portraying the hijack truthfully, though some critics noted pacing issues.
Does the series focus solely on the hijack, or does it explore other aspects?
The series provides a comprehensive view, focusing not only on the hijack but also on the government’s response and the broader implications of the event.
What sets IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack apart from other hijack dramas?
The series is unique in its holistic approach, subverting typical genre tropes and offering a detailed, accurate portrayal of the events.