Directed by Anubhav Sinha, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack stars Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Vijay Varma, Arvind Swamy, Kanwaljit Singh, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya. Rated 4 stars, this six-episode series on Netflix boasts an impressive cast that alone makes it worth binge-watching. Even if these talented actors were merely reading a railway timetable, their presence would captivate audiences for hours. With a strong script, precise editing, and sharp direction, the series delivers a compelling viewing experience.
For the first time in a while, an OTT series hits all the marks of a well-crafted political thriller, almost perfectly. Drawing from a true and shocking event in the subcontinent’s geopolitical history, the series remains relevant today. Based on the 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight from Kathmandu to Delhi on Christmas Eve, the story unfolds against the backdrop of the Y2K scare and before the era of social media and 24-hour news channels.
The series delves into the untold aspects of the hijacking, including ignored intelligence hints, bureaucratic delays, and the human toll on passengers and crew. Unlike typical hijack thrillers, IC 814 avoids amplifying individual heroism or victim emotions, instead opting for a balanced and nuanced portrayal. Sinha’s restrained approach and the seamless transitions between locations enhance the screenplay’s impact.
The series integrates actual footage from the event, adding authenticity. Sinha and his writing team maintain tension throughout, exploring various emotions and motivations behind the hijacking. The script addresses multiple themes without feeling disjointed, focusing not on individual heroes but on the collective experience, with the pilot, Sharan Dev (played by Vijay Varma), emerging as a key figure.
While the series is largely successful, it does raise questions about its political portrayal and a somewhat disconnected subplot involving media characters played by Dia Mirza and Amrita Puri. Despite these minor issues, the ensemble cast’s strong performances and Sinha’s direction make the series a standout.
Ultimately, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack poses important questions about the aftermath of the hijacking, leaving viewers to ponder the true meaning of victory.
