Anubhav Sinha Gets Angry At Journalist Over Questions On IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack Controversy, Netizens Say 'Now That's Brave Journalism' - WATCH

The recent release of the series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, starring Vijay Varma and Dia Mirza, has ignited a significant controversy over the use of Hindu codenames for the hijackers involved in the infamous 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814. The series, which dramatizes this harrowing event, employs names like 'Bhola' and 'Shankar' for the terrorists, leading to accusations of misrepresentation of the real identities of those responsible for the crime. ALSO READ: Censorship Is Only For Some Of Us: Kangana Ranaut SLAMS IC 814 Makers For 'Distorting Facts' Over Showing Hindu Terrorist Names 

On September 3, the controversy escalated during a press conference in Mumbai, where the series' cast and crew, including director Anubhav Sinha, addressed the media. When a journalist questioned the portrayal of the ISI's role in the series, Sinha initially avoided answering but eventually engaged in a heated exchange. He challenged the journalist by asking if he had actually watched the series, implying that without viewing it, the criticism lacked merit. ALSO READ: IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack Controversy: Netflix Content Head Summoned Over Showing Terrorists Identifying Themselves As 'Bhola' And 'Shankar' 

A large sect of social media users praised the journalist for asking pin pointed question towards the filmmaker! A user wrote, 'That's brave journalism, asking the right questions, Another one commented, It is rare to see such journalism in today's polarized world, Kudos to him." Another one wrote, "Anubhav Sinha had no answers and got fumed lol,"

In response to the growing backlash, Netflix issued a statement the same day, announcing that they would amend the disclaimer to include both the real and codenames of the hijackers. The statement emphasized that the code names used in the series were reflective of those used during the actual hijacking incident. This move came after Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju summoned Netflix India's Content Head, Monika Shergill, to express the government's displeasure with certain elements depicted in the series.

Following the meeting, Monika Shergill issued an official statement reiterating Netflix's commitment to accurate storytelling. The statement clarified that the opening disclaimer had been updated to provide context for viewers unfamiliar with the historical event, ensuring that both the real names and the codenames used by the hijackers during the 1999 hijacking were clearly stated.

The real identities of the hijackers were Ibrahim Athar, Shahid Akhtar Sayed, Sunny, Ahmad Qazi, Zahoor Mistry, and Shakir. However, in the series, these figures were referred to by the codenames 'Bhola,' 'Shankar,' 'Doctor,' 'Burger,' and 'Chief,' leading to confusion and controversy among viewers.

The series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack features an impressive ensemble cast, including renowned actors such as Vijay Varma, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Arvind Swamy, Dia Mirza, and Patralekhaa. Despite the controversy, the series has attracted significant attention for its depiction of one of India's most traumatic aviation incidents, though the debate over its portrayal continues to stir public discourse.

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