Even on the ground, there was a lot of surprising drama for a series on hijacking. Over six Mumbai police officers and an equal number of bouncers attended an event for Netflix’s newest series, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, on Tuesday. The show has caused national controversy.
Cast and crew of the show, including director Anubhav Sinha and actors Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Vijay Varma, Dia Mirza, Patralekhaa, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, and Pooja Gor, were present at the closely guarded event, which was invite-only.
It took place following the uproar caused by certain viewers who didn’t agree with the code names that the hijackers on the show used. The show’s makers used the codenames that were used by the hijackers on board – Burger, Doctor, Bhola, Shankar and Chief during the real-life 1999 Indian Airlines flight hijacking event.
As reported by Indian Express, a police van was parked in front of the ballroom, and at least four police officers were stationed there. The media received a band from the registration area; without it, admission was not permitted. When this journalist was issued a different colored band at one point, the watchful bouncers checked them twice before letting them inside the hall. There was an odd combination of general/political beat reporters and entertainment beat reporters inside. Naturally, the cast and crew of the streaming behemoth were ready for a little fireworks.
The host opened the show by reciting Netflix’s official response to the controversy. The statement read, “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. India has a rich culture of storytelling and we are committed to showcasing these stories and their authentic representation.”
A journalist attempted to question Anubhav Sinha aggressively over the I&B Ministry summons and the rationale behind using the code names, but the actors and crew remained silent on the subject.
A journalist got up as the show was about to end and asked Sinha his question without using a microphone. The journalist directed his query at Sinha, requesting that he respond to the matter, despite the host’s attempts to step in and remind the media that he has been told not to answer this subject.
“Is this question yours? The accusation? Have you seen the show? Have you seen it? I can’t talk to you if you haven’t,” the director stated as he got up to take a picture with the actors..
Naseeruddin Shah discussed the show’s success and how it represents “hope” throughout the event.
The veteran actor said, “Its success gives a sense of hope to us all. It would be too much of a sweeping statement to say that the audience has grown up, but the success of movies like Anubhav’s Mulk, Thappad and several others, which are unconventional, definitely gives us hope.”
Based on real events, this gripping series chronicles the longest hijack in the history of Indian aviation. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, it stars an ensemble cast led by Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Vijay Varma, Dia Mirza and Arvind Swamy.
Cast and crew of the show, including director Anubhav Sinha and actors Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Vijay Varma, Dia Mirza, Patralekhaa, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, and Pooja Gor, were present at the closely guarded event, which was invite-only.
It took place following the uproar caused by certain viewers who didn’t agree with the code names that the hijackers on the show used. The show’s makers used the codenames that were used by the hijackers on board – Burger, Doctor, Bhola, Shankar and Chief during the real-life 1999 Indian Airlines flight hijacking event.
As reported by Indian Express, a police van was parked in front of the ballroom, and at least four police officers were stationed there. The media received a band from the registration area; without it, admission was not permitted. When this journalist was issued a different colored band at one point, the watchful bouncers checked them twice before letting them inside the hall. There was an odd combination of general/political beat reporters and entertainment beat reporters inside. Naturally, the cast and crew of the streaming behemoth were ready for a little fireworks.
The host opened the show by reciting Netflix’s official response to the controversy. The statement read, “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. India has a rich culture of storytelling and we are committed to showcasing these stories and their authentic representation.”
A journalist attempted to question Anubhav Sinha aggressively over the I&B Ministry summons and the rationale behind using the code names, but the actors and crew remained silent on the subject.
A journalist got up as the show was about to end and asked Sinha his question without using a microphone. The journalist directed his query at Sinha, requesting that he respond to the matter, despite the host’s attempts to step in and remind the media that he has been told not to answer this subject.
“Is this question yours? The accusation? Have you seen the show? Have you seen it? I can’t talk to you if you haven’t,” the director stated as he got up to take a picture with the actors..
Naseeruddin Shah discussed the show’s success and how it represents “hope” throughout the event.
The veteran actor said, “Its success gives a sense of hope to us all. It would be too much of a sweeping statement to say that the audience has grown up, but the success of movies like Anubhav’s Mulk, Thappad and several others, which are unconventional, definitely gives us hope.”
Based on real events, this gripping series chronicles the longest hijack in the history of Indian aviation. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, it stars an ensemble cast led by Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Vijay Varma, Dia Mirza and Arvind Swamy.
IC 814 Exclusive: Anubhav Sinha, Vijay Varma & Kumud Mishra Talk Best Moments and Surprises From The Thriller