Netflix will amend warnings on its new Indian series, IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack, after social media and government outcry over the 1999 Indian Airlines flight hijacking. The series, launched last week, was criticized for portraying the hijackers as Hindus with Hindu names, even though they were Muslim.
On X (previously Twitter), #BoycottNetflix trended after the controversy. Some people, including BJP members, accused the show of distorting the hijacking and negatively portraying Hindus. BJP social media chief Amit Malviya criticized the series for legitimizing the hijackers’ crimes and misrepresenting their religion.
India’s information and broadcasting ministry summoned Netflix after the outcry. The streaming giant will add the hijackers’ true and code names to the opening disclaimer to clarify the series. The amended warning is meant to convey accurate information about the historical incident, according to Netflix India Vice President of Content Monika Shergill.
The flight captain Devi Sharan and writer Srinjoy Chowdhury’s book Flight into Fear inspired the series, which stars Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Varma, and Pankaj Kapur. Netflix’s response shows how streaming platforms struggle to handle delicate cultural and historical concerns.
