(Web Desk) — Netflix announced on Tuesday that it will add new disclaimers to its Indian series “IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack” following significant backlash on social media and criticism from the government.
The series, which dramatizes the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 from Kathmandu, faced criticism for inaccurately portraying the hijackers as Hindus, when they were actually Muslims.
Released last week, “IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack” was immediately condemned by viewers and critics who claimed it misrepresented the hijackers’ religious identities. Social media users and members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were particularly vocal in their outrage, alleging that the series misleadingly depicted the hijackers as Hindus and portrayed them in a favorable light.
In response to the controversy, Netflix officials were summoned by India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Following the meeting, the streaming platform announced that it would revise the opening disclaimer to clarify the real and code names of the hijackers. Monika Shergill, Netflix India’s Vice President of Content, stated that the update aims to provide accurate information for viewers unfamiliar with the hijacking.
The hashtag #BoycottNetflix trended on social media over the weekend, fueled by criticism from BJP members like Amit Malviya, who accused the series of legitimizing the hijackers’ criminal intent and misleading viewers about their religious identity.
The 1999 hijacking, which India attributes to Pakistan and militant groups, concluded with New Delhi’s release of three militants, including Masood Azhar, the leader of one such group.
“IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack” features actors Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Varma, and Pankaj Kapur, and is based on the book “Flight into Fear” by the flight’s captain Devi Sharan and journalist Srinjoy Chowdhury.
Netflix, along with other streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, has faced criticism in the past from various groups, particularly Hindu organizations, over content perceived as offensive or inaccurate regarding religious sentiments.
