Netflix faces legal battle over ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’
A gripping tale meets legal hurdles
Netflix’s latest hit series, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, directed by Anubhav Sinha, has found itself in the midst of a legal storm. The series, which dramatizes the harrowing 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814, has captivated audiences worldwide, securing the No. 2 spot on Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English shows. However, its success has been marred by a lawsuit filed by Asian News International (ANI) over alleged copyright infringement.
The lawsuit: Archival footage controversy
ANI has taken legal action against Netflix, claiming that the series unlawfully uses archival footage owned by the news agency. The lawsuit, filed in the Delhi High Court, demands the removal of four out of the six episodes of the series. Netflix has refrained from commenting on the matter, citing the ongoing legal proceedings. The court is set to hear the case on Friday.
Social media backlash and political controversy
The series has not only faced legal challenges but has also sparked significant controversy on social media. Some users have criticized the portrayal of the hijackers, who are depicted using Hindu names despite being Muslims from Pakistan. This portrayal has led to accusations of misrepresentation and has drawn ire from members of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). One BJP member expressed concerns on social media, suggesting that the series could mislead future generations into believing that Hindus were responsible for the hijacking.
Clarifying the facts: Real vs. code names
In response to the backlash, Netflix has updated the disclaimer that appears before the show in India. The updated disclaimer now includes both the real and code names of the hijackers, aiming to provide clarity for viewers unfamiliar with the historical event. This move was made to address the concerns raised and to ensure that the series accurately reflects the identities of the hijackers.
A multifaceted narrative
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, adapted from the book “Flight Into Fear” by Captain Devi Sharan and Srinjoy Chowdhury, offers a comprehensive look at the 1999 hijacking incident. The series delves into the crisis from multiple perspectives, showcasing the tense negotiations in Delhi’s War Room, the high-stakes diplomacy in Taliban-controlled Kandahar, and the harrowing experiences of the passengers and crew aboard the hijacked aircraft. This multifaceted approach provides viewers with a deep and engaging understanding of the event.
Netflix’s history of controversial content
This is not the first time Netflix has faced calls to remove Indian content from its platform. Earlier this year, the Tamil-language film Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food, starring Nayanthara, was pulled from Netflix following complaints from Hindu groups who claimed the film offended religious sentiments. The film was later made available on another streaming service, Simply South.
In 2021, Prime Video also faced backlash for its Indian original series Tandav, which offended members of the ruling Hindu nationalist party. The platform had to issue an apology and make edits to the series to address the concerns raised.
Personal reflections: The power of storytelling
As a cinema and TV series enthusiast, it’s fascinating to see how storytelling can evoke such strong reactions and spark important conversations. IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a prime example of how a well-crafted narrative can bring historical events to life, allowing viewers to experience the tension, fear, and drama of the moment. However, it also highlights the responsibility that filmmakers and streaming platforms have in ensuring that their portrayals are accurate and respectful of the real-life events and people they depict.
The future of controversial content
The ongoing legal and social challenges faced by Netflix and other streaming platforms underscore the delicate balance between creative expression and cultural sensitivity. As global audiences continue to consume content from diverse backgrounds, it is crucial for creators to navigate these complexities thoughtfully. The controversies surrounding IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack and other similar works serve as a reminder of the power of media and the importance of responsible storytelling.
In the ever-evolving landscape of cinema and TV series, it will be interesting to see how platforms like Netflix address these challenges and continue to deliver compelling content that resonates with audiences worldwide.