Netflix’s upcoming series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is gearing up to onboard viewers to an intense recount of one of the most gripping aviation crises in history. Slated to be released this week, the limited series will narrate the harrowing hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814, which captured global attention in 1999. As anticipation for IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack builds, here’s everything you need to know about Vijay Varma’s upcoming series.
What is Netflix’s IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’s release date?
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack will debut exclusively on Netflix on August 29, 2024. The series is a dramatization of the notorious hijacking incident that happened on December 24, 1999. On that fateful day, Indian Airlines Flight 814, en route from Kathmandu to Delhi, was seized by five terrorists.
The hijackers forced the aircraft to land in multiple locations across South Asia and the Middle East before the crisis was resolved in Kandahar, Afghanistan, seven days later. This harrowing event, already the subject of numerous books and documentaries, is now being adapted into its first long-form series format. Basically, Netflix’s IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a six-episode series that will not have a season 2 since it’s a limited series.
The show is directed by Anubhav Sinha. Sinha, who is celebrated for his socially impactful films like Thappad and Article 15, makes his foray into the world of streaming with this project. He co-created and co-wrote the series with Trishant Srivastava, whose popular works include Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga and Jamtara: Sabka Number Ayega. It is produced by Matchbox Shots, known for their work on Monica, O My Darling, and Scoop. Furthermore, the series is adapted from the book Flight Into Fear by Captain Devi Sharan and Srinjoy Chowdhury.
Describing the series’ synopsis, Netflix states: “As a routine flight ascended into the winter sky, a chilling announcement signaled the beginning of a hijack that would change Indian aviation history forever. Inside, passengers faced mounting terror as the aircraft made emergency landings in four countries overnight. Meanwhile, negotiators outside raced against the clock to ensure the safety of 189 onboard.”
Is Vijay Varma’s new series based on a true story?
Yes, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is based on a true story. The hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 is one of the most significant and dramatic incidents in Indian aviation history. The aircraft, an Airbus A300, was hijacked by five terrorists shortly after takeoff from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. The hijackers forced the plane to land in Amritsar, Lahore, Dubai, and finally in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The crisis, which lasted seven days, ended with the release of three terrorists in exchange for the hostages. Tragically, one passenger, Rupin Katyal, was killed during the ordeal.
The series draws from various sources, including Captain Devi Sharan’s memoir, Flight Into Fear, and the account by flight engineer Anil Kumar Jaggia. Additionally, high-ranking Indian officials who were part of the rescue operations, such as A.S. Dulat and Ajit Doval, have provided insights into the complex negotiations and strategies employed during the crisis.
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack features a stellar cast donning the titular figures involved in the crisis. Vijay Varma, known for his roles in Darlings and Murder Mubarak, will be seen as Captain Sharan Dev. Patralekha, from Wild Wild Punjab, plays flight attendant Indrani. Dia Mirza, acclaimed for her role in Thappad, takes on the role of newspaper editor Shalini Chandra.
The Netflix series also boasts an impressive supporting cast. It includes Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, and Arvind Swami. Anupam Tripathi, known for his breakout role in Squid Game, is also featured.
Thus, the Netflix series, which will release on August 29, will offer a thorough account of the 1999 hijacking.
