IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack Movie Review- A Gripping Re-examination of India’s Most Controversial Crisis

IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack Movie Review- A Gripping Re-examination of India’s Most Controversial Crisis

The hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in December 1999 was a harrowing week that exposed deep flaws in crisis management and became a textbook example of how not to handle a hijack. With 180 passengers and crew held at gunpoint by five masked terrorists, the seven days were marked by intense negotiations, tragic losses, and a tangled web of international and domestic politics.

Based on Captain Devi Sharan’s book Flight Into Fear and directed by Anubhav Sinha, the series IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack meticulously reconstructs the nerve-wracking ordeal. The narrative takes us through the plane’s journey across several airports—Kathmandu, Amritsar, Lahore, Dubai, and finally, Kandahar—showcasing the rising tensions among the hijackers and the frantic efforts of Indian agencies to resolve the crisis. This detailed reconstruction will keep you informed and engaged throughout the series.

Even twenty-five years later, the scars of that ordeal remain, both visible and invisible. Captain Devi Sharan, portrayed by Vijay Varma, still bears a visible mark from where a pistol was pressed against his neck for hours. The series delves into the emotional and psychological toll on those involved, illustrating the heavy burden of decisions made—or not made.

One of the series’ standout features is its restraint. It avoids melodrama and keeps background music minimal, allowing the situation’s intensity to unfold naturally. This approach effectively contrasts the claustrophobic environment inside the aircraft with the high-stakes meetings in New Delhi, where adrenaline and caffeine fueled officials’ decisions grappling with the crisis. The series’ restraint adds to the authenticity and realism of the narrative, making the audience feel more connected to the story.

The series does a commendable job of weaving in the political landscape of the time. With Atal Bihari Vajpayee as Prime Minister and Jaswant Singh as Foreign Minister, the show explores the complex diplomatic and political maneuvering that influenced the crisis resolution. The hijackers, who Osama Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda supported, demanded the release of several imprisoned terrorists, including Masoor Azhar and Ahmed Omar Saeed Shaikh. The ultimate exchange of hostages for these terrorists, despite India’s previously firm stance against terrorism, is portrayed with stark realism. This portrayal will enlighten and educate the audience about the political dynamics of the time.

The backroom dealings, the failures of intelligence agencies like IB and RAW, and the bureaucratic delays are brought to life, highlighting the significant lapses and the intense internal conflicts. Performances by Nasiruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Arvind Swami, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya bring depth to these critical roles, though some scenes, particularly those involving journalists played by Dia Mirza and Amrita Puri, feel less convincing.

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Despite a few missteps, including a somewhat uneven tone and less convincing journalism subplots, the series captures the essence of this historical crisis. The depiction of how the NSG arrived too late, the dithering of bureaucrats, and the controversial release of the terrorists, even with a brief appearance of real-life figures like Singh and Vajpayee, adds a layer of authenticity and boldness to the narrative.

IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack, is a compelling exploration of one of India’s most challenging moments. It offers a blend of intense drama and critical reflection on decisions that continue to resonate today.