IC 814 Kandahar Hijack Review: Reliving the Intensity – What Makes This Web Series Stand Out?
Revisiting the Kandahar Hijack Real Story
Creating a film or series on a story the audience is already familiar with is always a risky endeavor. The question is, will viewers still watch it? Will they like it, and more importantly, will they feel the intensity of the events as if they were unfolding before their eyes?
This is precisely the challenge that director Anubhav Sinha took on with the web series “IC814: The Kandahar Hijack.” Even though a movie on the subject has already been made, Sinha’s adaptation takes a fresh approach, presenting this harrowing incident as a historical document for future generations.
As veteran actors Pankaj Kapur and Naseeruddin Shah, who star in the series, suggest, this portrayal will serve as a powerful reminder of a time when the entire nation held its breath for a week.
The Story of the Kandahar Hijack
The web series recounts the chilling events of December 24, 1999, when a flight from Kathmandu was hijacked under circumstances that left the nation in shock.
As RAW (India’s intelligence agency) kept a close watch on ISI activities, the situation spiraled out of control before any meaningful action could be taken.
The plane, which was supposed to land at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, instead made unexpected stops in Amritsar, Lahore, Dubai, and finally in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Captain’s Ordeal: A Personal Account
This web series is based on Captain Devi Sharan’s book, Flight Into Fear: The Captain’s Story. Director Anubhav Sinha recounts how Captain Sharan’s neck was held at gunpoint for so long that it left a scar, a wound that remains to this day.
When Sinha asked the captain about the most relieving and heart-wrenching moments during the ordeal, Captain Sharan revealed that when the plane landed in Amritsar, he felt a glimmer of hope, believing they were finally safe. However, his heart broke when they were forced to take off from Amritsar within 45 minutes, dashing all hopes of rescue.
What Makes This Web Series Special?
For those who remember the terrifying events of 25 years ago, this web series offers a chance to relive those moments with added intensity. If you weren’t born yet or are unfamiliar with the event, this docudrama will provide a thrilling weekend experience.
The series stands out with its exceptional editing skills and visual effects that bring the past to life. Anubhav Sinha’s experience shines through, ensuring that the series doesn’t fall into the trap of becoming overly fantastical, a risk with such computer-generated imagery.
One of the most gripping sequences is when the hijacked plane is seen flying through the clouds, with the flickering red light adding to the tension.
The director’s attention to detail, such as the cluttered and smelly conditions inside the plane, brings an authenticity that transports viewers back to that fateful week. Anubhav Sinha has also skillfully recreated the war room scenarios, adding a layer of thrill through his imaginative storytelling.
A Scene to Remember
Diya Mirza’s role as a news editor, though brief, touches on a critical aspect of media ethics during the crisis. When the media was provided with the passenger list, one name was conspicuously missing.
Who was this person, and why was their identity hidden from the public? The reporter in the series wants to publish this story, but the editor decides to hold it back in the national interest, highlighting the moral dilemmas faced by journalists in such situations.
A Docudrama Without the Dull Moments
The seamless blend of real footage with dramatized scenes makes the series feel incredibly real, as if the audience is witnessing the events firsthand. This achievement is a testament to the director’s success in creating a compelling narrative.
The cast has also praised this approach in promotional videos, acknowledging that docudramas can sometimes risk becoming tedious, but this series manages to keep viewers engaged.
Understanding the Political Landscape
For those who were politically aware at the time, this series will bring back memories of how Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government had to navigate one terrorist crisis after another.
As a coalition government, decisions were often delayed due to the need for extensive consultations.
The series effectively portrays this internal struggle, showing how the Indian government was forced to release three dangerous terrorists in exchange for the lives of over 200 hostages—a decision that would have far-reaching consequences.
Where the Series Stumbles
The web series does an excellent job of reviving memories of a dark chapter in India’s national security history.
However, it also highlights the failures and vulnerabilities of the time. Afghanistan was under Taliban rule, ISI’s activities in Kathmandu were rampant, and the Indian government appeared helpless.
Experts even suggest that the string of events—Kargil, Kandahar, and the Parliament attack—led to the downfall of the Vajpayee government in 2004.
However, the subsequent UPA government also faced its share of criticism, especially following the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which raised questions about their response to terrorism.
The series also revisits the release of Masood Azhar, the mastermind behind
Jaish-e-Mohammed, who continues to orchestrate attacks against India from Pakistan. The hijackers had previously attempted to free Masood Azhar, but it was in 1999 that they succeeded in boarding a plane with explosives and weapons—a massive security lapse.
It was only after the 9/11 attacks that aviation security worldwide saw significant improvements.
A Powerful Performance by the Cast
Vijay Varma delivers a stellar performance as Captain Devi Sharan, who spends the entire series in the cockpit, yet manages to keep the audience on edge. His scenes were mostly shot against a green screen, and he spent time in a cockpit simulator to understand the role better.
Varma considers this role as one of his most significant and praises the captain’s efforts to keep the passengers and crew safe, buying time for the agencies to respond.
Manoj Pahwa’s Remarkable Role
Manoj Pahwa plays a key role on the negotiation team, and his scenes in Kandahar, especially the one-on-one dealings with the terrorist in the cockpit, will bring a smile to your face.
His dialogue, “Chief Ji, what will you do with so much money…India is a very big country… Chief Ji, you look tired, should I send some tea?” adds a unique flavor to the series, capturing the delicate balance of negotiating with terrorists while trying to secure the hostages’ release.
Arvind Swami’s Comeback
It’s a treat to see Arvind Swami, known for his role in the movie “Roja,” return to Hindi cinema. For those who have seen “Roja,” his presence will be instantly recognizable.
The series also humorously addresses the challenges faced by a South Indian officer working in the Hindi-speaking belt, especially when it comes to understanding certain Hindi expressions, adding a touch of lightness to the tense narrative.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, “IC814: The Kandahar Hijack” is a must-watch for those who want to relive this terrifying event or learn about it for the first time. The series is perfect for a family viewing, reminding us of the time when people stood at airports holding posters, praying for their loved ones’ return.
The final scene, where Pankaj Kapur’s character salutes the captain, is sure to fill you with pride. Kapur himself suggested this scene to the director, and Vijay Varma is grateful for the opportunity to share the screen with such a legendary actor.
As for the rating, a film like this deserves a full 5 stars, for it is essential that such stories continue to be told.
