The web series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack has stirred controversy after a section of viewers objected to the code names used by the hijackers in the show. The series, based on the real-life 1999 hijacking of the Indian Airlines flight IC 814, features the same codenames—Burger, Doctor, Bhola, Shankar, and Chief—that the hijackers used during the incident. However, the use of the names Bhola and Shankar has sparked a backlash, leading to calls for changes.
In response to the controversy, Netflix has announced that they will update the series’ opening disclaimer to include the real-life names of the terrorists alongside their codenames.
Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, released a statement that read “For the benefit of audiences unfamiliar with the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814, the opening disclaimer has been updated to include the real and code names of the hijackers. The code names in the series reflect those used during the actual event. India has a rich culture of storytelling and we are committed to showcasing these stories and their authentic representation.”
It has been clarified that while many character names in the show directed by Anubhav Sinha have been altered, the terrorists’ codenames remain unchanged as they were documented in survivor interviews, including those of pilot Captain Devi Sharan Singh and other officials involved in the incident.
