Sep 05, 2024 12:01 PM
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The Narrative:
Director Anubhav Sinha, popular for his works Mulk(2018) and Article 15(2019), has come up with another Netflix thriller based on the real-life events of the IC-814 hijack in Kandahar. Recalling the dreadful seven nights of December 1999, Sinha portrays the tensions between the hijackers and the hostages, as well as the negotiations between the Taliban and the Government of India over the release of terrorists held captive in India. The Indian Airlines flight, originally scheduled from Kathmandu to New Delhi, was hijacked by five terrorists from the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen who held 179 passengers captive along with 11 crew members on board.
The Insights:
The premise and the plot of the series are accurately depicted. From the take-off in Kathmandu to the landings at various locations like Amritsar, Lahore, Dubai, and finally Kandahar keep you on the edge of your seats. There are no spicy elements or unnecessary subplots, and the director sticks to the story. You also get to see some real pictures from the incident taking you back in time. The scenarios are represented with a raw, unfiltered approach, allowing viewers to understand the intensity and complexity of the situation.
Captain Sharan(played by Vijay Verma) is the real hero of the story inspiring everyone till the end. Other actors including Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, and Manoj Pahwa play their roles perfectly. The visuals of this series, especially the VFX work, are amazing. The soundtrack also moves you from inside, with gunshots, threats, and the static controller voices ringing in your ears. The background music is addictive and keeps building tension as you progress.
I feel the initial four episodes of the series are very slow and might make you lose interest or doubt the story’s potential. However, the series gradually picks up pace. You can feel the tension between the negotiators and the government rise, the hijackers getting restless, and the composure maintained by Captain Sharan when being held at gunpoint. For those who do not know the entire story, you will gasp at the turn of events and will be left praying for a miracle. Even though many controversies surround the depiction of hijackers and their names, the actual story holds a lot of potential.
Winning Elements:
The terrifying event that shook the entire world is a story that needs to be retold, and the team does the job well. From the directors to the cinematographers and the actors, you will see people giving their best efforts. Even though there are too many characters in the series, you will never feel disconnected from the original story. If you think you know the entire story, watch this series to get a more immersive experience and you’ll feel the tension.
Final Thoughts:
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a powerful and well-executed series that does justice to all the critical moments. It’s a must-watch if you appreciate great storytelling, high production values, some edgy thriller scenes, and a high climax. A great, weekend binge-watch.
