IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a 2024 Indian Hindi-language crime thriller series that dramatizes the real-life hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in December 1999. Directed by Anubhav Sinha and written by Adrian Levy and Trishant Srivastava the series offers a detailed retelling of the harrowing eight-day ordeal, providing perspectives from the flight crew, passengers, Indian intelligence and media coverage.

The story follows the passengers’ harrowing ordeal, the Indian government’s tense negotiations, and the plane’s landing in Taliban-controlled Kandahar. Amid ethical dilemmas and mounting pressure, India agrees to release three terrorists to save the hostages, leading to emotional reunions but long-term consequences, including future terror attacks. This gripping series highlights the human resilience and geopolitical challenges of combating terrorism.

The hijacking and the ensuing emotional and diplomatic chaos are vividly portrayed in the series. It boasts an impressive cast, with Vijay Varma playing the role of flight captain Sharan Dev, Patralekha as flight attendant Indrani, and Dia Mirza portraying newspaper editor Shalini Chandra.

Supporting performances come from the likes of Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Arvind Swami, and Anupam Tripathi. The storyline immerses the audience in the fear, hope, and desperation felt by the passengers and their families, while also showcasing the tense, high-pressure negotiations led by Indian government officials.

Episode 1: The Takeoff

The series begins with Flight IC 814 departing from Kathmandu, introducing passengers, crew, and hijackers posing as travelers. Moments after entering Indian airspace, the terrorists seize the plane, setting off chaos onboard and igniting a national emergency.

Episode 2: Escalation

The hijackers force the plane to land in Amritsar, Lahore, and Dubai, evading Indian interception. Passengers endure fear and uncertainty as some are freed in Dubai. The hijackers’ demands—a prisoner release—are revealed, while tensions rise within the Indian government.

Episode 3: Kandahar

The plane lands in Kandahar, Afghanistan, under Taliban control. Hostages are pushed to their breaking point, while Indian negotiators struggle against the Taliban’s support for the hijackers. Families of the passengers plead for action, putting immense pressure on officials.

Episode 4: Negotiations

Intense discussions within the Indian government reveal the ethical and political dilemmas at play. After days of deadlock, the release of three militants, including Maulana Masood Azhar, is approved to save the hostages. The final hours are marked by mounting suspense.

Episode 5: Aftermath

The series concludes with the hostages’ release and their emotional reunions with families. However, India faces widespread criticism for its handling of the crisis. The escape of the hijackers and freed militants underscores the lasting consequences, including future terror attacks.

Series Overview:

  • Genre: Drama and Thriller
  • Languages: Hindi
  • Seasons:1
  • Platform: Netflix
  • Director:Anubhav Sinha

Cast:

Girish Dhameja, Vijay Varma, Additi Gupta, Naseeruddin Shah, Rajiv Thakur, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Pooja Gor, Aditya Srivastava, Karan Desai, Anupam Tripathi, Dia Mirza, Harminder Singh, Kumud Mishra, Diljohn Singh, Arvind Swamy, Pankaj Kapur, Amrita Puri, Patralekhaa, Manoj Pahwa, Kanwaljit Singh

Where to watch: IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack series is now streaming on Netflix.

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