A Chillingly Realistic Look at India’s Darkest Hour: IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack
The world watches with bated breath as nations grapple with terrorism, a global threat that has shaken the world to its core. Films and television shows often rely on jingoistic tones and melodramatic storytelling to depict these events, but Netflix’s latest original series, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, takes a refreshingly dispassionate approach, offering a chillingly realistic look at a pivotal moment in Indian history. The series transports viewers back to December 1999, when five terrorists hijacked an Indian Airlines flight en route from Kathmandu to Delhi, holding the passengers hostage for eight harrowing days. This event, etched in the annals of Indian history as a sobering reminder of the country’s vulnerability, is brought to life with a gripping narrative that doesn’t shy away from the stark reality of the situation.
A Gripping Narrative of Chaos and Hope
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack unravels the horrifying events of the hijack, meticulously portraying the chaos both on board the plane and on the ground as the nation teetered on the brink. From the meticulous planning of the hijack to the agonizing consequences, the series presents a compelling and well-paced retelling. Each episode is crisp and focused, eschewing unnecessary tropes and subplots that often clutter similar narratives.
A Balanced Approach to History
While historical accounts can often fall into the trap of overwhelming information or simplistic generalizations, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack expertly balances these extremes. The narrative judiciously utilizes voiceovers to provide context and clarity without overwhelming the audience with jargon. The series avoids the pitfalls of historical documentaries, which often become dry and monotone, and equally avoids Bollywood’s penchant for utopian narratives, where political figures deliver sentimental speeches to criminals.
Despite delving into complex issues of terrorism, foreign relations, and geopolitical tensions, the series maintains a conversational tone, avoiding a purely academic approach. The well-placed voiceovers act as an engaging dialogue between the filmmakers and the viewers, offering insights and explanations without interrupting the flow. While a similar approach was attempted in Imtiaz Ali’s Amar Singh Chamkila, it didn’t quite resonate for all viewers. Thankfully, the biopic’s fragmented storytelling isn’t a problem in IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.
A Humanizing Portrayal of Terror and Resilience
The series transcends the usual tropes of depicting terrorists as one-dimensional villains. It presents a nuanced understanding of human behavior in extreme circumstances. There’s a scene where a terrorist plays antakshari with passengers, and another where he offers a light to the pilot and consoles a nauseated air hostess. This humanizing portrayal underscores that even within the darkest depths of violence and fear, individuals can still exhibit unexpected acts of compassion.
The show also poignantly depicts the desperation and despair faced by passengers and crew members trapped on board the aircraft for seven days. One particularly impactful scene portrays a flight attendant cleaning a filthy, overflowing toilet due to lack of space. The disturbing imagery serves as a powerful reminder of the dire conditions endured by those confined and the psychological toll they faced.
Beyond the Screen: Accuracy and Attention to Detail
The series is a testament to the filmmakers’ meticulous research and dedication to accuracy. It faithfully reflects the real-life experiences documented in Captain Devi Sharan’s book, incorporating archival footage that brings the past vividly to life. We see Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee condemning the hijack, grieving families protesting at airports, and news anchors reporting on the officials’ helplessness.
The recreated scenes are remarkably accurate, replicating original footage down to the positioning, camera angles, and even gestures. We see the real Jaswant Singh (then the Minister of External Affairs) addressing the media about the hijack, followed by a recreated version of the scene featuring Pankaj Kapur in the same role. Kapur’s convincing performance and meticulous attention to detail make the recreation truly breathtaking.
Sinha and Shrivastava opted to change the names of officials and passengers to prioritize privacy and avoid any potential conflicts, showcasing a commitment to ethical storytelling.
Technical Shortcomings and Missed Opportunities
Despite its successes, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack isn’t without its flaws. While the overall dark tone of the series can be understood given the subject matter, the visual quality suffers in some scenes. Scenes depicting meetings between bureaucrats, notably, struggle with poor lighting and shoddy editing, creating an almost ghostly, ethereal effect that detracts from the seriousness of the dialogue and the decisions being made.
The excessive use of teal and orange hues in the color grading further contributes to a distracting visual experience, hindering the viewers’ ability to fully engage with the scene. It’s a missed opportunity, considering the subject matter calls for a more grounded, realistic approach.
The visual representation of the turbulent IC 814 flight is another technical misstep. The excessive shakiness of the frame evokes an amateurish feel, reminiscent of vintage filmmaking techniques. While the intention might have been to convey a sense of urgency, the effect could have been achieved with more sophisticated visual effects.
These technical shortcomings are a stark contrast to the excellent set design and props. The series features authentic Maruti Suzukis, vintage radios, classic briefcases, and even the fashion trends of the 90s, creating an immersive and genuine experience.
A Timely Reminder
Despite a few technical shortcomings, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a compelling and memorable series that raises vital questions about national security, public safety, and bureaucratic shortcomings. It serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from negligence and systemic weaknesses. The series creates a sense of urgency without resorting to finger-pointing.
However, the most pressing question remains: have we learned our lesson? Is the Kandahar hijack a hard-earned lesson, or merely a dark chapter in history? While there have been no airplane hijackings in India since IC 814, Sinha’s series reminds us of the importance of proactively identifying and addressing vulnerabilities.
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a must-watch series for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in Indian history. It’s a powerful reminder of the fragility of peace and the constant need for vigilance in the face of evolving threats.
Rating: 8/10
