Read our review of IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, a gripping crime thriller drama mini-series on Netflix, based on the true events of the 1999 Indian Airlines Flight 814 hijacking.
IMDb Rating: 5.4/10
A Gripping Crime Thriller Drama Mini-Series
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a captivating crime thriller drama mini-series that revisits the shocking true events of the 1999 Indian Airlines Flight 814 hijacking. With its global premiere on Netflix on August 29, 2024, this intense series boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Vijay Varma, Dia Mirza, and Arvind Swamy.
Authentic and Engaging
The series has received positive reviews from critics, with Saibal Chatterjee (NDTV) praising it as “authentic and to the point.” Shubham Kulkarni (OTT Play) notes that the show “doesn’t forcefully create a hero… Anubhav Sinha wins exactly there.” Divya Raje Bhonsale (Mathrubhumi) calls it “a gripping Netflix series… Must-watch for fans of historical dramas.”
Taut Execution and Strong Script
Bollywood Hungama praises the show’s “taut execution, strong script, and ensemble cast,” making it a “must-watch.” Sukanya Verma notes that the series “begins by asking why the hijack lasted seven days and ends in wondering if the good guys fought the bad ones hard enough.”
Holistic and Accurate Portrayal
Devansh Sharma (Hindustan Times) commends the show for pulling off the “Herculean task of telling a historical hijack story through a holistic, accurate, and non-judgemental lens.” Anuj Kumar (The Hindu) praises the show for recreating the story “with precision, fairness, and a touch of humanity.”
Negative Reviews
However, not all reviews have been positive. Shreyas Pande (Cinema Express) finds the show lacking, saying “something seems amiss… leaves you curious, but nothing more, nothing less.” Manak Gupta (News24) criticizes the plot, saying it “neither did I feel the depth in it nor did it do justice to the country and the victims.” Vir Sanghvi slams the filmmakers for being naive and misleading, suggesting a whitewashed portrayal of an ISI operation.
Cast and Crew
The show features an impressive ensemble cast, including Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Vijay Varma, Dia Mirza, and Arvind Swamy. The show is directed by Anubhav Sinha and written by Adrian Levy and Trishant Srivastava.
Controversy and Disclaimer
The show has sparked controversy over the names of the hijackers, with Netflix later updating its disclaimer to include the real and code names of the hijackers. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has also been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking a ban on the Netflix series.
Conclusion
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a gripping crime thriller drama mini-series that is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With its authentic and engaging portrayal of the 1999 Indian Airlines Flight 814 hijacking, this show is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas.
Watch it on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/in/title/81265803
Total Episodes: 6
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Drama
Release Date: August 29, 2024