Docu-drama ‘IC 814: The Kandahar’ Captivates but Fails to Maintain Momentum.

The series is inspired by a book co-authored by Captain Devi Sharan, who served as the lead pilot of the plane.

How has Hindi cinema portrayed the 1999 Kandahar Hijack over the years? Films like ‘Zameen’ (2003) have fictionalized the events, while ‘Hijack’ (2008) incorporates elements of the real incident but transforms it into a rescue thriller. In contrast, ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ aims to provide a fact-based retelling of the harrowing seven days that terrorized the 200 passengers on board and the Indian government’s efforts to negotiate with the hijackers. The show draws inspiration from a book co-written by Captain Devi Sharan, the head pilot of the flight. However, simply having a basis in reality isn’t enough for a compelling narrative. Ultimately, the series falls short of being more than just a straightforward recounting of events, presenting them in a somewhat sensationalized manner. It kicks off with a typical documentary-style voiceover that uses stock footage to set the scene, which feels like a missed chance to create real drama and tension. Instead of building excitement through storytelling, the hijack is presented in a more journalistic style. When we finally meet Captain Sharan Dev (Vijay Varma) and the flight attendants Indrani (Patralekhaa Paul) and Chhaya (Additi Gupta Chopra), their backstories are introduced briefly to foster some relatability, but this doesn’t cultivate a strong emotional connection. This lack of depth in character introduction also affects the portrayal of the hijackers, who lack the menacing presence required for their roles. While the visuals and sleek cinematography are appealing, they don’t evoke the emotional weight needed, as the writing fails to delve into the motivations behind the characters.

In this show, Anubhav takes a break from his usual political films. While serious global politics are involved, he opts for a straightforward storytelling approach. However, there’s a lack of depth in exploring the perspectives of the hijackers. The brief mentions of complex geopolitical issues and the resulting trauma come off as more awkward than impactful. A more nuanced understanding of the ‘other’ could have enriched the narrative.

Having directed films like ‘Dus’ (2005) and ‘Cash’ (2007), Anubhav Sinha is familiar with handling ensemble casts. Since then, his filmmaking sensibilities have evolved, and his recent works since 2018 reflect a clearer vision. In this series, he successfully creates an engaging portrayal of the tragic hijacking events. Nevertheless, something feels lacking in the overall execution.

Series: IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack

Director: Anubhav Sinha

Cast: Vijay Varma, Pankaj Kapur, Naseeruddin Shah, Arvind Swami, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Kumud Mishra, Dia Mirza

Streamer: Netflix

Rating: 2.5/5