Anubhav Sinha's web series ‘IC814: The Kandahar Hijack’ recently released on Netflix, has been embroiled in controversy. The series uses Hindu names for terrorists instead of their real names, causing outrage among viewers. Additionally, attempts to portray a human side of the terrorists and depict the Indian government’s stance negatively have led to severe criticism of the series. Amid this controversy, Monica Shergill, Netflix India's content head, has assured the Indian government that the company will be more sensitive about its content in the future.
Controversy Began with Hindu Names for Terrorists : Anubhav Sinha's web series ‘IC814: The Kandahar Hijack’ sparked controversy by using pseudonyms with Hindu names for the terrorists, such as 'Bhola' and 'Shankar,' instead of their real names. This has not only outraged the nation but has also been perceived by many as a calculated conspiracy against the Hindu community. The series depicts the terrorists with a humanitarian perspective, showing them apologizing to passengers and promising to help the plane's captain. This portrayal seems aimed at sending a misleading message that terrorists also have human sides and certain compulsions, which has led to a negative image among the viewers.
The Indian Government's Stance and Warning to Netflix : Following the controversy surrounding the web series, the Indian government took the matter seriously and issued a summons to Netflix India. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) made it clear to the company that any tampering with national sentiments would not be tolerated. After a lengthy one-hour meeting, Netflix's content head, Monica Shergill, assured the government that the company would be more vigilant regarding its content in the future. She also stated that Netflix would review its new releases, keeping in mind the needs of children and respecting national sentiments. In light of this incident, other OTT platforms have also been under pressure to be more sensitive about their content.
The Story of the Series: The 1999 Hijacking Incident‘ : IC814: The Kandahar Hijack’ is a web series based on the 1999 hijacking incident when terrorists from Harkat-ul-Mujahideen hijacked an Indian plane and took it to Taliban-controlled Kandahar. This event shook the entire nation, as the Indian government had to release three terrorists in exchange for the release of the passengers. The series attempts to portray that the terrorists did not intend to harm the passengers and that their actions were merely a step to ensure the release of their comrades. Such a narrative not only trivializes this grave incident but also distorts the image of the terrorists, posing a threat to national security and human values.
Netflix's Assurance: Future Vigilance : After the controversy over the web series, Netflix India clarified that they would be more sensitive about their content in the future. Monica Shergill stated that the company respects national sentiments and would review all its new content to avoid any misunderstandings. She also mentioned that Netflix would consider the mental development of children and the need for suitable content for them. Following this assurance, it is hoped that Netflix and other OTT platforms will be more cautious in avoiding such controversies and will not send wrong messages to society.
Anubhav Sinha's Direction: Controversial Films and Series: Anubhav Sinha has previously directed several controversial films and series, such as ‘Mulk’, ‘Article 15’, ‘Bheed’, and ‘Thappad’. His films often highlight social issues, but sometimes they cross boundaries and become embroiled in controversies. ‘IC814: The Kandahar Hijack’ is also part of this trend, where terrorists are presented in a humane light, sending a misleading message among viewers. Many questions have been raised about his direction, asking what objectives he has in mind while creating such content and why he repeatedly brings sensitive issues to the fore, trying to stir up controversy in society.
Conclusion: The Responsibility of OTT Platforms : This controversy indicates that OTT platforms need to exercise more caution in selecting their content. They must ensure that the content they present does not cause any misunderstanding or controversy in society. In a diverse country like India, where religion, culture, and civilization have their own significance, it is the responsibility of OTT platforms to present such issues with sensitivity and respect the sentiments of all sections of society. Netflix India's assurance is a positive step, but it needs to be translated into actions rather than just words to avoid such controversies in the future and maintain unity and harmony in society.
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