New Delhi: Netflix has responded to the recent controversy surrounding its web series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack by updating the opening credits. The move comes after criticism over the portrayal of terrorists in the series, where their codenames were interpreted as being of Hindu origin. The updated credits now include the real names of two hijackers, addressing the concerns raised by viewers and officials alike.In an official statement on Tuesday, Monika Shergill, Vice-President of Content at Netflix, explained the update. “For the benefit of audiences unfamiliar with the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814, the opening disclaimer has been updated to include the real and code names of the hijackers. The code names in the series reflect those used during the actual event,” Shergill clarified.We will mention the real names of Kandhar Plane Hijackers - Netflix management pic.twitter.com/zlihyE79MG— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) September 3, 2024Shergill emphasized that, apart from this disclaimer, no further edits have been made to the series. She reiterated Netflixs commitment to authenticity, stating, India has a rich culture of storytelling, and we are committed to showcasing these stories and their authentic representation. The statement was released shortly after Shergill met with officials from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, where she defended the platforms approach and provided context for the decision to use the codenames.IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a dramatization of the real-life 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight, directed by Anubhav Sinha. The hijacking, carried out by five terrorists, led to a seven-day standoff, eventually culminating in the release of three high-profile terrorists by the then BJP-led government.Boycott trendThe series has faced backlash, particularly on social media, with some accusing it of misrepresenting the Hindu community. Hashtags like #BoycottNetflix trended, as critics claimed the series was attempting to whitewash terrorism by using Hindu-sounding codenames for the terrorists.The real names of the hijackers, as recorded by the government, are Ibrahim Athar, Shahid Akhtar Sayeed, Sunny Ahmed Qazi, Zahoor Mistry, and Shakir—all members of the Pakistan-based terrorist group Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM). The series, which continues to stream on Netflix, features prominent actors including Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Varma, and Dia Mirza
