Anubhav Sinha's "IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack," a six-episode crime thriller drama mini-series, premiered on Netflix on August 29, 2024, and quickly became the most-watched show on the platform in the first week of September. The series revisits the harrowing events of the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814, an incident that shook India's security and intelligence apparatus.

Sinha, known for his socio-politically charged films like "Mulk," "Article 15," "Anek," and "Bheed," delves into the complexities of the hijacking, which involved five terrorists taking control of the Airbus shortly after its departure from Kathmandu en route to Delhi. The plane was rerouted to several locations, including Amritsar, Lahore, and Dubai, before finally landing in Kandahar, Afghanistan, then under Taliban rule.

According to Sinha, what drew him to the story was not merely the dramatization of the event itself, but the reactions and management of the crisis by individuals both inside and outside the plane. He was particularly interested in understanding how authorities in different countries responded and the strategies they implemented to address the hijacking.

The series, adapted from the book "Flight Into Fear" by Devi Sharan and Srinjoy Chowdhury, features an ensemble cast including Vijay Varma, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Dia Mirza, and Arvind Swamy. Sinha stated that he aimed for truthfulness in his portrayal, avoiding the glorification or condemnation of any particular individual. He emphasized that the series presents a fresh perspective on the events, acknowledging the various versions and unanswered questions surrounding the conspiracy.

Shortly after its release, "IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack" became a subject of controversy, with some viewers accusing the series of misrepresenting the religious identities of the hijackers and whitewashing the role of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Critics pointed to the use of code names like "Bhola" and "Shankar" by the terrorists, alleging that it was an attempt to conceal their Muslim identities. However, it has been clarified that these were the actual code names used by the terrorists from the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen group, as confirmed by a statement from the Home Ministry dated January 6, 2000.

Despite the controversies, "IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack" has garnered positive reviews, with critics praising its grounded approach and even distribution of tension. Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV lauded the series as one of the best web series of the year, while Shubham Kulkarni of OTT Play commended Sinha's decision to honor everyone involved in saving themselves. Divya Raje Bhonsale of Mathrubhumi praised the series' impressive cast and razor-sharp script.

Adding to the show's success, Sinha revealed that Netflix informed him that "IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack" had brought back binge-watching, with many viewers watching the entire series twice. This indicates the series' gripping narrative and ability to keep audiences engaged.

However, the series has also faced criticism for its historical accuracy, with some experts and passengers pointing out inconsistencies in the portrayal of events. These include the role of the ISI, RAW intelligence, and the humanization of the terrorists. Some critics argue that the series downplays the terror experienced by the passengers and unfairly portrays the hijackers, who were responsible for the death of Rupin Katyal, a passenger who was killed during the hijacking.