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The Indian entertainment industry, particularly the realm of streaming services and cinema, finds itself at the center of a growing debate surrounding content sensitivity and the portrayal of historical events. Netflix India, a dominant player in the OTT space, has recently come under scrutiny for its web series 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack,' which revisits the 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight. The series, directed by Anubhav Sinha, has sparked outrage due to its portrayal of the hijackers, with critics alleging that the use of names like 'Bhola' and 'Shankar,' traditionally associated with Lord Shiva, misrepresents their identities and offends Hindu sentiments.
The controversy surrounding 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack' has escalated into a public discourse, with prominent figures taking sides. BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya accused the filmmakers of furthering an agenda to whitewash the crimes of Pakistani terrorists by giving them Hindu names. On the other side, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Shiv Sena-UBT leader Priyanka Chaturvedi argued that the outrage was selective and pointed out inconsistencies in demands for historical accuracy in cinema. Social media platforms saw the emergence of hashtags like #BoycottNetflix and #BoycottBollywood, with users expressing their disapproval of what they perceive as a rewriting of history. However, a Union Home Ministry document released in 1999 reveals that the hijackers indeed used nicknames like 'Bhola' and 'Shankar' while onboard the plane, suggesting that the series may have drawn inspiration from real events.
In a parallel development, Kangana Ranaut's upcoming film 'Emergency,' which chronicles the 21-month emergency imposed in India from 1975 to 1977, has also faced scrutiny. The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), a leading Sikh religious body, raised objections to the film, leading to a delay in its release while the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) addresses their concerns. Ranaut, who stars as former prime minister Indira Gandhi in the film, expressed her frustration with the censorship, arguing that it was 'hugely demotivating and unjust' that only those who make films on historical facts face such scrutiny. This highlights the growing tension between artistic freedom and historical accuracy in Indian cinema. The controversy surrounding 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack' and 'Emergency' underscores the delicate balance between creative expression and public sensitivities. While filmmakers strive to tell compelling stories, their work often invites scrutiny and debate, particularly when it delves into sensitive historical events or portrays controversial figures.
Source: "Content According To Nation's Sentiments": Centre-Netflix Meet On IC 814 Series