Mumbai: As a routine flight ascended into the winter sky, an announcement signaled the beginning of a hijack that would change Indian aviation history forever. Inside, passengers faced mounting terror as the aircraft made emergency landings in four countries overnight. Meanwhile, negotiators outside raced against the clock to ensure the safety of 189 onboard. Launching on August 29, the newly released trailer of Netflix’s IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack unveils the high-stakes drama and begs the question: Do we truly know all that transpired in those seven days?
Produced by Matchbox Shots in association with Benaras Mediaworks, Anubhav Sinha’s directorial streaming debut is inspired by real events. Adapted from the book “Flight Into Fear” by Captain Devi Sharan and Srinjoy Chowdhury, the series also looks to capture the heart of negotiations, unveiling the diplomacy within Delhi’s War Room and the tense exchanges at Kandahar’s Negotiation Station.
Monika Shergill, VP content, Netflix India said, “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a gripping tale that chronicles one of the longest hijackings in Indian history, offering a real account of a colossal international crisis. Directed by the master filmmaker Anubhav Sinha, known for his gritty and realistic cinema, the series doesn’t just recount the events; it immerses you in the emotional whirlwind of a nation gripped by fear, hope, and desperation. The powerful storytelling, combined with stunning visual effects and heart-stopping performances by a stellar cast, makes this a must-watch.”
“Twenty-seven years since I made a series ‘Sea Hawks’, Netflix and Matchbox Shots made me an offer I couldn’t refuse, to tell the story of IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.“ Trishant, the writer, and I dived in thinking most of the information is available online. Documentaries and vlogs have been made, articles have been written, so we wanted to sink our teeth deeper for a more succulent bite. We met officials engaged in running the rescue mission from Delhi, and passengers and the crew told us the story inside the aircraft. Adrian Levy, an eminent journalist, author and filmmaker from London came on board and an all-new international canvas unfolded before us. What went on across those seven days turned out to be a compelling story that cuts through chilling and thrilling tactical and diplomatic manoeuvres that had to be told. The viewers must know this story that has never been told inside out before with a cast I don’t know if I can put together again” director-creator Anubhav Sinha shares.
Producer Sanjay Routray of Matchbox Shots said, “Building on our continued success with Netflix, with Monica, O My Darling, and Scoop, we are thrilled to announce a series we have tirelessly been working on for the past 5 years: IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. With Anubhav Sinha’s masterful direction and Netflix’s global reach, we are confident that the series will move viewers across the world to appreciate the bravery and resilience of the Indians who showed immense courage during the Kandahar hijack.”
The series features actors, including Naseeruddin Shah and Pankaj Kapur, joined by an ensemble comprising Vijay Varma, Arvind Swami, Dia Mirza, Patralekhaa, Amrita Puri, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Anupam Tripathi, Kanwaljeet Singh, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Sushant Singh, Aditya Srivastava, Rajeev Thakur and Yashpal Sharma.
