Netflix has just released the trailer for “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack,” a gripping new series directed by Anubhav Sinha that revisits one of the longest and most harrowing hijackings in Indian aviation history. Premiering on 29th August, the series promises to take viewers deep into the heart of the crisis that unfolded both in the skies and on the ground, as negotiators scrambled to save 189 passengers.
The hijacking, which took place in the winter of 1999, saw a routine flight suddenly thrust into chaos as the aircraft was forced to make emergency landings in four different countries over the course of a single night. The passengers, caught in a nightmare scenario, faced mounting terror, while the Indian government engaged in high-stakes negotiations to bring them home safely.
“IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack” is produced by Matchbox Shots in collaboration with Benaras Mediaworks and is based on the book “Flight Into Fear” by Captain Devi Sharan and Srinjoy Chowdhury. The series not only recounts the events inside the plane but also delves into the intense diplomatic efforts in Delhi’s War Room and the nerve-wracking negotiations at Kandahar’s Negotiation Station.
Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, described the series as “a gripping tale that chronicles one of the longest hijackings in Indian history, offering a real account of a colossal international crisis.” She praised Sinha’s direction, noting that the series goes beyond simply recounting the events to immersing viewers in the emotional turmoil of a nation held in suspense. “The powerful storytelling, combined with stunning visual effects and heart-stopping performances by a stellar cast, makes this a must-watch,” she added.
Anubhav Sinha, known for his realistic and hard-hitting cinema, expressed his excitement about the project, said, “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.” Sinha also shared that while much of the information about the hijack is available online, his team went further by meeting officials involved in the rescue mission and hearing firsthand accounts from passengers and crew. “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,” he said.
Sanjay Routray of Matchbox Shots highlighted the extensive work that has gone into the series over the past five years, said, “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 a star-studded cast including legendary actors Naseeruddin Shah and Pankaj Kapur, alongside Vijay Varma, Arvind Swami, Dia Mirza, Patralekhaa, and others.
Watch the trailer here:
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