New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has summoned the content head of Netflix, Monika Shergill, to address concerns raised about the web series “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.” The series, directed by Anubhav Sinha, is based on the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC 814 by five terrorists.
The controversy erupted after social media users criticized the series for using the names “Bhola” and “Shankar” for two of the hijackers. These names differ from the real names of the perpetrators, which were widely reported in the media and investigations.
While the makers of the series defended their choice, stating that these were codenames used in the investigation reports, the controversy has intensified. BJP leader Amit Malviya accused the creators of deliberately avoiding mentioning the real names of the hijackers.
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The government’s decision to summon Netflix’s content head has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters of the boycott movement have praised the government’s action, while others have raised concerns about restrictions on creative freedom in India.
The controversy has sparked heated debates on social media, with people arguing from both sides of the political spectrum. The outcome of the meeting between the government and Netflix will be closely watched, as it could potentially set a precedent for future content regulation in India.
The series, which stars Vijay Varma, Pankaj Kapoor, Dia Mirza, Naseeruddin Shah, and Arvind Swamy, has been temporarily removed from Netflix’s Indian platform amid the ongoing controversy.
