IC 814 Review: ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack Story’ marks Anubhav Sinha’s series debut and is now available on Netflix. With a stellar cast including Vijay Varma, Naseeruddin Shah, and Pankaj Kapur, does this series based on true events meet expectations? Read the review to find out.
Review of ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack Story’: Now Streaming on Netflix
A routine flight from Kathmandu to Delhi with 170 passengers on board—a mix of children, pregnant women, senior citizens, and everyday people—quickly turned into a nightmare. What should have been a simple two-hour journey stretched into an agonizing ordeal lasting over a week, with the passengers never knowing when they would see daylight again.
This true story of the longest hijack in Indian history has now been brought to the screen as a gripping series. Director Anubhav Sinha, along with a talented team and an exceptional cast, has crafted a compelling hostage drama that will keep viewers hooked for nearly four hours.
Watch the trailer here:
Sinha, who also co-created the show with Trishant Srivastava, faced the enormous challenge of weaving this intense story into a cohesive and engaging narrative. The writing team, including Srivastava, journalist Adrian Levy, and Soumya Tiwari, relied on meticulous research to capture the intricate details of the hijack. Sinha’s seasoned directorial skills shine as he masterfully brings all the elements together, transforming the script into a powerful final product.
The series also benefits from real footage interspersed throughout, lending authenticity and deepening the audience’s connection to the events. The narrative explores the political complexities of the situation without taking sides, a departure from Sinha’s usual approach. The final episode, in particular, leaves viewers with thought-provoking questions about the decisions made by government officials and whether a perfect solution was ever possible.
Sharp editing, impactful dialogues, and a tense musical score enhance the viewing experience, while the camerawork skillfully captures the action within the confined space of the aircraft.
The cast, including Vijay Varma, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Manoj Pahwa, Arvind Swami, Anupam Tripathi, Dia Mirza, Patralekhaa, Amrita Puri, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, and Kumud Mishra, delivers outstanding performances. Although some have limited screen time, their contributions elevate the series. Varma excels as the captain, portraying the tension and dilemma of ensuring the passengers’ safety while under duress. Pahwa’s dark humor during negotiation scenes adds depth, and Tripathi’s portrayal of Agent Ram, determined to prevent the hijack, is particularly satisfying.
The series also subtly critiques the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists, especially when national security is at stake. It explores the difficulty of balancing the pursuit of truth with the responsibility of safeguarding sensitive information.
If you’re a fan of hostage dramas and political thrillers, “IC 814” is a must-watch. This is a series that demands serious attention, making it perfect for viewers seeking a well-crafted, intense viewing experience.
Star Cast: Vijay Varma, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Kumud Mishra
Director: Anubhav Sinha
4 out of 5 stars to IC814
