High-Stakes Netflix Drama ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ From Anubhav Sinha Unveils Trailer (EXCLUSIVE)

As a film enthusiast with a penchant for historical dramas and political intrigue, the trailer for “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack” has me absolutely thrilled! Having grown up hearing tales of this harrowing ordeal, I can’t wait to see it unfold on screen.


Netflix India has revealed the initial teaser for their forthcoming series titled “IC 814: The Kandahar Hostage Crisis.”

Title-grabbing event took place in December 1999. During that time, an Indian Airlines plane was seized by extremists as it journeyed from Kathmandu to New Delhi. This plane made several stopovers: Amritsar, India; Lahore, Pakistan; Dubai and Kandahar, Afghanistan. This ordeal lasted for seven consecutive days.

The play, based on the novel “Flight Into Fear” penned by Captain Devi Sharan and Srinjoy Chowdhury, delves into a crisis through various perspectives, providing a complex portrayal of the event. It depicts the nerve-wracking discussions in Delhi’s War Room, the delicate political maneuvers at the Taliban-held Kandahar, and the harrowing experience endured by both passengers and crew members trapped on the hijacked plane.

The show features a talented lineup of actors such as Vijay Varma from “Dahaad”, Patralekhaa from “Aar Ya Paar”, seasoned veterans like Pankaj Kapur from “Bheed” and Naseeruddin Shah from “Minimum”, Arvind Swami from “Custody”, Dia Mirza from “Bheed”, Amrita Puri from “Neeyat”, Anupam Tripathi known for “Squid Game”, Kumud Mishra from “Tiger 3”, Manoj Pahwa from “Bawaal”, Kanwaljeet Singh from “Mrs”, Dibyendu Bhattacharya from “Poacher”, Sushant Singh from “The Freelancer”, Aditya Srivastava from “Bhakshak”, Rajeev Thakur and Yashpal Sharma from “Chandu Champion”.

The show “Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga” was developed by Anubhav Sinha and Trishant Srivastava, with Sinha taking on the director’s role. The narrative is the work of Adrian Levy and Trishant Srivastava. Production companies involved are Matchbox Shots and Benaras Mediaworks, with Sarita Patil and Sanjay Routray serving as producers.

Among the films directed by Sinha that explore societal and political themes are “Bheed” from 2023, “Anek” released in 2022, “Article 15” from 2019, and “Mulk” produced in 2018. After a 27-year break, he is back to producing series for television, having previously worked on DD Metro’s “Sea Hawks.”

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t contain my excitement when I tell you that Netflix and Matchbox Shots have presented me with an opportunity I simply couldn’t turn down – the chance to narrate the gripping tale of ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.’ My writing partner Trishant and I eagerly dove in, believing that most of the necessary information was readily accessible online. We’ve seen numerous documentaries, read countless articles, and watched countless vlogs on the subject – yet we were determined to delve even deeper, seeking a more substantial and satisfying exploration.

“Sinha spoke about meeting officials involved in the rescue operation from Delhi, who shared their experiences within the aircraft. Later, Adrian Levy, a renowned journalist and filmmaker from London, joined us on board, revealing an entirely new international perspective. The events that transpired over those seven days proved to be a gripping tale that combines both chilling and exhilarating tactical and diplomatic strategies. Sinha believes this untold story should be shared with the public, as it may be challenging to recreate the cast again.”

Sanjay Routray from Matchbox Shots, the production company responsible for recent Netflix India hits like “Monica, O My Darling” and “Scoop,” stated: “Under Anubhav Sinha’s skilled guidance and Netflix’s expansive distribution network, we are optimistic that this series will captivate audiences globally by showcasing the bravery and resilience of Indians who displayed extraordinary courage during the Kandahar hijack.”

Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, stated: “This series doesn’t merely retell events; it plunges you into the tumultuous emotional vortex of a nation experiencing fear, hope, and despair. The compelling storyline, coupled with breathtaking visuals and gripping performances by an exceptional cast, makes it essential viewing.”

The series streams from Aug. 29.

Watch the trailer here:

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2024-08-19 08:46