Netflix’s IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack: Release Date, Cast & More

Netflix’s IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack: Release Date, Cast & More

As someone who’s always been captivated by the intricacies of history and the human spirit, I am genuinely thrilled about Netflix’s upcoming series, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. This six-episode limited series, set to premiere on August 29, promises to delve into one of the most gripping aviation crises in history – a tale that has long resonated with me and many others who have a penchant for such narratives.


Netflix’s forthcoming series, “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack,” is set to immerse viewers in a tense retelling of one of the most dramatic aviation emergencies in history. Expected to premiere this week, the limited series will delve into the heart-stopping hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 that made headlines worldwide in 1999. As excitement for IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack grows, here’s what you should know about Vijay Varma’s upcoming series.

What is Netflix’s IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’s release date?

The Kandahar Hijack will make its premiere solely on Netflix starting from August 29, 2024. This series is a dramatic retelling of the infamous hijacking incident that took place on December 24, 1999. On that tragic day, Indian Airlines Flight 814, traveling from Kathmandu to Delhi, was taken over by five terrorists.

The hijackers successfully made the plane land at various spots in South Asia and the Middle East over a period of seven days before finally resolving the crisis in Kandahar, Afghanistan. This terrifying incident, which has been extensively covered in books and documentaries, is now being transformed into its first long-format series. Essentially, Netflix’s IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a six-episode limited series that will not have a second season.

This show is helmed by Anubhav Sinha, renowned for his thought-provoking films such as Thappad and Article 15. Now, he ventures into the realm of streaming with this particular production. Alongside Trishant Srivastava, who has a successful track record in projects like Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga and Jamtara: Sabka Number Ayega, Sinha co-created and co-wrote the series. Matchbox Shots, recognized for their work on Monica, O My Darling, and Scoop, is responsible for its production. The show is based on the book Flight Into Fear by Captain Devi Sharan and Srinjoy Chowdhury.

The Netflix summary describes an ordinary flight that, as it climbed into the winter sky, was seized by hijackers, marking a significant turning point in Indian aviation history. Inside the plane, passengers grew increasingly anxious as the aircraft made unexpected landings in four different countries during the night. Meanwhile, negotiators worked feverishly against time to guarantee the safety of the 189 individuals aboard.

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Is Vijay Varma’s new series based on a true story?

Indeed, IC 814: Kandahar Hijack is inspired by a real-life event. One of the most impactful and gripping incidents in Indian aviation chronicles is the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814. This flight, an Airbus A300, was seized by five terrorists soon after departure from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. The hijackers compelled the plane to touch down in Amritsar, Lahore, Dubai, and eventually Kandahar, Afghanistan. Lasting seven days, this ordeal concluded with the discharge of three terrorists as a ransom for the hostages. Regrettably, one passenger, Rupin Katyal, lost his life during these events.

As a gamer diving deep into this captivating narrative, I’ve found that it’s woven from a rich tapestry of accounts. The chilling memoir of Captain Devi Sharan, titled “Flight Into Fear,” is one such source. Another is the account penned by flight engineer Anil Kumar Jaggia, both offering unique perspectives. Furthermore, I’ve delved into insights from top-tier Indian officials who played crucial roles in the rescue operations, like A.S. Dulat and Ajit Doval, whose experiences shed light on the intricate negotiations and strategies that unfolded during this crisis.

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In the movie based on the Kandahar Hijack, we have a talented group portraying the key characters embroiled in the crisis. Actor Vijay Varma, famed for his roles in Darlings and Murder Mubarak, will portray Captain Sharan Dev. Actress Patralekha, known from Wild Wild Punjab, assumes the role of flight attendant Indrani. Actress Dia Mirza, celebrated for her work in Thappad, will play Shalini Chandra, a newspaper editor.

The Netflix series features a strong ensemble of secondary actors as well. Among them are Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Arvind Swami, and Anupam Tripathi, who gained recognition in Squid Game.

Consequently, the Netflix series set for release on August 29 provides an extensive portrayal of the 1999 hijacking incident.

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2024-08-28 13:40