IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack (2024) – Review
Director: Anubhav Sinha
Starring: Vijay Varma, Patralekha, Rajiv Thakur, Arvind Swamy, Pankaj Kapur, Naseeruddin Shah, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Aditya Srivastava, and Dia Mirza
Genre: Real Incident – Drama
Language: Hindi
Streaming On: Netflix
Plot Summary:
The series starts with a routine flight from Kathmandu to New Delhi, which turns into a nightmare when five heavily armed hijackers take control of the plane. The show vividly depicts the escalating tension among the 176 passengers and crew and the complex negotiations between the Indian government and the hijackers. The series doesn’t shy away from showing the political and diplomatic pressures faced by the Indian authorities, balancing the urgency of saving lives with the long-term consequences of their decisions.
Characters and Performances:
The series features a strong ensemble cast, with standout performances by the actors portraying the Indian government officials, the flight crew, the hijackers, and the passengers. The character arcs of the passengers, particularly those who take on leadership roles or show immense courage, are well-developed and provide emotional depth to the story. The portrayal of the hijackers is chilling, capturing their cold determination and the fear they instill.
- Vijay Verma: The lead actor Vijay Verma as Caption Sharan Dev stands out with a strong performance as the senior pilot. He portrays resilience and leadership under extreme stress, bringing emotional depth to his role. Her interactions with the passengers and the hijackers are particularly powerful, highlighting the human aspect of the crisis.
- Arvind Swamy, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya: The actors deliver a compelling performance as the Indian government officials. Their portrayal of the immense pressure and moral dilemmas faced during the crisis is nuanced and deeply affecting. They balance calm authority with moments of vulnerability, making their characters both relatable and admirable. Special shout out for Arvind Swamy and Manoj Pahwa
- The supporting cast: Actor Rajiv Thakur playing the hijacker’s leader is chilling in his role. He brings a sense of menace and unpredictability, making the character genuinely terrifying. Patralekha also serves her role with all her best performances. However, Dia Mirza’s character was disappointing because her role was not justified, any other actor could fit this role.
Direction and Writing:
The direction is tight, maintaining suspense throughout the series. The creators have done a commendable job of keeping the narrative focused on the hijacking itself while also providing the necessary backstory including the footage of that time on the geopolitical climate. The writing is sharp, with dialogue that feels authentic and situations that convey the gravity of the crisis. At the end of every episode, you’ll engage to watch the next one and may be comfortable for binge-watch.
Cinematography and Production Design:
Cinematography plays a crucial role in creating the claustrophobic atmosphere inside the plane, with tight shots and dim lighting adding to the tension. The production design accurately recreates the interiors of the aircraft and the various locations involved in the negotiations, from the Prime Minister’s office to the Kandahar airport.
Overall Impression:
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a well-crafted series that effectively captures the tension, fear, and high-stakes drama of the hijacking. It’s both a gripping thriller and a somber reflection on a dark chapter in Indian history. For those interested in real-life drama and geopolitical intrigue, this series is a must-watch.