Vikrant Shekhawat : Sep 03, 2024, 05:51 PM
The Kandahar Hijack: The recent series 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack', which streamed on Netflix on August 29, has sparked a major controversy among viewers and experts. The controversy has erupted over the changes made to the names and facts of terrorists in this web series. The series has also been accused of presenting terrorists in human form, which has now become a national issue.The gap between truth and fictionThe controversy over the names of terrorists in 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack' made this series a major topic of discussion. The makers of this series are accused of replacing the real names of the terrorists with Hindu names like 'Bhola' and 'Shankar', creating an unusual and misleading image. What is even more worrying is that an attempt has been made to show the terrorists as human in the series, which many people have considered against the truth.Action by the Union Ministry of Information and BroadcastingAmidst this growing controversy, the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting summoned Monica Shergill, head of Netflix India. On Monday, the ministry issued a summons to the head of Netflix India, after which Monica Shergill appeared before the ministry and gave full details of the case. The ministry has taken a big decision on this issue and has instructed Netflix India to improve the series.Changes to be made in the seriesMonica Shergill has clarified that now a disclaimer will be added at the beginning of the series, clearly stating the real and code names of the hijackers. She said, "For viewers unfamiliar with the hijacking incident of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in 1999, the series will be updated to include the real and code names of the hijackers along with the opening disclaimer."Netflix India's responseShergill further said that "We believe in a rich tradition of storytelling in India and are fully committed to presenting our content authentically." His statement came after meeting Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju in Delhi, which shows the depth of the issue.Wider impact of the controversyThis controversy has shown how sensitivity towards cultural and historical facts is important. Series like 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack', which are based on true events, must respect the audience and historical facts. This case has also made it clear how content coming on OTT platforms should not only be presented with creativity but also respect cultural and historical truths.ConclusionThe 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack' situation has proved that the media and entertainment industry must take their social responsibilities seriously. The reforms made by Netflix India, after this controversy, are an important step in this direction. It remains to be seen how such issues will be dealt with going forward and how the correct information and sensitivity will be conveyed to the audience while maintaining it.