A new Netflix series is set to explore the dramatic hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight that occurred on Christmas Eve in 1999.
Adapted from the book *Flight Into Fear* by Captain Devi Sharan, who was the pilot during the incident, the series will trace the journey of the flight as it departed from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
The aircraft was en route to New Delhi when, 40 minutes after takeoff, five men took control of the plane.
Titled *IC814: The Kandahar Hijack*, the series presents the event through the eyes of various individuals, including Sharan, the terrified passengers and crew onboard, and the negotiators on the ground.
The narrative recounts the flight’s forced multiple landings in places such as Amritsar in India, Lahore in Pakistan, Dubai, and Afghanistan, as the hijackers’ demands were met.
When the aircraft eventually landed in Afghanistan, 27 out of the 176 passengers were released.
During the ordeal, one passenger was killed and several others were injured.
The hostages endured a six-day standoff in Afghanistan as negotiations continued.
Reports indicate that the hijackers demanded the release of 36 prisoners in exchange for the safe release of the remaining hostages.
One 41-year-old passenger recounted, “I must have slept around 3.00am. I woke up at 8.00am. The usual Afghan bread was served for breakfast. I did not feel like eating. I was worried that the millennium would end in hours and I would be missing the celebrations. I was thinking of many things.”
Ultimately, the hostages were freed in exchange for three prisoners, though the government faced criticism for its handling of the situation.
“IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a gripping tale that chronicles one of the longest hijackings in Indian history, offering a real account of a colossal international crisis,” said Monika Shergill of Netflix India.
“Directed by the master filmmaker Anubhav Sinha, known for his gritty and realistic cinema, the series doesn’t just recount the events; it immerses you in the emotional whirlwind of a nation gripped by fear, hope, and desperation. The powerful storytelling, combined with stunning visual effects and heart-stopping performances by a stellar cast, makes this a must-watch.”
Anubhav Sinha shared with Variety, “Trishant, the writer, and I dived in thinking most of the information is available online. Documentaries and vlogs have been made, articles have been written, so we wanted to sink our teeth deeper for a more succulent bite.”
“We met officials engaged in running the rescue mission from Delhi, and passengers and the crew told us the story inside the aircraft. Adrian Levy, an eminent journalist, author and filmmaker from London came on board and an all-new international canvas unfolded before us.”
“What went on across those seven days turned out to be a compelling story that cuts through chilling and thrilling tactical and diplomatic manoeuvres that had to be told. The viewers must know this story that has never been told inside out before with a cast I don’t know if I can put together again.”
The series is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on Thursday 29 August.