OTT: Netflix Content Head Summoned

Streaming giant Netflix often lands in legal trouble over its content. Earlier, content streaming on Netflix, like Maharaj, Sacred Games, and Annapoornani faced public backlash, resulting in the trend ‘#BanNetflix’ on social media.

Now, the OTT platform is in trouble due to its new web series, IC 814: The Khandahar Hijack. Based on the 1999 Khandahar Hijack, this series was directed by Anubhav Sinha of Article 15 fame. Vijay Varma, Naseeruddin Shah, Aravind Swamy, Patralekha, Dia Mirza, and Pankaj Kapoor played pivotal roles in it.

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting summoned Netflix’s Content Head, seeking an explanation regarding the portrayal of terrorists in the series.

The I&B Ministry summoned the Netflix content head following a social media attack for giving Hindu names to the hijackers. As per reports, she may appear in person for an explanation on September 3.

The makers were accused of deliberately changing the original names of the terrorists to Hindu names like “Bholaa” and “Shankar.” Netizens criticized the project’s team for this move.

IC 814: The Khandahar Hijack showcases the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight 814 on December 24, 1999. The flight was supposed to go from Kathmandu to Delhi. However, due to the hijack, it was diverted to Amritsar, Lahore, Dubai, and Khandahar.

The flight was carrying a total of 191 passengers during the hijack. One was killed, and a few others were attacked in this hijack. The negotiations continued between the government and terrorists for a week, and finally, the passengers were released.