Netflix has unveiled the trailer for its highly anticipated series, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, set to premiere on August 29. The series, directed by Anubhav Sinha, dramatizes the 1999 hijacking of an Indian aircraft by Pakistani militants, one of the most intense and prolonged hijacking crises in Indian history.
The nearly three-minute trailer opens with a gripping scene inside the cockpit where Vijay Varma, portraying the pilot, is seen in a high-stress confrontation with a terrorist brandishing a gun. The trailer then shifts to scenes of the hijackers torturing the 176 passengers on board, creating a palpable sense of urgency and fear. While the terrorists do not make any demands initially, the narrative hints at significant tension as the situation unfolds.
Amidst the chaos, Varma’s character faces criticism for the decision to take off from Amritsar airport, though his wife, played by Pooja Gor, remains steadfastly supportive. The trailer also highlights the diplomatic efforts by Indian and Pakistani officials, reflecting the high-stakes negotiations aimed at resolving the crisis. The intense conclusion of the trailer shows Varma’s character attempting a landing while communicating with Lahore Air Traffic Control, revealing that the plane is running out of fuel.
The trailer was released on YouTube with a caption emphasizing the series’ focus on the real-life events of the hijacking: “Uncovering the true, gripping story of IC 814: India’s longest hijacking—188 lives, 7 harrowing days of courage, tough decisions, and survival.”
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack features a star-studded cast including Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Arvind Swami, Dia Mirza, Patralekhaa, Amrita Puri, and Kumud Mishra. According to Monika Shergill, Vice President – Content at Netflix India, the series combines powerful storytelling with stunning visual effects and intense performances. Shergill praised the show for its realistic portrayal of the hijacking and its emotional impact: “The series doesn’t just recount the events; it immerses you in the emotional whirlwind of a nation gripped by fear, hope, and desperation. Directed by the master filmmaker Anubhav Sinha, known for his gritty and realistic cinema, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a must-watch.”
Sources By Agencies
