‘IC 814’ X review: ‘The Kandahar Hijack’ delivers intense drama; fans hooked

IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a gripping series that delves into the harrowing events surrounding the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 in December 1999. Directed by Anubhav Sinha and featuring a stellar cast led by Vijay Varma, the series premiered on August 29, 2024. It explores the intricate dynamics of the hijacking, the emotional turmoil faced by passengers, and the political maneuvering that ensued during this unprecedented crisis.
The series has garnered significant attention on social media, with viewers sharing their thoughts and reactions on X (formerly Twitter).Here are some insightful tweets that encapsulate the audience's reception of IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.
One viewer expressed their excitement, stating, “What a brilliant series #IC814TheKandaharHijack is, OMG! A stellar cast, slow burn thrill and phenomenal performance from everyone. Mind blown by #ArvindSwami. Binged all six episodes and can't sleep now. @MrVijayVarma, eternally in love with you. A must watch.” This tweet highlights the emotional impact of the series and the strong performances that resonated with the audience

Another user praised Anubhav Sinha's direction, saying, “Anubhav Sinha brings to life the untold stories behind the IC-814 hijacking, unleashing in its bare skin, an incident that rocked the nation 25 years back. Apt casting and a no-make-up screenplay, is what makes this series an absolute must watch.” This emphasizes the series' commitment to authenticity and storytelling

One viewer reflected on the historical significance of the event: “#TheKandaharHijack is brilliant. Binge watching it & getting flashbacks. This incident was horrifying in 1999 & all information we gathered was through News channels. This story needed to be told.” This tweet underscores the importance of revisiting such pivotal moments in history.

Another tweet read, “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a must-watch! Vijay Varma and Anubhav Sinha deliver a gripping series that bravely unpacks the truth. Effective and sharp, it’s a powerful reminder of a dark chapter in history.” This highlights the series' ability to engage viewers while addressing serious themes

A viewer shared, “Finished watching #IC814 on @NetflixIndia what a brilliant engaging show with a stellar cast of legends of #Indian cinema. Everyone nailed it. Brilliant direction by @anubhavsinha sir. Fast-paced and on the edge show. Highly recommend go watch it. @netflix.” This reflects the series' pacing and the strong performances of its cast

“The master storyteller @anubhavsinha is back with #IC814TheKandaharHijack. Half way thru #IC814OnNetflix I can safely say we have one of the best shows in recent times. This tense edge of the seat docudrama keeps you gripped. The stellar cast is an icing on the cake. WATCH IT NOW”
Another user remarked, “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack on Netflix is a masterfully told story that dives deep into the emotions and decisions of everyone involved—from passengers and crew to government officials and security forces. Stellar performances by the entire cast.” This highlights the series' emotional depth and character development

The casting of ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ has been widely praised, with viewers highlighting the stellar performances of the ensemble cast, including Vijay Varma, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Manoj Pahwa, Dia Mirza and Kumud Mishra
As casting received considerable acclaim, with one viewer stated, “#IC814 is Anubhav Sinha's finest work. With such an ensemble cast, he pulled out the best out of all. Manoj Pawa and Kumud Mishra are the brightest stars in this series. It's a must watch!!” This emphasizes the talent of the cast and their contributions to the series' success

Another viewer noted, “What an immersive series #IC814TheKandaharHijack. Delectable performances by #PankajKapur @MrVijayVarma shall be savored for a long time! Phenomenal @anubhavsinha. Great infotainment. A fictionalized TV series is a great way to remind a nation/civilization of its History. More please.”

One user commented on the series' nuanced approach: “#ManojPahwa is too good and the other actors satiate the soul too. Shall remember the taut series for its sardonic humor and balanced geopolitical perspectives. The Chai-coffee remark was telling, layered and truly epic! #IC814TheKandaharHijack.”

Another user praise actor Manoj Pahwa, stating “#IC814TheKandaharHijack dekhi. Manoj Pahwa as the negotiator is dope.”

A viewer shared an amusing observation: “Watching #IC814TheKandaharHijack on Netflix with a friend, we were admiring Mukesh Chhabra's fantastic star cast. He said I wish Naseeruddin Shah was in the cast and at the start of episode 2, he appeared like a ghost! Oh man, we witnessed some crazy manifestation at its peak.”

As audiences engage with this poignant narrative, the series not only entertains but also prompts reflection on the complexities of terrorism, heroism, and national security.