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The script was released on Netflix over the weekend.
Hijacker from Pakistan used non-Muslim code name angers netizens and BJP, leading to call for boycott of Anubhav Sinha director
Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry secretaries and officials held a meeting with Netflix representatives for over an hour on Tuesday over the issue of distortion of facts in the new series “IC 814: Kandahar Hijacking”, sources said.
The non-Muslim code name used by the hijackers from Pakistan and their alleged glimpse of goodwill angered netizens and the Bharatiya Janata Party, leading to calls for a boycott of the Anubhav Sinha directorial. Noting the outrage, the ministry summoned Netflix representatives on Monday to ask why the show should not be taken off the air and no action should be taken against them.
Also Read | 'We will keep sensitivities in mind': Netflix team works with government to respond to 'IC 814: Kandahar Hijacking' incident
Sources said Netflix assured the ministry that sensitive and objectionable parts would be censored and possibly removed.
Questions asked
Sources revealed that Netflix was asked a series of questions during the meeting. They are:
- Why didn’t OTT platforms conduct fact-checking before airing the show?
- Why is the real name of the hijacker not shown throughout the series?
- Also Read | Netflix’s IC814 in #Boycott Turbulence: Was the Kandahar hijacker Bhola, Shankar or Shahid, Shakir? What the MEA said
- Why do negotiators appear weak and incompetent compared to sensitive, humane hijackers?
At the meeting, Netflix pledged to keep these sensitivities in mind.
Otto's worries
The bigger issue is not just for drama series but for all OTT platforms, people are often worried about unregulated TV series and movies. With no act or law condemning them, many such platforms are left with impunity. Proposals for self-regulation and self-censorship also appear to have failed to materialize, sources said.
Sources say a broadcasting bill is urgently needed. The draft proposes severe fines and severe penalties for violations. This also sends a warning to Netflix: this will become the rule for all OTT platforms in the future.
Meanwhile, the battle between creative license and responsibility continues.
