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Anubhav Sinha directed web series IC814: Kandahar hijacking The recent controversy started when a section of social media accused the filmmaker of deliberately changing the names of the two kidnappers to “Bhola and Shankar”. The uproar grew so much that streaming platform Netflix released a statement, a part of which read, “…the initial disclaimer has been updated to include the real and code names of the kidnappers.”
Amid this controversy, we spoke to actor Kumud Mishra, who plays RAW Joint Secretary Ranjan Mishra in the show. When asked if a project based on true events brings a sense of responsibility to present the facts correctly, and if there is an added pressure to deliver an engaging series while staying true to reality, Mishra told us, “The important thing is that it is based on true events. If you want to know more about the incident, there are documentaries and research material available. But when you are presenting a fictional account of a true incident, many elements are incorporated for dramatic effect – the characters we portray are not biographies of real people. I played the role of Ranjan Mishra, imagining how this particular character could have acted in such a situation. This is my interpretation.”
Also read: IC814 The Kandahar Hijack is not a documentary: Patrakha
He adds, “If today’s generation wants to know more about the incident, they can refer to the reference material available on the subject. Though the basics of the incident cannot be changed, a lot is added for dramatic effect even while adapting an autobiography for the screen.”
Addressing the discussions on social media about not using the real names of the kidnappers, presenting the terrorists from a human perspective and presenting a romantic angle, Mishra says, “Why are certain things said on social media? We all know the reasons. As an actor, I can only talk about acting. However, I want to ask why are the thousands of people who have watched the series not asking these questions? Why are only a few people on social media asking these questions? People who are coming up to me and appreciating the series are not asking me these questions.”
Also read: Director Anubhav Sinha on IC-814 The Kandahar Hijack controversy: I was honest with the script
He adds, “If someone wants to have a constructive discussion with me about why certain things are portrayed in a certain way, I can have a conversation on that. But how can I discuss something that has no basis? If you watch the series properly, everything has been answered. The makers have not left any question unanswered. That being said, it was such a big event that even today a lot of questions remain unanswered. And there are multiple interpretations of the truth of every event – it depends on your perspective. If someone wants to fabricate the truth, they can do so. Everyone has their own perspective, just like in Akira Kurosawa’s Rashomon.”
Commenting on the controversy over code names, Mishra clarified, “The code names used in the series were the actual names used during the incident. There should be no controversy about this. But everyone is entitled to their opinion.”
When asked if the controversy has dampened the generally positive response the series has received, Mishra replied: “I don’t think so. People who want to watch the series for its art and creativity will continue to do so. These discussions will not affect them.”
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