Aircraft Hijacking: Indian Airlines Flight 814's Harrowing Tale

Anubhav Sinha's Tense Drama Recounts India's Aviation Crisis

A Haunting Reminder of Terror's Grip

Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha's gripping new film, "Kandahar," transports viewers to the harrowing events of Indian Airlines Flight 814's hijacking in 1999. The movie, starring Vijay Varma, offers a chilling reminder of the horrors unleashed by terrorism.

On December 24, 1999, five armed hijackers stormed Flight 814 en route from Kathmandu to New Delhi. The aircraft was eventually diverted to Kandahar, Afghanistan, where the terrorists held 189 passengers and crew captive for seven long days.

Sinha's film meticulously recreates the tense negotiations and harrowing ordeal endured by those on board. Varma delivers a nuanced performance as Deep, a fictionalized passenger caught in the crossfire of international politics and terrorist demands.

Unraveling the Hijacking's Aftermath

Beyond the gripping narrative, "Kandahar" sheds light on the broader geopolitical implications of the hijacking.

The incident strained India's relationship with Pakistan, which was accused of harboring the hijackers. It also highlighted the growing threat of terrorism in the region.

India's Diplomatic Response

The Indian government navigated a complex web of diplomacy to secure the release of the hostages. This included negotiations with the Taliban, which controlled Afghanistan at the time, and pressure from international allies.

After a week of tense negotiations, the hijackers released the passengers in exchange for the freedom of three jailed militants.

A Haunting Reminder of Terrorism's Global Reach

"Kandahar" serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of terrorism.

The film highlights the resilience and bravery of those who survived the ordeal, while also underscoring the urgent need to combat the scourge of extremism.

Sinha's thought-provoking drama is a must-watch for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of one of India's most harrowing chapters.