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IC 814 Controversy: Netflix Promises To Review Content To Align With National Sentiments In Future

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IC 814 Controversy: Netflix Promises To Review Content To Align With National Sentiments In Future

Netflix India Content Head, Monika Shergill, met the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, on Tuesday (September 3) over the controversy surrounding Vijay Varma’s recently-released web series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. Shergill was summoned at Shastri Bhawan in view of certain contentious issues on the web series based on the Hijacking of IC-814.

For those unversed, the series has trigged a row on social media over the depiction and codenames of the hijackers. While the hijackers were identified as Muslims, post the incident of 1999, in the show they were given Hindu names. However, it may be mentioned that ‘Bhola’ and ‘Shankar’ are their codenames. However, critics felt that the makers should have clarified that in the web series.

A few social media users also accused director Anubhav Sinha of ‘distorting’ facts.

Netflix’s response

Amid the backlash and ongoing controversy, Netflix has promised that future content on its platform will be reviewed to align with national sentiments.

According to media reports, Netflix also stated that concerns regarding age-appropriateness and national security will be addressed and the company will provide updates on how it plans to address the concerns.

‘Portrayal of events during hijacking far from truth’

On the other hand, government sources saying, “Nobody has the right to play with the sentiments of the people of this nation. India’s culture and civilization should always be respected. You should think before portraying something in a wrong manner. The government is taking it very seriously.”

“The portrayal of events during the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC 814 from Kathmandu to Kandahar in a recent OTT series is far from the truth. The script and characterisation of actors in the series is an attempt to erase facts and replace them with fiction to normalise a crime against the nation masterminded and facilitated by Pakistan’s ISI,” they added.

All you need to know about the controversy

Post the hijack incident in 1999, the five hijackers were identified as Ibrahim Athar, Shahid Akhtar Sayed, Sunny Ahmed Qazi, Zahoor Mistry, and Shakir, who were members of a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation.

However, soon after the web series released on August 29, netizens protested against the Hindu code names given to the characters of the hijackers.

Additionally, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) had been filed in the Delhi High Court by Surjit Singh Yadav, Chief of Hindu Sena, seeking a ban on IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. The PIL alleged that the series distorts the actual identities of the terrorists involved in the hijacking.

The six-episode hijack-drama also features Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Vijay Varma, Arvind Swamy, Patralekhaa, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa and Dia Mirza among others.

It is based the events of December 24, 1999 when an Indian Airlines flight IC 814 enroute to Delhi from Kathmandu was hijacked after take off from the Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal after it entered Indian airspace.

Bollywood

R Madhavan reflects on his glorious 25 Years: ‘A Journey beyond my wildest dreams’

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Mumbai, April 14: One of the most versatile actors, R Madhavan marked 25 glorious years in the Indian film industry on Monday.

The ‘Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein’ actor chose to commemorate the occasion in the most soulful and humble way, with a visit to the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Joining him were his ‘Kesari Chapter 2’ co-stars, Akshay Kumar, and Ananya Panday, as the trio sought blessings ahead of their much-anticipated film’s release on April 18.

Madhavan took to his official IG and dropped a picture of him offering prayers, alongside Akshay and Ananya.

He penned a heartfelt note on the photo-sharing app, reflecting on his 25 wonderful years in the Indian cinema.

He said, “25 Glorious, Wonderful, Rewarding and Blessed years as a Film actor…. Journeys beyond my wildest dreams…with Ecstasy and Agony for constant companion, yet with all the LOVE earned that overwhelms my Heart to this day…. And So… during this very spontaneous Pilgrimage on this very Auspicious and Special day (14th April 2000 when my FIRST FILM ALAIPAYUTHEY Released)..Just To Surrender and show GRATITUDE for all the blessings that can either be Explained nor Justified AAAAA.. Thank You and Guide me.”

As mentioned in the post, Madhavan made his debut with Mani Ratnam’s 2000 flick “Alai Payuthey” and never looked back since.

From memorable roles in “Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein”, “3 Idiots”, and “Tanu Weds Manu” to the critically acclaimed “Shaitaan”, Madhavan’s journey has been rich with diverse characters and impactful stories.

Now, he is looking at another powerful performance as Advocate Neville McKinley in “Kesari Chapter 2”.

A spiritual sequel to the 2019 outing, “Kesari”, the film is a cinematic adaptation of the book “The Case That Shook The Empire” by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, centred around C. Sankaran Nair and the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

The Karan Singh Tyagi’s directorial has been produced by Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films.

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Bollywood

Makers of Vijay-starrer ‘Sachien’ release new trailer ahead of film’s re-release

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Chennai, April 14: The makers of the Tamil superhit film ‘Sachein’, featuring actors Vijay and Genelia D’souza in the lead, on the occasion of the Tamil New Year’s Day on Monday released a new trailer for the film.

The film is to be re-released in theatres on April 18 as part of celebrations to mark the film’s completion of 20 years.

Taking to his X timeline, Kalaipuli S Thanu, the producer who first made the film 20 years ago in 2005, shared the link to the new trailer and wrote, “Sachein trailer out now! #Sachein Grand theatrical release on April 18th.”

The announcement was greeted with joy by fans and film buffs.

In fact, the film’s leading lady actress Genelia D’ Souza too had reacted to this announcement and had said that the film always has her heart.

Quoting an announcement by the producer of the film, Kalaippuli S Thanu, Genelia wrote, “Sachein – Has my heart always” on her X timeline.

Thanu responded to Genelia’s tweet, saying, “Thank you!”

The film was a huge superhit when it first released in 2005. Apart from Genelia who played the lead, the film also featured Bollywood actress Bipashu Basu. Bipasha played the second heroine in this film. Interestingly, ‘Sachein’ marked Bipasha Basu’s Tamil debut.

The film, which was directed by John Mahendran, was a rom-com that revolved around the titular character Sachein played by Vijay and his lady love, Shalini (played by Genelia). The film emerged a superhit making four times the money that was invested on it.

Apart from Vijay, Genelia and Bipasha Basu, the film also had some very versatile actors like the late Raghuvaran, Vadivelu and Santhanam among others.

The film’s cinematography, which was one of its highlights, was by Jeeva and its editing was by V T Vijayan.

Devi Sri Prasad, who scored music for the film, delivered six songs for the film, with five of them going on to become chartbusters. Interestingly, Vijay had rendered one of the songs himself. The peppy number, ‘Vaadi Vaadi’, which had lyrics by V Elango, was picturised on him and comedian Vadivelu.

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Bollywood

Aadesh Chaudhary shares his show ‘The H Files’ will present health facts with a detective twist

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Mumbai, April 10: Actor Aadesh Chaudhary is all set to bring something fresh to the small screen with his upcoming show ‘The H Files.’

The show aims to present health-related facts through an engaging detective-style narrative — a concept rarely explored in Indian television. Set to premiere on Bottoms Up Studios’ YouTube channel, the show explores intriguing health-related mysteries through a captivating investigative format unlike anything seen before.

Speaking about the show, Aadesh shared, “In today’s time, maintaining good health has become crucial, and the concept of The H Files sounded very interesting. There’s a lot of misinformation on the internet, so my friend and producer Kunal who also owns Clink Communication and Bottoms Up Studios—and I came up with this idea to present it through The H Files, blending acting with meaningful information.”

Talking about his role in this health-focused show, the actor revealed that he is playing a detective who investigates different cases and shares that knowledge with people. “Nobody has ever presented health-related facts in a detective style before—so The H Files will be an unexpected and exciting watch.”

The ‘Sasural Simar Ka’ actor added, “Anything shown creatively, people enjoy. Audiences will love this. They need to be aware of their health and the things they’re missing. This won’t be your typical detective show. Today, people want both entertainment and useful information,” Aadesh says. “The H Files is my way of mixing both fun and facts. It’s like a mystery show where the real villain is lack of awareness, and the hero is health. So, get ready to uncover the truth.”

On a related note, “The H Files” is produced by Kunal Garud and co-produced by Dalljiet Kaur. New episodes will be released every Tuesday and Thursday, with the first episode premiering on April 10.

Speaking of Aadesh Chaudhary, he is well known for his performances in popular shows such as “Sasural Simar Ka,” “Yeh Dil Sun Raha Hai,” and “Laal Ishq.”

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