With a gripping exploration of one of the most dreadful aviation incidents, Netflix released its new series: IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. The series dramatizes the December 24, 1999, hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814. The incident occurred while five armed terrorists took over the aircraft that was en route from Kathmandu to New Delhi.
It finally landed in Kandahar, Afghanistan, followed by a nail-biting standoff, as the entire world watched. IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is an elaborate and thrilling dramatization of the event, focusing more on the political and emotional repercussions of the situation.
The show's synopsis reads:
"IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack revolves around the hijack of Indian Airlines Flight 814 by five armed men in 1999 when it took off from Kathmandu Nepal en route to New Delhi."
The show boasts a fine ensemble cast that portrays the real-life people who were part of this historic event. The cast includes Vijay Varma, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Arvind Swamy, Patralekhaa, Dia Mirza, and more.
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack: List of cast
Here's an insight into the cast and characters of IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.
Naseeruddin Shah
Naseeruddin Shah is a renowned Indian actor and filmmaker. He is valued for his impact on Indian theater, film, and television. Professionally, he has been into acting for more than 40 years. He is one of the prominent names in Indian parallel films. Some of his acting credits include Aakrosh (1980), Masoom, (1983), and Sparsh (1980).
In IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, Naseeruddin Shah plays a National Security Advisor.
Pankaj Kapur
Renowned Indian actor and director Pankaj Kapur is well known for his subtle acting techniques and gripping performances. In the Indian entertainment business, Kapur is known as a versatile and well-respected actor across theater, television, and movies. His performances in classic TV shows like Office Office (2001–2004) and Karamchand (1985) brought him significant praise.
In IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, Pankaj Kapur plays the Minister of External Affairs.
Vijay Varma
Talented Indian actor Vijay Varma is well known for his memorable and adaptable roles in both movies and television shows. He originally became well-known for his performance in the highly regarded film Monsoon Shootout (2013). He then solidified his acting in Bollywood with performances in Pink (2016) and Gully Boy (2019), as Moeen.
In IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, Vijay Varma plays Captain Sharan, the flying pilot of IC 814. He is a regular guy who steps up to the plate when put in an unusual situation. He is the complete opposite of the traditional Hindi hero. His quiet confidence, his daily bravery, and his modest heroics are all convincing.
Manoj Pahwa
Prominent Indian actor Manoj Pahwa is well-known for his adaptability and comic timing. He has worked on both movies and television shows. His portrayal of a foolish government employee in the hit TV series Office Office (2001–2004) is well-known. He received a lot of praise for the part.
His roles in movies like Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015), Mulk (2018), and Article 15 (2019) had a big effect on Bollywood.
In IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, Manoj Pahwa plays the Additional Director.
Kumud Mishra
Indian actor Kumud Mishra is well-known for his subtle and impactful roles. He is seen in theater, cinema, and television. After more than two decades in Bollywood, he has become a well-known face. Mishra became well-known for his role as a strict yet encouraging instructor in the 2011 film Rockstar. He has had standout performances in movies like Thappad (2020), Sultan (2016), Airlift (2016), and Article 15 (2019).
In IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, Kumud Mishra plays as RAW Joint Secretary.
Arvind Swamy
Indian actor Arvind Swamy is most recognized for his engaging on-screen persona and adaptable roles. He is particularly seen in Tamil films. He made his big screen debut in Mani Ratnam's iconic Thalapathi (1991). He became a global celebrity with two more critically acclaimed films, Roja (1992) and Bombay (1995). Following a short break from acting, Swamy returned to the screen with a strong performance in Thani Oruvan (2015).
In IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, Arvind Swamy plays an MEA officer.
Dia Mirza
Indian actress, producer, and environmental activist Dia Mirza is renowned for her grace and beauty. Her initial rise to prominence came from her 2000 Miss Asia Pacific International victory. Her debut in Bollywood was in Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein. Since then, she has acted in several well-known movies like Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006), Dus (2005), and Sanju (2018).
In IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, Dia Mirza plays Shalini Chandra. She is the editor of a prominent and famous media house.
Amrita Puri
Indian actress Amrita Puri is well-known for her colorful roles in Bollywood movies and television shows. She made her feature film debut in the highly regarded Aisha (2010). She gained fame and a solid foundation in the industry for her role in the movie. Since then, Amrita has starred in several films, such as Blood Money (2012) and Kai Po Che! (2013).
In IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, Amrita Puri plays Shalini's coworker and news reporter Nandini Martin, with whom she frequently disagrees.
Patralekha Paul
Indian actress Patralekha Paul is well-known for her captivating roles in both web series and motion pictures. Her role as a suffering wife in the critically acclaimed film CityLights (2014) gained her a lot of fame. This marked her major film debut. Patralekha kept showcasing her acting abilities in movies like Badhaai Do (2022) and Love Games (2016).
In IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, Patralekha Paul plays Indrani, the air hostess onboard. She treats the passengers with the same compassion and consideration that she would have given her sick father who was waiting for her to return home.
Dibyendu Bhattacharya
Acclaimed Indian actor Dibyendu Bhattacharya is known for his subtle and impactful roles. He is seen in theater, television, and movies. He had a big impact on the critically acclaimed movie Kahaani (2012). Dibyendu has received praise for his roles in Raaz: The Mystery Continues (2009), and Gandu (2010). These two movies are renowned for their audacious storytelling.
In IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, Dibyendu Bhattacharya plays as MEA officers
Rajiv Thakur
Indian comedian, actor, and television personality Rajiv Thakur is renowned for his clever repartee. He rose to fame as a regular on Comedy Circus. The hit comedy program, from 2007 to 2017. He received worldwide praise for his unique comedic routines and endearing personas. Rajiv has demonstrated his abilities in several movies, such as Bol Bachchan (2012) and Kya Super Kool Hain Hum (2012).
In IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, Rajiv Thakur plays a hijacker.
Anupam Tripathi
Indian actor Anupam Tripathi is well-known for his roles in domestic and foreign productions. His portrayal as Ali Abdul in the popular Netflix series Squid Game (2021) won him praise from all around the world. In the suspenseful drama, he played a likable and unforgettable character.
Anupam has starred in several Indian movies and television series before Squid Game. Such as Lal Kaptaan (2019) and The Family Man (2019).
In IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, Anupam Tripathi plays an RAW agent.
Aditya Srivastava
Renowned Indian actor Aditya Srivastava is well-known for his powerful and adaptable roles in both movies and television. His most well-known performance was as Inspector Abhijeet in the hit crime drama series CID (1998–2018). He gained popularity and recognition for his portrayal of a knowledgeable and committed police officer.
Aditya has also left a lasting impression on the film industry with his powerful roles in movies like Gulaal (2009) and Black Friday (2004). His ability to authentically play a variety of roles has made him a well-liked and influential figure in the Indian entertainment sector.
In IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, Aditya Srivastava plays as RAW Secretary.
Additi Gupta
Indian actress Additi Gupta is well-known for her captivating roles in movies and television. Her portrayal of a strong and emotional character earned her critical recognition in the hit TV series Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil (2008–2010).
Additi made appearances in several well-known TV series, like Qubool Hai (2012–2016) and Ishqbaaz (2016–2018). Her filmography includes the roles of Rani Padmini (2018), and Jodi Breakers (2012).
In IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, Additi Gupta plays air hostess Chhaya. She forces us to see past her outfit and consider whether or not a hijacker would have connected with her in a different setting for her native country.
The title also stars Kamal Batra, Kunal Chopra, Devas Dixit, Harry Parmar, Ellie Flory Fawcett, Karan Desai, Nikhil Angrish, Titiksha Shrivastava, Ajay Madhok, Renuka Purohit, Neeraj Kashyap, Ujjwal Gauraha, and more in prominent roles.
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is currently streaming on Netflix.