Anubhav Sinha consults Vishal Bhardwaj for approval on Kandahar hijacking series

Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha recently shared insights into his upcoming series, ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’, centered on the tragic 1999 hijacking incident involving an Indian Airlines flight. Sinha disclosed that he engaged in a detailed conversation with director Vishal Bhardwaj to discuss his unique perspective on the Kandahar hijacking, a topic Bhardwaj had previously explored in a shelved project. Sinha expressed his desire to honor Bhardwaj’s earlier work while staying true to his creative vision for the series, set to premiere on August 29.

Despite commencing work on the series without knowledge of Bhardwaj’s prior project, Sinha emphasized the importance of seeking approval from the acclaimed director once he became aware of it. Describing their relationship as close, Sinha highlighted their mutual passion for cinema and the significance of sharing their perspectives. Sinha mentioned, “Vishal is a close friend, and we often discuss our love for cinema. When I took on the Kandahar project, I reached out to him, shared my perspective, and he approved of it. He really liked my approach.”

Acknowledging the need to maintain the integrity of Bhardwaj’s vision while developing his own, Sinha underscored his commitment to preserving the distinctiveness of his storytelling. He expressed his intention not to let Bhardwaj’s ideas influence his creative process, stating, “It was important for me not to encroach upon the ideas he had developed, as it could color my lens.” With Bhardwaj’s endorsement, Sinha proceeded with the project, ensuring that his interpretation of the story remained authentic and aligned with his artistic vision.

Adapted from the book ‘Flight Into Fear’ by Captain Devi Sharan and Srinjoy Chowdhury, the series ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’ promises to deliver a gripping narrative of one of India’s most shocking hijacking incidents to audiences. Sinha’s collaboration with Bhardwaj exemplifies their shared commitment to respecting each other’s creative endeavors while pursuing their individual storytelling paths. The series is poised to offer viewers a compelling retelling of a significant chapter in India’s history, shedding light on the complexities and challenges of the Kandahar hijacking incident.