The Netflix series “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack”, directed by Anubhav Sinha, retells the harrowing events of the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC 814. The series has captivated viewers with its intense storytelling and gripping performances. One standout performance comes from actor Rajiv Thakur, who plays the terrorist leader known as Chief.
In a recent interview, Rajiv revealed some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from the show, including his last-minute casting and his on-set camaraderie with co-star Vijay Varma. Vijay portrays Capt Devi Sharan Singh, the courageous pilot of the hijacked plane. Their off-screen chemistry, which often led to lighthearted moments between takes, added a unique layer to their on-screen performances.
A Last-Minute Casting Call
Rajiv shared that his casting for the role of Chief was sudden, with the call coming just days before the shoot began. Despite the time crunch, he managed to deliver a powerful performance, drawing from both the intensity of the character and the energy of his co-star Vijay Varma. The bond they developed off-screen, Rajiv believes, contributed to the authenticity of their scenes together.
Fun and Laughter on Set
Rajiv recounted how he and Vijay would often crack jokes between takes, leading to some playful scoldings from the crew. One of their favorite inside jokes was imagining how famous wrestler Dara Singh would deliver the lines, adding a comedic touch to their serious roles. “Vijay and I would joke around as soon as cut was called. We’d say, ‘How would Dara Singh say the same dialogue?’ We would get scolded too – ‘Get serious about your work,’” Rajiv shared with a laugh.
The Realism of the Gun Scene
One of the most intense scenes in the series involves the terrorist holding a gun to the pilot’s neck, recreating the terrifying real-life moments of the hijacking. Rajiv explained that in reality, the hijacker pressed the gun so hard against the pilot’s neck that it started bleeding. Vijay insisted that Rajiv replicate this on set, urging him to make the scene as realistic as possible.
“I had that confidence to push the gun against his neck. Otherwise, why would I do that with a star when I meet him for the first time? I could have just placed the gun lightly, but Vijay said, ‘No, do it properly. I want to show it on screen,’” Rajiv revealed.
The Lasting Impact of the Hijacking
In a related interview, director Anubhav Sinha shared that the real-life pilot of the hijacked plane still bears the mark on his neck from the hijacking incident. The gun, held against his skin for hours, left a permanent scar. This chilling detail adds to the gravity of the show, reminding audiences of the trauma endured by those on board.
Conclusion
With powerful performances from Rajiv Thakur and Vijay Varma, and the meticulous direction of Anubhav Sinha, “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack” offers a gripping, realistic portrayal of one of the most frightening events in Indian aviation history. The off-screen chemistry between the cast and the dedication to realism only heightens the impact of this retelling, making it a must-watch for audiences.
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