Official posters of IC 814 and Heeramandi, Netflix’s latest controversial web series
From Netflix’s IC 814 to Amazon’s Tandav, these web series have sparked outrage and debate, pushing the boundaries of what’s acceptable on screen.
In the wake of Netflix’s IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack controversy, it’s evident that web series often find themselves at the centre of debates and disputes especially if they are inspired by true incidents. Whether it’s due to sensitive portrayals of religion, historical inaccuracies, or perceived disrespect to communities, these shows spark conversations that go beyond the screen. Here’s a closer look at some recent web series that have run into controversies for various reasons.
1. IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack
Netflix’s latest offering, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, directed by Anubhav Sinha, revisits the harrowing 1999 hijacking incident of an Indian Airlines flight. Released on August 29, the six-episode series stars Vijay Varma, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, and others. The controversy arose when the ruling party accused the show of “whitewashing” the terrorists by giving them Hindu names such as Bhola and Shankar instead of their real identities. Critics argue this choice distorts historical events and potentially alters public perception, leading to an outcry about the portrayal of sensitive national issues.
2. Paatal Lok
Amazon Prime’s Paatal Lok, produced by Anushka Sharma, became a lightning rod for criticism due to its depiction of certain communities. The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, led by Manjinder Singh Sirsa, raised objections to a scene where a Sikh man is shown committing rape, stating it disrespects the Sikh faith and community. Additionally, the use of a sexist slur in the show offended the Nepali-speaking community. Sikkim MP Indra Hang Subba formally complained to the Information and Broadcasting Minister, demanding a ban on the series, arguing that it unfairly targets specific communities and spreads negative stereotypes.
3. Sacred Games 2
The second season of Netflix’s Sacred Games, directed by Anurag Kashyap and starring Saif Ali Khan, stirred controversy among Sikh groups. A particular scene showed Sartaj Singh, a Sikh character played by Khan, discarding his ‘kada’, a sacred bracelet worn by Sikhs. Akali Dal leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa condemned the scene, demanding its removal, asserting it hurt religious sentiments and disrespected Sikh beliefs. The issue sparked debates about artistic freedom versus religious respect in modern storytelling.
4. Tandav
Released on Amazon Prime, Tandav, directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, faced multiple FIRs and public outrage. The series featured a controversial scene where actor Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub, dressed as Lord Shiva, delivered a monologue on ‘azaadi’, which many viewers found offensive. The backlash was immediate, with accusations of disrespecting Hindu deities and promoting religious disharmony. The show’s creators issued an apology and edited out the offending scenes, but Tandav continued to be a flashpoint for discussions on the portrayal of religious figures and freedom of expression in digital content.
5. Aashram
Prakash Jha’s Aashram, starring Bobby Deol, faced severe backlash from Bajrang Dal activists, who claimed the show depicted Hindu ashrams in a negative light, focusing on the exploitation of women by corrupt gurus. In October 2022, Bajrang Dal activists vandalized the show’s sets in Bhopal and threw ink at Jha, accusing him of maligning Hindu religious institutions. The series, which explores the dark side of spiritual ashrams and the power dynamics within, was accused of unfairly targeting Hindu culture and faith.
6. Heeramandi
Heeramandi, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s highly anticipated OTT debut, encountered criticism for its portrayal of Lahore’s culture during the 1920s-1940s. While the show’s visuals and storytelling received praise, critics from Pakistan, including former politician Yousuf Salahuddin, argued that the series failed to authentically represent the historical and cultural context of Lahore, presenting a distorted version of history. Concerns were raised about the historical accuracy and the exaggeration of events, highlighting the ongoing debate about creative liberties versus historical fidelity in storytelling.
