Vijay Varma Shares A Sneak Peek Into His Role in “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack

In an exciting new television show set to captivate audiences, Vijay Varma is gearing up to portray Captain Devi Sharan, a real-life hero from one of India's most harrowing events. The show is based on the infamous 1999 hijacking incident, where a plane was held hostage in Kandahar for seven tense days—one of the longest hijackings in India's history.

in a recent interview, Varma shared his thoughts on this significant role, emphasizing the gravity and impact of the character he portrays. “This show is based on the hijacking that took place in 1999. The plane stayed in Kandahar for 7 days. It is one of the longest hijackings that has happened in India,” Varma explained. “This was an important event that shaped the way aviation works in our country now, the way we tackle terrorists now.”

For Varma, playing Captain Devi Sharan is a deeply personal and challenging endeavor. “I play the role of the captain who was flying this plane. It is a real-life character. I am playing a real-life character for the first time,” he noted. Unlike his previous roles, which often stem from creative imagination, this character is rooted in actual events.

Varma's dedication to the role is evident. “Usually all my characters are based out of imagination. But here I am playing an unsung hero. I had to do an honest job because he is going to watch the show. His family will watch it, the survivors will watch it. So we had a lot at stake.”

The show promises to deliver a gripping portrayal of the events, offering viewers a detailed look at a pivotal moment in India's aviation history and counter-terrorism strategies. Vijay Varma’s commitment to portraying Captain Devi Sharan with authenticity and respect highlights the show's intention to honor the true story behind the headlines.

Helmed by Anubhav Sinha, the show features an ensemble cast consisting of Dia Mirza, Manoj Pahwa, Arvind Swami, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapoor,  Patralekhaa, Dibyendu Bhattacharya and Pooja Gor. It will premiere on Netflix on 29th August.