📌 Key Points
- Dia Mirza contrasts the criticism of ‘IC 814’ with the praise for ‘Dhurandhar,’ citing a rise in jingoism.
- Mirza defends ‘IC 814’s’ balanced portrayal, including humanizing all characters, even terrorists.
- Dia emphasizes the importance of actors using their voices to speak up on important social issues.
- Mirza acknowledges facing trolling and intimidation for not aligning with mainstream narratives.
Dia Mirza has ignited a debate by comparing the reception of her show ‘IC 814’ to Aditya Dhar’s ‘Dhurandhar.’ She suggests a trend of celebrating jingoism, leading to criticism of ‘IC 814’s’ nuanced approach and humanization of all characters.
Mirza’s Critique of Jingoism in Film
Aditya Dhar ’s Dhurandhar The Revenge has emerged as the film of the moment, sparking widespread chatter across audiences and industry circles alike. Amid the film’s soaring popularity, Dia Mirza has opened up about the criticism her show IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack faced, in comparison to the “chest-thumping” narrative of Dhurandhar, which is being celebrated.
During the conversation, the interviewer described Dhurandhar’s tone as more “chest-thumping,” while noting that IC 814 took a more restrained, nuanced approach, which was called out on social media.
To this, Dia responded, “The show was called out for humanising all the characters, including the terrorists. I guess it is because we are celebrating jingoism too much now. We adore it. There is a trend to enjoy and celebrate jingoism, which our show is not. I don’t regret it. It has such a balanced view and gives people the opportunity to see each side the way it was.”
Defending ‘IC 814’s’ Balanced View
After this, Dia emphasised the importance of actors using their voices and speaking up when it truly matters.
The actor noted, “I think it is very important to be vocal as artistes. I am a big Shabana Azmi bhakt, and I follow her message that if art is not utilised to improve the lives of others, then what is the point of art? So yes, I am political, and I have a stand. And yes, I will convey that through the choices I make in the stories I tell. It is not easy. We are trolled regularly. Beyond that, there is all kinds of intimidation because if you are not toeing the line and not in agreement with what larger forces expect, then it is not easy.”
While the film has largely received positive feedback, it has also ignited a debate, with several viewers labelling it a propaganda vehicle.
The Importance of Artists’ Voices
Apart from Dia, the Netflix series also features Vijay Varma, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Arvind Swamy, Manoj Pahwa, Patralekha Paul, Kumud Mishra, Aditya Srivastava, Amrita Puri, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Pooja Gor, Kanwaljit Singh, Yashpal Sharma, Sushant Singh, and Rajiv Thakur. The series was released in August 2024.
Incidentally, Dhurandhar also begins with a retelling of the Kandahar hijack.
Dia Mirza’s comments spark a debate about artistic expression and societal values. She encourages fellow artists to use their platforms to promote positive change, even amidst criticism and challenges to their views in the entertainment industry.
