Actor Dia Mirza on IC 814 series: We are celebrating jingoism too much

Actor Dia Mirza opens up about IC 814, highlighted changing audience tastes and the growing conversation around 'jingoism'.

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Dia Mirza in frame (Photo: Instagram)

Actor Dia Mirza has spoken about her series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack amid the ongoing buzz around Dhurandhar: The Revenge, saying that audiences today are “celebrating jingoism”. Her remarks come at a time when the Ranveer Singh-starrer continues to dominate the box office, crossing Rs 1,200 crore within just ten days of release.

In an interaction on The Namrata Zakaria Show, Mirza addressed comparisons between the two projects, noting the stark difference in how they were received. While Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, has been widely embraced, her 2024 series drew criticism for adopting a more balanced and empathetic portrayal of its characters, including antagonists.

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Why did Dia Mirza comment on 'jingoism'?

Mirza explained that IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack was criticised for humanising all its characters, including terrorists. She suggested that this reaction reflects a broader trend in audience preferences. According to her, there is a growing inclination towards narratives that emphasise aggressive patriotism, rather than nuanced storytelling.

What is IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack about?

Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the series is based on the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814. It attempts to present multiple perspectives surrounding the incident, focusing on the human and political complexities of the crisis.

Mirza maintained that she does not regret being part of the project, adding that it offered viewers an opportunity to understand different sides of the story.

How does this compare to Dhurandhar’s success?

Dhurandhar: The Revenge has emerged as a major commercial success, continuing the franchise’s momentum at the box office. The film’s strong reception stands in contrast to the debate surrounding Mirza’s series, highlighting differing audience responses to patriotic themes in cinema and streaming content.

Mirza also spoke about the role of artists in society, saying it is important to express views through storytelling choices. She acknowledged that taking such positions often leads to trolling and criticism, but maintained that creative voices must continue to engage with complex issues.

- Ends
Published By:
Ritika Srivastava
Published On:
Mar 29, 2026 11:52 IST

Actor Dia Mirza has spoken about her series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack amid the ongoing buzz around Dhurandhar: The Revenge, saying that audiences today are “celebrating jingoism”. Her remarks come at a time when the Ranveer Singh-starrer continues to dominate the box office, crossing Rs 1,200 crore within just ten days of release.

In an interaction on The Namrata Zakaria Show, Mirza addressed comparisons between the two projects, noting the stark difference in how they were received. While Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, has been widely embraced, her 2024 series drew criticism for adopting a more balanced and empathetic portrayal of its characters, including antagonists.

Why did Dia Mirza comment on 'jingoism'?

Mirza explained that IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack was criticised for humanising all its characters, including terrorists. She suggested that this reaction reflects a broader trend in audience preferences. According to her, there is a growing inclination towards narratives that emphasise aggressive patriotism, rather than nuanced storytelling.

What is IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack about?

Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the series is based on the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814. It attempts to present multiple perspectives surrounding the incident, focusing on the human and political complexities of the crisis.

Mirza maintained that she does not regret being part of the project, adding that it offered viewers an opportunity to understand different sides of the story.

How does this compare to Dhurandhar’s success?

Dhurandhar: The Revenge has emerged as a major commercial success, continuing the franchise’s momentum at the box office. The film’s strong reception stands in contrast to the debate surrounding Mirza’s series, highlighting differing audience responses to patriotic themes in cinema and streaming content.

Mirza also spoke about the role of artists in society, saying it is important to express views through storytelling choices. She acknowledged that taking such positions often leads to trolling and criticism, but maintained that creative voices must continue to engage with complex issues.

- Ends
Published By:
Ritika Srivastava
Published On:
Mar 29, 2026 11:52 IST

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