With the release of the controversial web series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, starring Vijay Verma, once again the spotlight has been turned upon Bollywood and its depiction of hijacking narratives. Indian cinema has, over the years, delivered its share of high-stakes thrillers inspired by real-life events and dramatized stories that try to portray the tension, valor, and emotional turmoil inside a hijacked plane. If you are into suspense-filled dramas, here are five tightly plotted films conveying the ferocity in hijacking situations-many of them can be watched online.

1. Zameen (2003)

Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar, YouTube
Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Bipasha Basu, Amrita Arora, Pankaj Dheer
Director: Rohit Shetty

One of Bollywood's early hijack thrillers, Zameen set the tone for the genre; hence, it can be said to be the very founding stone for such films. The story is about ACP Jaidev (Abhishek Bachchan) and Colonel Ranveer Singh (Ajay Devgn) who rescue a passenger plane that has been taken hostage, to prevent a terrorist activity. By the sheer virtue of action sequences, patriotic fervor, and really good acting, the film has forever marked itself in the hearts of action film connoisseurs.

2. Hijack (2008)

Where to Watch: YouTube
Cast: Shiney Ahuja, Esha Deol
Director: Kunal Shivdasani

Hijack draws inspiration from the real-life hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC 814. The story follows a father (Shiney Ahuja), whose daughter is held hostage on the hijacked plane, and how he takes drastic steps to save her. Esha Deol plays an air hostess caught in the chaos. The film keeps viewers hooked with its fast-paced narrative and emotional core of a father’s desperate fight against terrorists.

3. Kandahar (2010)

Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar, YouTube
Cast: Mohanlal, Amitabh Bachchan, Ganesh Venkatraman
Director: Major Ravi

Where failing the best men: Amitabh Bachchan and Mohanlal, blending the sauces of action and patriotism. Major Mahadevan (Mohanlal) leads an elite commando operation to save passengers from terrorist hijackers. Blending military precision with emotional storytelling, Major Ravi defined a pure cocktail for lovers of action and patriotism.

4. Neerja (2016)

Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar, YouTube
Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Jim Sarbh, Shekhar Ravjiani, Yogendra Tiku
Director: Ram Madhvani

Being about the very real and tragic story of Neerja Bhanot, the movie manages to squeeze an odd tear. Sonam plays a fierce 23-year-old flight attendant who died while helping passengers to safety during the hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in 1986. Neerja showcases courage, sacrifice, and far-reaching humanity amid terrorism, with Shabana Azmi giving a moving performance as Neerja's mother.

5. Bell Bottom (2021)

Where To Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Lara Dutta, Vaani Kapoor, Huma Qureshi, Zain Khan Durrani
Director: Ranjit M Tiwari

Set in the 1980s and inspired by true events, Bell Bottom marries a tale of espionage and hijacking. A RAW agent, played by Akshay Kumar, concocts a daring rescue plan to free the hostages and bring the culprits to justice. This style-retro-action-fast-paced-and-a-gripping-narrative-film would possibly be a fitting answer for any fan of spy thrillers and true stories.