Set in the grim corridors of Tihar Jail during the tumultuous post-Partition era, Black Warrant unveils a narrative that is as haunting as it is thought-provoking. Read our full review!
In a world where the lines between right and wrong blur behind prison walls, Black Warrant pulls back the iron gates to reveal the gritty reality of life inside Tihar Jail. Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane and Satyanshu Singh, this seven-episode series takes its inspiration from the chilling memoir Black Warrant: Confessions of a Tihar Jailer by Sunil Kumar Gupta and Sunetra Choudhury and immerses viewers into the ruthless underworld of crime, corruption, and power struggles back in the 1980s. The cast features Zahan Kapoor as the reformist jailer Sunil Kumar Gupta, with supporting roles played by Rahul Bhat, Paramvir Cheema, Anurag Thakur, Tota Roy Chowdhury, and Rajendra Gupta. The show explores the gritty realities of life in Asia’s largest prison, Tihar Jail, and delves into the complexities of the Indian judicial system, with actors delivering nuanced performances that anchor its compelling narrative.
Plot
Set in the 1980s, Black Warrant follows the journey of Sunil Kumar Gupta (Zahan Kapoor), a young, idealistic jailer at Tihar Jail, known for his belief in non-violence and justice within a corrupt system. The series chronicles his attempts to reform the chaotic prison, which houses notorious criminals, including the infamous Charles Sobhraj. As Sunil navigates the oppressive environment, he struggles with personal and professional challenges, including his relationship with his superiors, and strives to introduce India’s first legal aid cell for impoverished prisoners. The series highlights real-life incidents and cases that unfold within the jail, offering a raw and poignant look at the dysfunctions of both the prison and the judicial system.
What We Love
Set in the time post-Partition, Black Warrant offers an unflinching glimpse into the state of Tihar Jail, where the number of convicts and alleged criminals only kept increasing, while the staff remained alarmingly insufficient. The series vividly portrays inmates fighting over basic necessities, such as stealing each other's shawls, highlighting the dire conditions they lived in. Far from being just another prison drama, Black Warrant serves as a mirror reflecting society’s skewed notions of justice and the judiciary—issues that remain relevant even today. The series boldly suggests that an accused’s or criminal’s time in jail is determined not by the crime they committed but by their wealth and privilege.
Motwane's prison drama stands out as one of the most compelling in recent times, thanks to its stellar casting and hauntingly immersive visuals. The bleak corridors of Tihar are captured with such intensity that viewers almost feel trapped within its oppressive walls. The series evokes a persistent sense of dread, leaving you wondering what could go wrong next. It teeters between empathy for the inmates, questioning whether they deserve better, and the stark reminder that treating someone as human often depends on whether they’re willing to do the same. This moral tug-of-war brings viewers closer to understanding what it might be like to coexist with criminals of all kinds, and how such an environment could alter someone just trying to do their job.
Each of the seven episodes delves into significant events of the time, such as the first black warrant being passed for the execution of Ranga and Billa, the Sikh riots, the JNU student protests, and the looming presence of the infamous "Bikini Killer" Charles Sobhraj. What sets the series apart is its commitment to authenticity. It resists the temptation to overly dramatize and instead grounds itself in the harsh realities of its setting, making the storytelling feel raw and credible. Many filmmakers, when inspired by real-life events, tend to prioritize dramatization over authenticity, which often dilutes the original essence, in ways Black Warrant avoids this pitfall masterfully.
The casting deserves high praise. Black Warrant starts 2025 on a high note with one of the best ensembles in recent memory. Zahan Kapoor’s portrayal of Sunil, an idealistic lawyer navigating the unforgiving world of Tihar, is a standout. His silent rebellion, peculiar English accent, and nuanced journey from naïveté to resilience make him a deeply relatable and human character. Paramvir Cheema’s Mangat and Anurag Thakur’s Dahiya also deliver exceptional performances. Mangat’s growing disillusionment with the justice system, especially as he envisions his radical brother in the shoes of the punished, and Dahiya’s transformation from a brash Haryanvi officer to a more calculated jailer, form the emotional backbone of the series.
Rahul Bhat’s Tomar, the quintessential anti-hero, is another highlight. His backstory and complexity make him neither glorified nor underdeveloped, definitely a rarity in such narratives. Special mention goes to Sidhant Gupta as Charles Sobhraj, whose charm, accent, and trickery linger long after the credits roll.
What Could Be Different
However, the series isn’t without flaws. Some subplots feel underdeveloped or abruptly revisited, disrupting the pacing. For instance, the executions of Maqbool Bhat and the assassination of Indira Gandhi, though historically significant, lack the depth they deserved. A more detailed exploration of such pivotal events would have added richness to the narrative. Despite these minor shortcomings, Black Warrant delivers a gripping seven-episode experience. It’s a solid start to the year, offering a thought-provoking, immersive, and intense one-time watch that stays with you long after the final episode.
Vikramaditya Motwane's Black Warrant is now streaming on Netflix!
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