Black Warrant Review | A gritty, unflinching dive into Tihar Jail that’s raw and thought-provoking

Black Warrant Review: Netflix kicks off the year with Black Warrant, a gripping prison drama that dives deep into the chaos of Tihar Jail through the eyes of rookie jailer Sunil Gupta. Based on the memoir Black Warrant: Confessions of a Tihar Jailer by Sunil Gupta and journalist Sunetra Choudhury, the seven-episode series combines grit, emotion, and a layered narrative. Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane and a team of filmmakers, the series features Zahan Kapoor, Rahul Bhat, Paramvir Singh Cheema, Anurag Thakur, Sidhant Gupta, and others.

At its heart, Black Warrant is both an unvarnished look at the inner workings of Asia’s largest prison and a tale of Sunil’s transformation. Zahan Kapoor plays Sunil Kumar Gupta, a 24-year-old who steps into the tumultuous world of Tihar (though Zahan, aged 32, slightly deviates from the real-life character’s youthful appearance). He embodies the evolution of a docile man into a determined jailer with nuanced diction and body language, and silences that speak volumes. His performance proves his mettle as an actor, capturing both the vulnerability and resilience of a man caught in an unforgiving system.

Rahul Bhat delivers a standout performance as DSP Rajesh Tomar, a manipulative, authoritative figure who teeters between protecting his staff and furthering his own interests. His layered portrayal contrasts beautifully with Kapoor’s quieter, introspective Sunil. Together, they anchor the narrative, with the help of the supporting cast, including Paramvir Singh Cheema and Anurag Thakur.

Sidhant Gupta’s portrayal of Charles Sobhraj is a cinematic highlight capturing the serial killer’s signature charm. “Do you know who I am?” he asks Kapoor’s Sunil. Sidhant Gupta’s portrayal leaves no room for doubt. He is Sobhraj, right by the book! Despite limited screen time, Gupta leaves a lasting impact.

The series thrives in its depiction of Tihar’s harsh realities, from the dehumanising effects of prison life to the emotional toll on inmates and officers. A haunting shot in the final episode—Sunil leaning helplessly against jail bars while Charles sits inside, his ‘suite’—symbolises the inversion of power and freedom.

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However, Black Warrant is not without its flaws. The narrative occasionally veers into unnecessary subplots, such as glimpses into the personal lives of characters, which dilute the intensity of the main storyline. While these moments aim to humanise the cast, tighter editing could have enhanced the focus on Tihar’s grim ecosystem. You can’t just translate every page of a non-fiction text while adapting it for the screen. Some pages of the source material need to be left behind.

Vikramaditya Motwane’s signature touch is evident in smaller moments like the song at the end of Episode 6, reminiscent of Jubilee‘s Saare Ke Saare Akele. Yet, the overall series diverges from his usual aesthetic-driven storytelling, opting for a darker, grittier tone.

The theme of the series also reminded me of another Netflix crime drama Scoop. The single-setting narrative of Black Warrant lacks the binge-worthy hook of Scoop, however, the series compensates with its immersive portrayal of jail politics and personal evolution.

Ultimately, Black Warrant is a compelling, unflinching exploration of Tihar Jail’s labyrinthine world. It may not be binge-worthy, but its emotional depth and powerful performances ensure it lingers long after the credits roll. While the screenwriting could have been sharper, the series excels in evoking empathy, delivering a raw, thought-provoking experience.

Black Warrant is now streaming on Netflix.

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