Netflix started 2025 with a bang as it dropped its highly anticipated series Black Warrant. Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane and a team of filmmakers, the crime show is based on a book titled ‘Black Warrant: Confessions of a Tihar Jailer’ by Sunil Gupta and journalist Sunetra Choudhury. The seven-episode series delves deep into the prison system and the lives of the inmates and police told through a layered narrative. Read our review to find out if the show is worth your time.
Story: Netflix’s latest prison crime series, Black Warrant, follows the tale of a novice ASP Sunil, who transforms into a determined jailer exploring himself as the story narrates the inner workings and tumultuous world of Asia’s largest jail, Tihar, where the deadliest criminals are imprisoned. Sunil Kumar Gupta, played by Zahan Kapoor, is a rookie officer, soft and polite, someone who everyone thinks is unfit for a job that requires him to be tough.
He enters Tihar in the early 1980s, where he witnesses the chaos of life inside. From the enigmatic Charles Sobhraj to infamous Billa-Ranga, gangs, murderers, and petty thieves, Delhi’s jail is overcrowded and understaffed. Slowly, he grows into a thick-skinned officer, attempting to bring change for the convicts and undertrials who cannot bail themselves out.
While Sunil tries to stay firm in his job with his upright and focused attitude to reform his surroundings, subplots of different characters and the prisoners run parallel to the main narrative. From gang wars and gangsters running businesses inside to the corrupt, insensitive system, everything blends effectively with the narrative, offering a gripping drama.
Performances: The performances in the show are exceptional. Zahan Kapoor, who plays Sunil Gupta, perfectly brings the real-life character to the screen. He resembles his grandfather, Shashi Kapoor, in his mannerisms. He lets his vulnerability, naivety, and innocence shine through his body language. He also nails Delhi’s lower-middle-class youth and the underconfident tone of his character. He proves his mettle as an actor, and we want to see more from him.
The supporting cast is highly impressive. Rahul Bhat, as a morally grey jailer DSP Rajesh Tomar, delivers a standout performance. He is a manipulative, brutish, authoritative figure who supports his staff while working on his own interests. He has a layered character, which he portrays with ease.
Sidhant Gupta’s portrayal of Charles Sobhraj is the highlight of the show, as he wholly embodies the signature charm of the serial killer. Paramvir Singh Cheema and Anurag Thakur add great depth and finesse to their well-written characters.
Other smaller roles, like Rajshri Deshpande as an intimidating and fierce journalist, Tota Roy Chowdhury’s straight-to-the-point SP, and veteran Rajendra Gupta’s humane side, are absolutely a treat to watch on the screen.
Technical Aspects: Creator Vikramaditya Motwane’s signature touch is evident throughout the narrative, which is highly aesthetic and grittier in its portrayal of the prison’s darker side. The sprawling prison cells, gore, and rough language are depicted with extreme intensity. The camera work effectively immerses the viewers into the storytelling. The jail politics and personal human evolution are other strong points of the screenplay.
Tihar’s harsh realities and its dehumanizing effects on the prison inmates and the jail officers are depicted depressingly. Another commendable aspect of the series is its music, which fits well with the story and transports the viewers to the 80s era. The series is technically flawless.
Analysis: As the series’ story is told from the perspective of a real-life prison superintendent, we get a much deeper and insider look into the jail and its workers. This sets the series apart from the average, hope-filled dramas about crime and cops. The narrative is raw and honest, remaining rooted in reality. Some scenes are uncomfortable, expected from a show like this.
Of course, the series is not without flaws. The story delves into unnecessary subplots, such as the characters’ private affairs, which lessens the intensity of the story. More focus on the prison ecosystem and characters’ crimes, e.g., Ranga-Billa, would have made it more interesting. Nevertheless, the makers have done a brilliant job in bringing together an ensemble cast who have earnestly performed their roles.
Verdict: Although your attention might waver during the watch, the show blends grit, emotions, and a layered storyline with courageous storytelling. It is a compelling, crude treatment of the complex world of the Tihar jail. With powerful performances and thought-provoking themes, the series evokes emotion and empathy.
Bottom Line: Binge-worthy
Rating: 3/5
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