Vikramaditya Motwane surprised audiences in 2023 with Jubilee, a period drama about the Hindi film industry during the Partition era, inspired by Bombay Talkies, Devika Rani, Himanshu Rai, and others. Now, with Black Warrant: Confessions of a Tihar Jailer, recently released on Netflix, he takes us on a journey into the world of Tihar Jail, offering a glimpse into the time when the infamous serial killer Charles Sobhraj was imprisoned there.
However, the series’ primary focus is not on Sobhraj but on the officials managing one of India’s largest prison complexes, housing hundreds of inmates. Set in the 1980s, the story is loosely based on true events, told from the perspective of jailer Sunil Gupta. It draws from a book of the same title by Gupta, co-written with Sunetra Choudhury.
The narrative centres on Sunil Gupta (played by Zahan Kapoor), who reluctantly takes up the job of a jailer to make ends meet. Unlike his counterparts, Sunil is a more compassionate figure who struggles even to utter profanities.
Shortly after joining, Sunil encounters challenges he never imagined. Despite being a cop, he endures insults from prisoners and witnesses the chaos, overcrowding, and apathy within the jail. Just as he begins to settle in and assess the situation, 180 prisoners manage to break out of the jail. No one understands how such a breach could occur. Charles Sobhraj is among the jail’s inmates, and Sunil is taken aback by the special treatment accorded to him despite his notoriety. As days pass, Sunil uncovers more unsettling truths.
Black Warrant offers an insightful look at the state of an Indian jail, making it a sincere and compelling watch. Its seven episodes delve into various issues while presenting new topics in each instalment. The series paints a realistic picture of jail operations, enhanced by imaginative storytelling. From corruption and internal politics to the plight of prisoners and the system’s inability to reform the jail, numerous aspects are portrayed effectively.
The series shines primarily due to the performances of its lead protagonists. Zahan Kapoor, son of Kunal Kapoor and Sheena Sippy, delivers a breakout performance, establishing himself as a promising actor. His portrayal of Gupta, a cop torn between his conscience and his surroundings, is commendable. Rahul Bhat also delivers a powerful performance. Pramod Kumar and Anurag Arora join them in making the narrative engaging. Siddhant Gupta as Charles Sobhraj does justice to his role, while Rajendra Gupta as accountant Saini, Joy Sengupta as SP Singh, and others provide strong support.
On the downside, the series might not appeal to those seeking over-the-top entertainment or fast-paced action. Black Warrant takes its time to establish situations and characters, avoiding excessive drama and theatrics.
In conclusion, Black Warrant is worth watching for its authenticity, the stellar performances of Zahan Kapoor and other actors, and Vikramaditya Motwane’s engaging storytelling.
Streaming on Netflix
Black Warrant: Confessions of a Tihar Jailer
Created by: Vikramaditya Motwane and Satyanshu Singh
Directed by: Vikramaditya Motwane, Satyanshu Singh, Arkesh Ajay, Rohin Raveendran Nair, Ambiecka Pandit
Written by: Arkesh Ajay, Satyanshu Singh
