Black Warrant review: Netflix’s latest series, 'Black Warrant' by Applause Entertainment, offers a gripping portrayal of life inside Tihar Jail, drawing inspiration from the book Black Warrant: Confessions of a Tihar Jailor by Sunil Gupta and journalist Sunetra Choudhury. This seven-episode series sheds light on the inner workings of one of India’s most notorious prisons and dives deep into the politics, corruption, and personal struggles of those who live and work there. 


Black Warrant storyline 


The series follows three young officers who are new to Tihar Jail. As they navigate the harsh realities of prison life, they encounter gang rivalries, bureaucratic red tape, and the haunting task of preparing for executions. The narrative takes a dramatic turn with the issuance of a black warrant for two infamous criminals, Ranga and Billa, sentenced to death. 



The story also explores how the prison environment impacts the officers' personal lives and families. Each episode, running 40 to 50 minutes, delves into the unfiltered reality of Tihar, uncovering truths rarely seen on screen. 


What Black Warrant stands out 


The series captivates with its raw and detailed storytelling. Unlike the sanitised depictions of prisons in mainstream films, Black Warrant offers an authentic look at life behind bars. From the politics and corruption within the system to the emotional toll on both inmates and officers, the show presents a multi-dimensional view. 


What makes this series engaging is its pacing—it’s tightly woven and doesn’t drag. The realistic portrayal ensures viewers feel as though they’re walking through the halls of Tihar themselves. The series also highlights the efforts of jailor Sunil Kumar Gupta, who strives to reform the prison, though the results of his efforts are left for the audience to discover. 


Performances 


The acting is a major highlight of the series. Zahan Kapoor shines as jailor Sunil Gupta, perfectly capturing the innocence, honesty, and quiet frustration of a young officer trying to navigate a corrupt system. Zahan, the grandson of legendary actor Shashi Kapoor, brings authenticity to his role, making Sunil Gupta relatable and compelling. 


Rahul Bhat delivers a standout performance as the senior officer with a morally ambiguous streak. His expressions and character depth leave a lasting impression. Similarly, Paramvir Cheema, as an officer battling personal turmoil, portrays his role with finesse, adding emotional layers to the story. 


Other cast members, including Anurag Thakur as a rustic jailor, Siddhant Gupta as the infamous Charles Sobhraj, and veteran actor Rajendra Gupta, deliver exceptional performances. Rajshri Deshpande impresses as a journalist, while Tota Roy Chowdhury adds gravitas to his role. 


Direction 


The series is helmed by Vikramaditya Motwane and Satyanshu Singh, alongside co-directors Arkes Ajay, Ambika Pandit, and Rohin Ravindran. Despite having multiple directors, the narrative flows seamlessly, maintaining a consistent tone throughout. The realistic approach, devoid of unnecessary dramatization, adds to its impact. 


Black Warrant is an engrossing watch, combining hard-hitting storytelling with stellar performances. Its deep dive into the prison system, coupled with a focus on personal struggles and systemic flaws, makes it a must-watch for those seeking an intense, realistic series. 


Rating: 3.5