Netflix’s latest, “Black Warrant”, created by Vikramaditya Motwane and produced by Applause Entertainment, is a seven-episode series is based on a book of the same name. It is an insider’s account of four years spent at Tihar Jail. Does it captivate you? Let’s discuss.
Storyline
Sunil Kumar Gupta, a young man wanting to support his family, takes a leap of faith and walks in for an interview for the post of ASP at Tihar Jail. The job involves maintaining law and order in the prison that houses hundreds of inmates – clearly not a popular choice among the jobseekers. Though he clears the interview, he is at first dismissed due to his thin frame and soft mannerisms – until the prison’s hero, Charles Sobhraj intervenes. With Sobhraj’s endorsement, Sunil joins DSP Tomar’s team alongside new joiners Mangat and Dahiya.
Rookie Sunil, who does not even eat non-veg food, is confronted with the harsh realities of prison life – gangs and rivalries based on caste and religion, alcohol and drugs trade, an ever-looming threat of violence and brutal force used by the police as needed. He tries his best to gel in, following Tomar’s orders and being a good team player and rises to the occasion at times, such as handling a neta’s visit, or a fiery journalist, or even a boss’ wife. He realises that the whole system is corrupt and he would have to walk a fine line in order to stay as part of it.
Sunil encounters the grim reality of the Black Warrant. He witnesses the preparation and actual process of hangings carried out, first for the dreaded children-killers Billa-Ranga and then a Kashmiri separatist leader Maqbool Bhat.
While at one time Sunil’s survival in the job looked difficult, we see him slowly learning the ropes and showing resilience, without becoming ‘polluted’ like others. He even manages to get romantically involved with Priya, a girl with good legal connections. He initiates steps for the welfare of the prisoners such as setting up a legal centre.
Our critique
From the moment Sunil steps into the prison, Black Warrant grabs your attention. Both, characters and situations have been given equally good treatment. The story is peppered with fascinating tidbits – such as B and C types of prisoners and privileges (besides the elite ones like Sobhraj), snake-killing leading to lowering of sentence by a fortnight, Black Warrant procedures, and so on.
The series strikes a fine balance between its heavier moments—like the brutality of prison life—and lighter, almost funny incidents, avoiding over the top drama. The pace stays right for the most part and keeps us interested. Most importantly, the story and characters really look real and believable.
Stellar set design, decent background score, and immersive camerawork add to the raw and real appeal.
However, the portrayal of Charles Sobhraj almost results in his glorification. He is painted as a suave, almost untouchable figure, above everyone else. I also feel, the ending could have been better, it felt a bit abrupt.
Screen Performances
Black Warrant aces the casting. Zahan Kapoor is the star of the show, bringing Sunil Gupta to life with his innocence, vulnerability, and gradual transformation with remarkable authenticity.
The support cast is impressive as well. Rahul Bhat, one of the most underrated actors, plays the tough but compromised jailor DSP Tomar and also a family man struggling to keep his world intact. Paramveer Cheema shines as Gupta’s fellow ASP Mangat, balancing between his personal issue, the job demands and bridging Sunil and Dahiya with subtle charm. Anurag Thakur gets to play a colourful character of ASP Dahiya, and becomes a scene-stealer with his mischief, aggression and moments of sensitivity.
Cameos by Siddhant Gupta as the enigmatic Charles Sobhraj, Rajshri Deshpande as a fiery journalist (wish she had a larger role) and Rajendra Gupta as the inventory keeper who meets a tragic end; all lend an edge to the narrative. Tota Roy Chowdhury and Joy Sengupta, as senior prison bosses add weight.
Overall opinion
Hats off to Motwane and Satyanshu Singh for pulling off a prison drama, that too sticking to the facts and also keeping it engaging. A recommended watch!
Our rating
