BOTTOM LINE
Tihar Jail Unseen
PLATFORM
Netflix – 7 episodes, ~5 hrs.
What Is the Show About?
Black Warrant is a prison drama based on the real-life experiences of Sunil Kumar Gupta, a former jailer at Tihar Jail. The show exposes the harsh realities of life behind bars while revealing the brutal power dynamics at play. It delves into the moral dilemmas faced by Sunil as he navigates the corrupt and inhumane systems both within the jail and beyond its walls.
Performances
After a stellar performance in Faraaz, Zahan Kapoor proves his acting chops once again in Black Warrant, delivering a gritty and charming portrayal of a jailer who matures over time. His nuanced performance grows on you as the series progresses. Anurag Thakur, cast as Dahiya, brings a flamboyant screen presence that elevates the show.
Rahul Bhat shines in a well-crafted role as a cop who is both a ruthless monster at work and a vulnerable family man at home. Paramvir Cheema, as Mangat, delivers an impressive performance, shedding light on the life of a Sikh cop in the 80s. Sidhant Gupta brings flair to his portrayal of Charles Sobhraj, while Rajendra Gupta lends depth to a pivotal role.
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Analysis
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“Battles… you win some, you lose some… but find a way to survive”—this could be Sunil Kumar Gupta’s mantra, summarising his tumultuous journey as a jailer at Tihar. The series follows an ordinary man’s confrontation with a deeply corrupt system while he battles internal and external conflicts, all of which gnaw at his conscience and blur his sense of right and wrong.
It’s refreshing that Sunil isn’t your stereotypical ‘macho’ cop. People around him, from his concerned mother to a perpetually angry colleague, feel he’s too soft for the police force. Over time, Sunil, though initially overwhelmed, learns the ropes in Tihar, absorbing the political dynamics within his team and among the prisoners.
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At its core, Black Warrant is a coming-of-age story. While Sunil is initially daunted by his job, he gradually adapts to the harsh environment. As a prison drama, it offers an insider’s perspective, reflecting on the system’s flaws without either idolising or condemning them—suggesting there is some semblance of order amidst the chaos.
Spanning seven episodes and approximately five hours, the show charts Sunil’s journey alongside his colleagues—Rajesh Tomar, Vipin Dahiya, and Shivraj Singh Mangat—while also touching on sensational cases and notable prisoners from the 1970s and 1980s, including the ‘Billa-Ranga’ hanging, Charles Sobhraj, and victims of the Emergency era and the 1984 riots.
Amidst the overarching narrative, the series features several colourful subplots that add layers to the drama. Sunil finds a romantic interest in an anonymous caller. A curious neighbour is keen to sample prison food. Dahiya has a steamy affair with a superior’s wife, resulting in a transfer.
The show also draws interesting parallels between the villains within the system and the vulnerable inmates, providing a balanced view of both sides. The intricate portrayal of politics inside the prison, coupled with the larger national events that shape the ecosystem within, makes for an engaging watch.
The detailing of the show is its strongest asset, supported by an unconventional storytelling style. The narrative effortlessly switches between slow-burn docudrama moments and flashy, comic-book-style sequences. The show works best when it doesn’t take itself too seriously—the lighter moments, romance, ‘bromance’, and witty dialogues make for enjoyable viewing. One can’t help but wish the honeymoon period lasted longer.
A mix of drama, romance, and action, Black Warrant is set against a critical phase in post-independent India, leaving viewers both educated and entertained. No character escapes unscathed—everyone has blood on their hands, and this moral complexity adds to the show’s intrigue. It’s a perfect example of how “personal is political.”
Music and Other Departments?
Ajay Jayanthi’s score complements the characters’ journeys while amplifying the show’s dramatic moments. The earthy visuals by Saumyananda Sahi, along with innovative editing, raw action choreography, and punchy dialogues, contribute to the show’s authenticity and keep the viewer hooked.
Highlights?
– Unique portrayal of the prison system and its inner workings
– Intricate detailing of life within the police force and jail
– Strong performances and technical finesse
Drawbacks?
– Takes itself too seriously at times
– Falls into docudrama mode too often
– Multiple subplots lead to a lack of rhythm
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, if you enjoy slow-burn cop/Period sagas
Black Warrant Netflix Series Review by M9
