Neflix’s Black Warrant takes viewers into the life in Tihar Jail investigating power, corruption and survival in 1980s, writes ABHI SINGHAL
Black Warrant is a crime drama series, premiered on Netflix. It has been adapted from the 2019 memoir ‘Black Warrant: Confessions of a Tihar Jailer’ by Sunil Gupta and Sunetra Choudhury, the series offers a portrayal of life inside India's Tihar Jail during the 1980s.
Conspectus
The story revolves around Sunil Kumar Gupta, portrayed by Zahan Kapoor, a novice jailer who begins his tenure at Tihar Jail. As he becomes acquainted with the prison's operations under the guidance of Rajesh Tomar (played by Rahul Bhat), Sunil Kumar Gupta confronts the pervasive corruption and complex power dynamics among inmates and staff of Tihar Jail. The series excavates into Gupta's moral dilemmas and his interactions with notorious criminals, including serial killer Charles Sobhraj.
A Stellar Ensemble
The cast of Black Warrant delivers outstanding performances, bringing depth to the series' deep story. Zahan Kapoor shines as Sunil Gupta, portraying a young, idealistic jailer coming to truth with the harsh realities of Tihar Jail. His portrayal of inner conflict and moral dilemmas adds a relatable human touch to the story. Rahul Bhat excels as DSP Rajesh Tomar, a hardened mentor who embodies the complexity of law enforcement in a morally ambiguous environment.
Sidhant Gupta's performance as the cunning and calm Charles Sobhraj is a standout, effortlessly having a scary vibe of his own. Rajshri Deshpande adds gravitas as Pratibha Sen, a journalist investigating the murky waters of prison politics. Supporting actors like Tota Roy Choudhury and Joy Sengupta skillfully portray senior prison officials, highlighting the institutional dynamics and their often questionable choices. Each actor contributes to the authentic portrayal of a prison system marked by power struggles, corruption, and humanity's darker shades. The ensemble's seamless chemistry elevates the series, making it a gripping watch.
Direction and Production
The series is a collaborative creation by Vikramaditya Motwane, Satyanshu Singh, and Daniel Sharma. Motwane, co-directs alongside Singh, Sharma, Rohin Raveendran Nair, and Ambiecka Pandit.
Episode Structure
"Black Warrant" comprises seven episodes, each ranging from 38 to 50 minutes. Each episode takes you through deeper into the challenges faced by Gupta as he sails the double crossing environment of Tihar Jail.
Critical Reception
The series goes good on the part of authentic depiction of prison life and compelling storytelling of the Tihar Jail. The storyline is gripping and showcases the major part of how things roll in Tihar Jail. The dark side of corruption, the setting of inmates with the police, the violence inside the jail and the under trails is perfectly showcased in the film.
With each episode centred on a different case, the show is meticulously scripted. Even if the majority of the plot seems authentic, it falls apart when Sunil is revealed as the system's sole saviour. It could have done better with the ending like the other episodes.
Closure
"Black Warrant" is notable for its honest and realistic depiction of the intricacies found in one of India's most infamous prisons. With excellent acting, especially from Zahan Kapoor and Rahul Bhat, the series explores themes of survival and divison of power. Black Warrant is a notable addition to Netflix's library for fans who enjoy crime dramas based on actual events.
Rating - 4/5
