Vikramaditya Motwane’s latest Netflix series Black Warrant sets a new high for Hindi streaming content, with remarkable performances and a gripping narrative. Centered on the life of a Tihar Jail officer, the show explores the personal and professional struggles of Sunil Gupta, played by Zahan Kapoor, as he navigates the harsh realities of prison life while dealing with notorious criminals.
The series is based on the book by Sunil Gupta and Sunetra Choudhury, chronicling Gupta’s transformation from a naïve newcomer to an experienced jailer at Delhi’s infamous Tihar Jail. As Gupta encounters infamous figures like Charles Sobhraj, Indira Gandhi’s assassins, and the notorious Billa-Ranga duo, he must also navigate complex power dynamics with his senior, DSP Tomar (Rahul Bhat), and fellow officers (Paramveer Cheema and Anurag Thakur).
Motwane’s storytelling is strikingly honest, avoiding the gore and sensationalism often associated with crime dramas. The narrative offers shocking moments without crossing into discomfort, maintaining a balance of realism and cinematic liberty. The series makes some changes to timelines, but these are clearly acknowledged as creative choices, ensuring it doesn’t distort facts for drama’s sake.
At the heart of Black Warrant is Zahan Kapoor’s performance, which stands out as the anchor of the show. His portrayal of Sunil Gupta, with his vulnerability, innocence, and reluctant growth, brings an authenticity that is reminiscent of his grandfather, the legendary Shashi Kapoor. Zahan’s mastery of the rustic Delhi accent and his nuanced performance ground the series in realism, making Gupta’s journey both relatable and compelling.
The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, with Rahul Bhat excelling as the morally complex deputy jailer, Tomar. Paramveer Cheema and Anurag Thakur add depth to their roles as fellow officers. The cameos in Black Warrant are equally impressive, with Siddhant Gupta’s chilling portrayal of Charles Sobhraj and Rajshri Deshpande’s commanding journalist standing out. Tota Roy Chowdhury and veteran Rajendra Gupta provide additional layers of humanity to the otherwise intense narrative.
However, the series falters when it chooses to remain too objective, particularly in its portrayal of criminals like Billa-Ranga. The show risks glamorizing their actions and evoking sympathy for them, which feels problematic considering the severity of their crimes. Similarly, the romanticized depiction of Charles Sobhraj could have been handled with more caution.
Overall, Black Warrant is a standout drama in the world of Indian streaming content, with exceptional performances and an engaging storyline that keeps viewers hooked. It is currently streaming on Netflix.
