The small screen has truly become the big screen. With the kind of content that we are exposed to on various OTT platforms, it’s no surprise that theatres are going a-begging. Having seen some really good shows on OTT, the makers of such shows have to only compete with the best. Black Warrant, on Netflix is a class apart. A brilliantly made crime thriller based on the book, Black Warrant: Confessions of a Tihar Jailer by Sunil Gupta and Sunetra Choudhary is a must- watch. 7 episodes based on true events that a former superintendent, Sunil Gupta encountered during his early years of service in Tihar Jail.
The series begins with Sunil joining the prison as a rookie jailer and ends with him fighting a flawed system riddled with corruption. An incredibly fast paced gripping drama, it has Zahan Kapoor(Shashi Kapoor’s grandson) playing the lead with superb assistance from Rahul Bhat, Paramvir Singh Cheema and Anurag Thakur. A frail and meek hero rarely impresses you but Zahan Kapoor is brilliant as Sunil Gupta. Another piece of good casting is that of Siddhant Gupta who plays Charles Sobhraj.
One always knew that most jails are hotbeds of crime but the goings-on inside of Tihar is shocking to say the least. If a murder convict can run a jail, one shudders to think what could be the fate of inmates, jailers and prison staff. Sunil Gupta sets out to clean the mess that he sees inside. He begins to fight corruption rampant in the system and tries to weed out all such illegal activities. The show highlights the flaws in the governing system in a prison, throws light on criminals like Ranga Billa and their execution, Indira Gandhi’s assassination, gang wars within the overcrowded and understaffed Tihar jail.
How a young law graduate who strays into Tihar, not out of choice but because of the financial conditions of his family ends up from being a timid young man to a strong and confident jailer who fights for reforms in ruthless Tihar jail, is the backbone of this story.
The show is technically flawless and the script tight. Hence, the viewer stays glued to this absorbing story.
Do watch.
I just read Jaahnvi’s s review of Black Warrant, and having watched the show, I have to say, it’s one of the best blog posts I’ve come across in a while. Love the you way have captured the essence of the show… well done Jaahnvi!
Bravo Jahnavi.