Black Warrant Review: I was one of the few reviewers disappointed with Vikramaditya Motwane's previous venture, CTRL. While the concept was promising, the final product failed to deliver. So, I’m thrilled to report that the Udaan director is back in form with Black Warrant, a gripping seven-episode Netflix series. Based on the book of the same name by journalist Sunetra Choudhury and former Tihar Jail superintendent Sunil Kumar Gupta, the series draws from Gupta's real-life experiences managing India’s most high-profile prison. ‘Black Warrant’ Teaser: Zahan Kapoor Faces the Dark Side of Tihar Jail in Vikramaditya Motwane’s New Web Series (Watch Video).
In the series produced by Applause Entertainment, Zahan Kapoor portrays Sunil Kumar Gupta, with the story spanning from 1981 - when Gupta interviews for the post of jailer - to 1984, one of India’s most volatile years. At first glance, Gupta, a short, unassuming man, hardly seems the right fit to handle the nation’s most dangerous convicts. Yet, he’s appointed as one of three new ASPs (Assistant Superintendents of Prison) at Tihar Jail, working under SP Rajesh Tomar (Rahul Bhat), a hardened, corrupt officer who believes Gupta’s empathetic demeanour will disrupt his carefully “managed” system.
Watch the Trailer of 'Black Warrant':
As Gupta stumbles, learns the ropes, and faces challenges, viewers are drawn into some incredibly sticky situations. From his intriguing first encounter with the enigmatic serial killer Charles Sobhraj (Sidhant Gupta) to navigating a three-way gang rivalry that spans the series, Gupta must contend with not only the country’s most dangerous criminals but also the corruption and incompetence of his colleagues.
'Black Warrant' Review - Well-Written and Gripping
In many ways, Black Warrant is a coming-of-age tale for Gupta - a meek, idealistic man forced to adapt in one of the most demanding professions. His ideals, empathy, and even his eating habits are tested to their limits. Adding to the tension, the series repeatedly highlights how prison officers receive little respect from the outside world. Maybe it’s because the story is set in the early ’80s - well before Rajinikanth’s Jailer made prison staff look cool in 2023.

Each episode deals with a specific challenge in Gupta’s job while weaving in overarching storylines that flesh out the characters. The show doesn’t just explore Gupta and Tomar but also delves into the lives of Gupta's fellow ASPs—Dahiya (Anurag Thakur) and Mangat (Paramvir Cheema). Dahiya’s recklessness faces intense trials, while Mangat spirals into alcoholism due to personal troubles. The show doesn’t overtly hammer on their camaraderie, but when it does shine, it feels earned and authentic.
Most of the subplots in the show are drawn from high-profile real-life incidents and thereby reflecting the political situation of the country then, governed by the late Indira Gandhi. Some, like the hangings of Ranga-Billa and Kartar Singh-Ujagar Singh, allow the show to explore capital punishment and its deemessages-greetings-to-celebrate-buddha-purnima-6847721.html" class="drop-thumb-link" title="Vesak 2025 Wishes, Lord Buddha Quotes, Messages & Greetings To Celebrate Buddha Purnima">Vesak 2025 Wishes, Lord Buddha Quotes, Messages & Greetings To Celebrate Buddha Purnima