Vikramaditya Motwane’s Black Warrant sets a high standard for Hindi streaming content in 2025, with its exceptional performances, intense storytelling, and captivating direction. Based on the book by Sunil Gupta and Sunetra Choudhury, the show takes viewers into the life of a Tihar Jail officer, Gupta, played by Zahan Kapoor. Through his eyes, we experience the gritty world of one of India’s most notorious prisons and its infamous inmates.
Black Warrant begins with Gupta’s initial role as a fresh-faced jailer at Tihar, quickly thrust into the complicated and often dangerous world of handling some of the country’s most notorious criminals. Zahan Kapoor’s portrayal of Gupta stands out, with his vulnerability and naivety shining through every frame. Kapoor, in his second acting venture, channels a Shashi Kapoor-esque simplicity and emotional depth, making the character both relatable and authentic. His performance, along with his spot-on Delhi accent, gives the show its emotional anchor and believability.
Motwane’s focus on his actors’ eyes and subtle performances helps elevate the show. It’s not about shock value or gore, but about making the viewer uncomfortable in an honest, thought-provoking way. Even though the series condenses timelines and takes some cinematic liberties, it never distorts historical facts or takes a side, remaining objective in its portrayal of events.
The supporting cast delivers equally impressive performances. Rahul Bhat plays the morally ambiguous Deputy Jailer Tomar with an effortless blend of brutality and vulnerability. Paramveer Cheema and Anurag Thakur bring depth to their respective roles, providing further layers to the narrative.
What sets Black Warrant apart are its cameos, with seasoned actors delivering memorable performances in smaller but impactful roles. Siddhant Gupta’s portrayal of the infamous Charles Sobhraj, complete with an Indo-French accent, gives the show an unsettling air of charm, while Rajshri Deshpande’s portrayal of a firebrand journalist adds an edge to the storyline. Tota Roy Chowdhury and Rajendra Gupta contribute to the show’s depth with their contrasting portrayals of prison authorities.
However, Black Warrant doesn’t escape some criticisms. In its effort to maintain objectivity, the show sometimes falters by not taking a definitive stance, particularly in the portrayal of infamous criminals like Billa-Ranga. While the portrayal of Charles Sobhraj is compelling, some might argue that the show flirts with the glamorization of his crimes, which could prove controversial.
Despite this, Black Warrant remains a must-watch, offering a compelling, nuanced take on one of India’s most complex and harrowing periods. It’s a show that challenges viewers to think deeply about morality, justice, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.
Black Warrant, created by Vikramaditya Motwane and produced by Applause Entertainment, is now streaming on Netflix.
Sources By Agencies
