Black Warrant review: Al Pacino famously remarked about the truthfulness of eyes in Scarface four decades ago. While this line has evolved to carry a romantic nuance over time, it remains relevant in the context of acting performances. The authenticity and resonance of a performance can often be measured by the audience's ability to connect with the actor. In this respect, filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane excels in Black Warrant, as he consistently emphasizes the actors' eyes. Even during the less dramatic scenes of this prison drama—perhaps a genre in its own right—he demonstrates remarkable skill.

Supporting him is the lead character, portrayed by Zahan Kapoor, who matches the brilliance of the director, complemented by a superbly assembled ensemble cast. Similar to his work on Jubilee last year, Motwane has once again raised the standard for Hindi streaming content with Black Warrant, and it is indeed a lofty benchmark.

What is a Black Warrant about

Black Warrant is adapted from the book authored by Sunil Gupta and Sunetra Choudhury, detailing Gupta's experiences as a jailer at Tihar Jail in Delhi. The narrative follows Gupta, portrayed by Zahan Kapoor, as he enters Tihar as an inexperienced novice and evolves into a somewhat seasoned 'jailer sahib'. Throughout his journey, he encounters the mysterious Charles Sobhraj (Siddhant Gupta), the assassin of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the infamous Billa-Ranga duo, and manages to suppress a prison strike. Simultaneously, he strives to maintain a favourable relationship with his superior, DSP Tomar (Rahul Bhat, marking a resurgence in his career), as well as with his colleagues, Paramveer Cheema and Anurag Thakur.

Black Warrant stands out for its authenticity, a quality that is increasingly rare in contemporary television. In an era dominated by streaming platforms, filmmakers often resort to sensationalism, employing graphic violence and exaggerated 'realism' to captivate viewers. While Black Warrant does include its share of shocking moments, they are handled with care. The series acknowledges the discomfort inherent in portraying the nation’s largest prison without resorting to gratuitous content. Director Motwane successfully navigates this challenge, presenting unsettling themes without crossing into distastefulness.

The series does condense certain timelines and modify the dates of specific events, which can be seen as artistic liberties taken in the pursuit of narrating true stories. It maintains a neutral stance and refrains from distorting factual information.

The performances are exceptional

Zahan Kapoor stands out as the central figure of the production, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. Portraying Sunil Gupta, he effectively conveys a sense of reluctance, vulnerability, innocence, and naivety, reminiscent of his grandfather, Shashi Kapoor. While it may be premature to draw such comparisons for an actor in only his second role, Zahan successfully embodies Shashi Kapoor's understated dramatic style in numerous scenes, complete with that distinctive, contemplative gaze. He has adeptly adopted the rustic lower-middle-class Delhi accent, characterized by imperfect English and a tone of uncertainty. His performance lends authenticity to the show from the very outset.

The supporting cast is equally commendable. Rahul Bhat maintains his strong performance as the morally ambiguous deputy jailer Tomar, seamlessly navigating the duality of his character as both a brute and a devoted family man, balancing the demands of his profession and personal life with remarkable skill. Paramveer Cheema emerges as a notable talent, portraying Gupta's fellow ASP with considerable depth and nuance. Anurag Thakur infuses humanity into the role of the other jailer, transforming what could have been a clichéd Harayanavi stereotype into a more nuanced character, thanks to the thoughtful writing.

However, what truly distinguishes Black Warrant are the impactful cameos. Several outstanding actors deliver remarkable performances in brief yet pivotal roles. Siddhant Gupta captivates as he portrays the serial killer Charles Sobhraj, infusing a seductive charm into the character with his impeccable Indo-French accent. Rajshri Deshpande exudes an air of intimidation as a fierce journalist capable of influencing the Supreme Court, yet she finds a counterbalance in the mild-mannered Gupta. Tota Roy Chowdhury presents a stark contrast to his previous role in Rocky And Rani, embodying a no-nonsense jailer. Veteran actor Rajendra Gupta adds essential humanity to the grim realities of prison life, portraying the show's most relatable and tragic character.

Where Black Warrant falters

If I have a complaint with a Black Warrant, it is with its refusal to take a stand. In its bid to be objective, the narrative ends up being a bystander. The Billa-Ranga episode was the litmus for me, as the show almost evokes sympathy for them, a rather complex line to take. Regardless of what one of them did or did not do, they are two of the most notorious criminals in modern Indian history: men who assaulted and murdered children. The glamourisation of Charles Sobhraj is another example. The bikini killer is a nice moniker, but his 12 victims may disagree with it. Maybe moral ambiguity is not always the best path to take in a show like this.

Black Warrant is currently streaming on Netflix.

Read Also: Black Warrant Review: Vikramaditya Motwane's Gritty Coming-of-Age Tale with Zahan Kapoor

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