- Monday, January 06, 2025
The Netflix series delves into the notorious Tihar Jail’s history, especially the deep-rooted politics and intense dynamics of the 1980s
By: India Weekly
FILMMAKER Vikramaditya Motwane’s upcoming Netflix series “Black Warrant” brings viewers into the world of Tihar Jail through a “fly on the wall” perspective.
Based on the book “Black Warrant: Confessions Of A Tihar Jailer” by Sunil Gupta and journalist Sunetra Choudhury, the series delves into the notorious prison’s history, especially the deep-rooted politics and intense dynamics of the 1980s.
The drama series is based on true events and follows Sunil Gupta, a former superintendent of Tihar, and his two fellow jailers, as they navigate life inside the prison.
The series sheds light on the complex relationships between the jailers, inmates, and the political environment of the time. It will be released on Netflix on January 10.
Motwane, known for his work on “Sacred Games” and “Jubilee,” said he thrives on challenges. “I’m a student and lover of contemporary history and I like to shine a light on it in an interesting, entertaining and engaging way,” Motwane said.
To create an authentic portrayal, Motwane visited Tihar Jail, conversed with Gupta to understand the everyday realities inside, from how inmates pay for water to the internal gang politics.
“There is something voyeuristic about looking at a jail,” Motwane commented, adding that the inspiration from David Fincher’s “Mindhunter” helped shape the series.
The book’s portrayal of Gupta’s relationship with serial killer Charles Sobhraj also became a pivotal part of the series. “The lens was always about Sunil’s story,” Motwane explained.
Gupta, who wrote the book, hopes to shine a light on prison life. “People should know what is happening inside the jail… much was to be done,” he said. He recalls the rampant drug use, rackets, and inhumane treatment of prisoners during his tenure.
For Choudhury, watching her words come to life was surreal: “It was like, ‘Oh my god, we wrote something now it is flesh and blood’.”
Tanya Bami from Netflix India emphasized the fresh perspective “Black Warrant” brings to the crime genre, pointing out that Indian prisons have rarely been explored.
Sameer Nair, CEO of Applause Entertainment, praised the series for its human story, noting, “When you watch the series, it’s a story about real people leading their lives; they just happen to be in jail.”
