English हिन्दी
Connect with us

Entertainment

Black Warrant Review: A gripping portrayal of Tihar Jail and a broken system

Published

on

A scene from Black Warrant showing a young jailer walking through Tihar Jail’s corridors, surrounded by inmates.

Black Warrant, a seven-episode Netflix series co-created by Vikramaditya Motwane and Satyanshu Singh, delivers an intense and thought-provoking narrative centered on the life of a young jailer navigating Delhi’s overcrowded Tihar Jail in the 1980s. Rooted in reality, the show paints a vivid picture of a flawed system through the eyes of a principled protagonist battling corruption and moral dilemmas.

An authentic prison drama

Based on the book Black Warrant: Confessions of a Tihar Jailer by Sunil Gupta and journalist Sunetra Choudhury, the series provides a nuanced glimpse into the understaffed and chaotic prison environment. Spanning from 1981 to 1986, it explores pivotal moments in India’s socio-political landscape, such as Punjab militancy, the assassination of Indira Gandhi, and the subsequent anti-Sikh riots.

The show’s protagonist, ASP Sunil Gupta, portrayed by Zahan Kapoor, is a soft-spoken law graduate thrust into the harsh realities of Tihar. Kapoor’s portrayal imbues the character with vulnerability and quiet determination, making his struggles relatable. His fight against a deeply entrenched corrupt system, while staying true to his principles, forms the emotional core of the series.

Stellar performances and character depth

Kapoor’s performance is supported by a strong ensemble cast, including Rahul Bhat, Paramvir Cheema, and Anurag Thakur, who play his colleagues. Each actor brings depth and individuality to their roles, presenting contrasting approaches to the challenges of prison management. Tota Roy Choudhury and Rajshri Deshpande deliver impactful performances in key supporting roles, adding complexity to the narrative.

Unflinching realism

Black Warrant doesn’t shy away from the grim realities of the criminal justice system. It sheds light on overcrowding, class disparities, and the politics surrounding executions. The presence of notorious criminals like Billa and Ranga and the depiction of their execution is one of the series’ most tense moments. The show also examines the systemic issues that perpetuate inequality, emphasizing the role of poverty and social status in determining culpability.

Themes of resilience and reform

At its heart, Black Warrant is a story of resilience. It follows Gupta’s baptism by fire as he witnesses gruesome executions, faces constant skepticism, and struggles to maintain his integrity. His journey underscores the urgent need for systemic reform, both within prisons and society at large.

The show balances its gritty narrative with moments of introspection, using Sunil’s personal life as a lens to explore the human cost of his professional struggles. From his mother’s concerns about his safety to a budding romance with a lawyer’s daughter, these subplots add emotional layers to the story.

A technical triumph

The series excels in its technical execution, with Saumyananda Sahi’s cinematography enhancing the atmosphere with stunning visuals that capture the grim yet textured world of Tihar. The restrained direction avoids sensationalism, relying instead on the inherent drama of its subject matter to engage the audience.

A must-watch series

Black Warrant is more than just a prison drama; it’s a reflection of a nation grappling with systemic flaws and societal upheavals. With its compelling narrative, stellar performances, and insightful commentary on justice and reform, the series warrants a binge-watch.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma meet Premanand Maharaj in Vrindavan, seek blessings

We believe that your (Anushka’s) devotion to God will positively influence him (Kohli) as well.

Published

on

Actor Anushka Sharma and her cricketer husband, Virat Kohli, recently visited Shri Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, with their children, Vamika and Akaay. Their interaction with the saint has gained significant attention on social media.

In a widely shared clip, Anushka is seen asking the saint for the “devotion of love” and expressing that she frequently listens to his spiritual discourses. Virat, on the other hand, quietly held Akaay in his arms, listening intently to the conversation.

During her discussion with Premanand Maharaj, Anushka shared, “The last time I came, I had a few questions in my heart. I wanted to ask them, but others present there asked similar questions.” She smiled as she continued, “When I was considering coming here, I was speaking to you in my mind. The next day, while reading ‘Kanti Vartalap,’ those very questions would be raised by someone else. All I seek now is your blessings.”

In response, Premanand Maharaj admired their devotion, saying in Hindi, “It takes great courage to dedicate oneself to God after achieving such fame in the world. We believe that your (Anushka’s) devotion to God will positively influence him (Kohli) as well.”

The video also features Shri Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj praising Anushka for keeping Virat Kohli grounded in humility and faith, despite his immense success.

Anushka and Virat have recently returned to India following the Australia Test series.

The couple welcomed the New Year in Sydney, Australia, and a video of them walking hand-in-hand through the city has gone viral online. Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli have been in Australia for a while as the Indian cricket team competes against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

The video, which has been shared by numerous fan pages dedicated to the couple, features them coordinated in stylish black outfits. Virat looks sharp in a black suit, while Anushka dazzles in a chic little black dress. They were accompanied by Indian cricketer Devdutt Padikkal as they seemingly ventured out to celebrate and welcome 2025 together.

Earlier, on December 11, the couple was photographed outside their hotel while celebrating their seventh wedding anniversary. They also enjoyed a Christmas breakfast at a café in Melbourne, which later shared a picture of the couple and expressed their happiness at having hosted them.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Friday OTT Releases (January 10, 2025): 5 fresh titles to stream on Netflix, Zee5, and more

Published

on

A lineup of movies and web series streaming on Netflix, Zee5, and Disney+ Hotstar this Friday.

This weekend offers a captivating array of fresh OTT releases across leading streaming platforms. From intense dramas to suspenseful mysteries, there’s a perfect pick for every viewer. 

Here’s a roundup of the latest movies and series dropping on January 10, 2025, to help you plan your binge-watching session.

Whether you’re into investigative thrillers, supernatural chills, or contemporary comedies, this Friday’s OTT premieres on platforms like Disney+ Hotstar, Netflix, and ZEE5 are sure to keep you entertained all weekend.

Friday OTT releases (January 10, 2025)

TitleStreaming PlatformRelease Date
The Sabarmati ReportZee5January 10, 2025
Ad VitamNetflixJanuary 10, 2025
Goosebumps: The VanishingDisney+ HotstarJanuary 10, 2025
Black WarrantNetflixJanuary 10, 2025
Alpha Males Season 3NetflixJanuary 10, 2025

Highlights

The Sabarmati Report – Zee5

This political thriller stars Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna, and Riddhi Dogra in a tale of journalism, corruption, and justice. The story revolves around an investigative journalist delving into the 2002 Godhra train burning and uncovering deeply buried secrets. With an IMDb rating of 6.6, this gripping narrative is set to premiere on Zee5.

Ad Vitam – Netflix

This intense action-thriller follows Franck Lazarev, a man caught in a deadly chase after surviving an assassination attempt. His wife’s kidnapping forces him to confront a dangerous conspiracy tied to his past. Packed with suspense, Ad Vitam is set to keep viewers on the edge of their seats on Netflix.

Goosebumps: The Vanishing – Disney+ Hotstar

Step into a world of eerie secrets with Goosebumps: The Vanishing. This chilling story follows twins Devin and Cece as they uncover the truth about the disappearance of four teenagers in 1994. Featuring a star-studded cast, including David Schwimmer and Ana Ortiz, this supernatural thriller debuts on Disney+ Hotstar.

Black Warrant – Netflix

Vikramaditya Motwane’s latest series is a riveting look at the challenges faced by a young jailer in Delhi’s Tihar Jail during the 1980s. Based on the acclaimed book Black Warrant: Confessions of a Tihar Jailer, this gritty drama, starring Zahan Kapoor and Paramvir Singh Cheema, premieres on Netflix.

Alpha Males Season 3 – Netflix

The hit comedy-drama returns for its third season. Follow the lives of four friends as they navigate modern masculinity, relationships, and fatherhood. With an IMDb rating of 7.6, Alpha Males promises more laughs and heartfelt moments on Netflix.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Game Changer: Telangana govt allows higher ticket prices for Ram Charan film, denies 1 am show

The Minister emphasized that film stars should adhere to regulations and refrain from roadshows when police deny permission, stating that the government is focused on supporting the film industry through various incentives.

Published

on

Shankar’s debut Telugu film, Game Changer, featuring Ram Charan and Kiara Advani in the lead roles, is set to premiere in theaters on January 10. In light of stricter regulations following the tragic stampede at Sandhya Theatre during a benefit show for Pushpa 2, the Telangana government has denied permission for a 1 am screening. However, ticket price increases and additional shows have been authorized.

In contrast, the Andhra Pradesh government has approved benefit shows for Game Changer, with the first show commencing at 1 am. A member of Ram Charan’s team shared the Telangana government’s order on X (formerly Twitter). The government has eased certain restrictions in exchange for the screening of advertisements aimed at raising awareness about cybercrime, narcotics, and drugs, but denied permission for the early morning shows.

For the opening day, six shows have been authorized, along with an additional five shows allowed over the subsequent nine days, ending January 19. A 4 am show is approved for the opening, and ticket prices will be increased by ₹150 for multiplexes and ₹100 for single screens, including GST. For the following days, ticket prices will rise by ₹100 in multiplexes and ₹50 in single screens. Bookings in the state began after this government order was issued.

Following the December 4 stampede incident that resulted in a woman’s death and her son sustaining critical injuries, Minister for Roads and Buildings and Cinematography Komatireddy Venkata Reddy declared in the Assembly on December 21, 2024, that benefit shows would only be permitted for films addressing social issues or patriotism. The Minister emphasized that film stars should adhere to regulations and refrain from roadshows when police deny permission, stating that the government is focused on supporting the film industry through various incentives.

In addition to Ram Charan and Kiara Advani, Game Changer features Anjali, Samuthirakani, SJ Suryah, and Srikanth in significant roles. The film has a production budget exceeding ₹400 crore, with ₹75 crore allocated for song sequences composed by Thaman S. The story, penned by Karthik Subbaraj, will be released in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi. Production commenced in 2021 and concluded in 2024.

Ram Charan’s previous film, RRR, directed by SS Rajamouli, was a major success, while Shankar’s last film, Indian 2, starring Kamal Haasan, Siddharth, and Rakul Preet Singh, did not achieve notable success. Expectations for Game Changer are significantly high.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com

Left Menu Icon