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.

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.

The much-anticipated animated film Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama has had its release date pushed back to January 24, 2025. Initially scheduled for October 18, 2024, the revised date was announced by Farhan Akhtar on Instagram.

Directed by Koichi Sasaki and Ram Mohan, the film draws inspiration from Valmiki’s epic tale Ramayana. Acclaimed music composer Vanraj Bhatia has created the score for this Japanese-Indian collaborative project. Notably, the creative adaptation is being overseen by renowned screenwriter V Vijayendra Prasad, celebrated for his work on cinematic blockbusters like Baahubali, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and RRR. His involvement aims to ensure the timeless tale resonates with contemporary audiences while staying true to the core narrative of the Ramayana.

This animated adaptation, a joint effort between India and Japan, first premiered in 1992, co-created by animation pioneers Ram Mohan and Yugo Sako. The film masterfully combines traditional hand-drawn animation techniques with styles influenced by both cultures, retaining its visual allure and mythological depth.

The upcoming release will cater to a diverse audience by being dubbed in multiple languages, including Hindi, English, Tamil, and Telugu. Distributed by Excel Entertainment, the project is being spearheaded by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. This re-release of Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama aims to introduce the iconic story to a new generation while honoring its historical and cultural legacy.