Black Warrant OTT Release: India’s First Prison Drama On Netflix To Focus On Tihar Jail’s Untold Stories

In the bustling landscape of Indian streaming content, a groundbreaking series titled Black Warrant is setting the stage for a deep dive into the complexities and untold stories of Tihar Jail, Asia’s largest prison. This prison drama, a unique offering by Vikramaditya Motwane, comes as a fresh narrative following his acclaimed works like Sacred Games and CTRL on Netflix. The show is a collaborative effort between Applause Entertainment and Andolan Production, alongside Confluence Media, based on the riveting book “Black Warrant: Confessions of a Tihar Jailer” by Sunil Gupta and Sunetra Choudhury.

The narrative unfolds in the 1980s, focusing on Sunil Gupta, a rookie jailer at Tihar Jail. Through his eyes, viewers are pulled into a world of moral quandaries, high-stakes encounters, and the intricate dynamics of power within the prison walls. This dramatized adaptation brings to life the authentic and intense stories captured in the book, offering a glimpse into the reality that Gupta faced as he navigated through his duties in one of the most formidable prisons in Asia.

Reflecting on the adaptation, Vikramaditya Motwane stated, “Black Warrant is a book that is raw, intense, and authentic and immediately demands to be brought to life. Collaborating with Netflix, Applause Entertainment, and Confluence has been incredible, and I’m grateful to have had partners who have supported me and the team in telling this story the way it deserves to be told.”

Adding to the enthusiasm, Sameer Nair, Managing Director of Applause Entertainment, highlighted the uniqueness of the project, “Black Warrant delves into the untold contemporary history of Tihar Jail—a world rarely explored with such depth and authenticity. Collaborating with a visionary like Vikramaditya Motwane has brought a unique perspective, infusing the story with both nuance and realism. Partnering with Netflix allows us to share this powerful and resonant tale with a global audience, offering a rare glimpse into a hidden world that leaves a lasting impact.”

Netflix India’s Series Head, Tanya Bami, expressed excitement about the show’s potential to captivate audiences, “We are so excited to start 2025 with something completely fresh, distinctive and truly in signature Netflix style. True crime is a genre our members can’t get enough of. Behind this defining series is Vikramaditya Motawane who also created our maiden series Sacred Games. We’re thrilled to rekindle this successful partnership again for Black Warrant, with Vikram, Applause, Andolan & Confluence media. Black Warrant is a defining show in the landscape of crime and Vikram’s craft brings to life a tone and telling that captures the many firsts of this story with utmost flair. It is India’s first prison drama, based on a recount of India’s longest tenured jailer and a story that is an absolute must watch!”

As the series promises to unveil the layers of life inside Tihar Jail through the narrative of a jailer who witnessed it all firsthand, Black Warrant positions itself as a significant addition to Netflix’s roster of content. This dramatization not only sheds light on the hidden facets of prison life but also marks a significant moment in Indian storytelling, offering viewers a poignant look into the depths of human nature and the justice system.