Where was Netflix’s Black Warrant filmed? All filming locations explored

Netflix's Black Warrant, released on January 10, 2025, is based on Sunil Kumar Gupta’s autobiography Black Warrant: Confessions of a Tihar Jailer. The crime drama follows a rookie jailer dealing with corruption, violence, and moral challenges, set in India's infamous Tihar Prison. It has quickly become a must-watch on Netflix.

Black Warrant portrays 1980s history through Sunil Gupta's early years at Tihar Jail. To reflect the raw realities of Tihar Prison, the series was shot on designed sets of the infamous Tihar Jail and other real locations surrounding Delhi. The show is directed by Vikramaditya Motwane and Satyanshu Singh.

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Filming locations of Black Warrant

Tihar Jail recreations

India's largest and most notorious prison, Tihar Jail, is the setting for Black Warrant. Due to security concerns, the series was not filmed inside the prison, but the production team recreated it.

Custom-built sets recreated the prison's corridors, cells, and common areas. These designs were based on Sunil Kumar Gupta’s firsthand descriptions, ensuring accuracy.

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Mumbai studio sets

The interiors of Tihar Prison were recreated in Mumbai’s renowned studios. The production team meticulously designed the sets to mimic the claustrophobic and somber atmosphere of a high-security prison. These sets allowed for controlled filming conditions, providing the flexibility needed for the series’ intense sequences.

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Delhi outskirts and urban backdrops

The outskirts of Delhi were used to film Tihar Jail scenes. Dilapidated urban neighborhoods and narrow alleyways captured the 1980s' bustling yet grim socioeconomic backdrop. These settings made the series more realistic and placed the prison in society.

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Historical buildings in Jaipur

The series employed historical buildings in Jaipur to depict governmental and administrative offices from the 1980s. These locations were chosen for their period-specific architecture, which provided an authentic perspective on the bureaucratic aspects of prison operations during that time.

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Rural locations in Haryana

Some flashback sequences and character backstories were filmed in rural Haryana. These locations provided a stark contrast to the urban chaos of Tihar, adding emotional depth and visual variety to the narrative. Fields, village homes, and small townscapes were used to depict the protagonists’ origins.

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Plot of the show

Set in 1980s Tihar Jail, Black Warrant follows young jailer Sunil Gupta as the protagonist. The series explores his interactions with notorious criminals, ethical challenges, and life in prison. It highlights key events, including the arrival of Charles Sobhraj, the "Bikini Killer," and the execution of Ranga, one of India's most infamous criminals.

Episodes of the series:

• The Snake
• Gallows
• Macho
• Team Player
• Prison Food
• The Blanket
• Double Life Sentence

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Production and direction

Vikramaditya Motwane and Satyanshu Singh have collaborated on Black Warrant, which is produced by Andolan Films, Confluence Media, and Applause Entertainment. The creators prioritized authenticity, heavily referencing Gupta's book.

Saumyananda Sahi, the cinematographer, created visuals that reflected the emotional journey of the characters, with each episode adopting unique tones to reflect its themes. The directors' emphasis on realism was also evident in the background actors, who were instructed to embody their roles as inmates and prison guards.

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Cast of Black Warrant

The cast of the series includes:

Main cast:

• Zahan Kapoor as Sunil Gupta
• Rahul Bhat as DSP Rajesh Tomar
• Paramvir Singh Cheema as Shivraj Singh Mangat
• Anurag Thakur as Vipin Dahiya

Recurring cast:

• Sidhant Gupta as Charles Sobhraj
• Joy Sengupta as SP JP Singh
• Tota Roy Choudhury as SP Mukhopadhyay
• Rajendra Gupta as Saini Saab
• Mir Sarwar as Maqbool Bhat
• Rajshri Deshpande as Pratibha Sen

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The series’ filming locations, from Delhi outskirts to Mumbai studio sets, play a crucial role in bringing this story to life. Stay tuned for more news and updates on Black Warrant and similar projects as the year progresses.