Film: Inspector Zende 

Platform: Netflix 

Cast: Manoj Bajpayee, Jim Sarbh, Girija Oak, Sachin Khedekar, Balchandra Kadam

Director: Chinmay Mandlekar

Rating: 3. 5 Moons

 Storyline 

‘Inspector Zende’ is one chapter in the chilling life of serial killer Charles Sobhraj and his nemesis, Inspector Madhukar Zende of the Bombay Police in the 1980s. In this Netflix production, the man who was on Interpol’s Most Wanted list is referred to as Carl Bhojraj. While Inspector Zende in the film is, well, the real deal – the heroic cop who caught the real Sobhraj not once but twice in their respective criminal/police careers. The film is based on the second arrest which happened in Goa in 1986 after Sobhraj sensationally escaped from Tihar Jail and resumed his life of crime. Manoj Bajpayee plays Inspector Zende while Jim Sarabh is Carl Bhojraj.

Acting

Manoj Bajpayee brings warmth and humor to Zende, making him more relatable than a stock police hero. Jim Sarbh delivers a stylish take on Bhojraj, though different from the feared Sobhraj. Girija Oak adds charm as Zende’s supportive wife, while Sachin Khedekar anchors authority as DGP. Balchandra Kadam shines brightest as the dedicated cop on the Goa mission.

Direction

Chinmay Mandlekar presents a lighter, accessible take on a dramatic case. The mix of humor and chase sequences makes the film engaging for a wider audience, even if it tones down the real-life grit.

Dialogues

The lines stay rooted in realism, avoiding melodrama. This grounded approach fits the film’s tone and helps keep the narrative focused on events rather than flashy one-liners.

Music

The background score and songs are understated, allowing the story and performances to take center stage without distraction. 

Overall

‘Inspector Zende’ works as an entertaining police drama inspired by real events. The clash of wits between Zende and Bhojraj keeps it watchable, with a delightful cameo by the real Inspector Zende at the end.