In a world where police movies are often filled with loud explosions, flying cars, and heroes who never fail, Inspector Zende offers something completely different. This Netflix original, directed by Chinmay Mandlekar, is a lighthearted and funny take on a very serious real-life story. It focuses on the legendary Mumbai police officer, Madhukar Zende, and his mission to catch the notorious criminal Charles Sobhraj.
The Story: A Game of Cat and Mouse
The movie is set in the 1980s, a time before cell phones and modern technology. The plot kicks off when a dangerous serial killer named Carl Bhojraj (a fictional version of Charles Sobhraj, played by Jim Sarbh) escapes from the high-security Tihar Jail in Delhi. This isn’t the first time he has been in trouble; years earlier, a young and sharp officer named Madhukar Zende (Manoj Bajpayee) had arrested him in Mumbai.
When Zende hears the news of the escape, he knows he is the only one who can bring Bhojraj back. The film follows Zende and his small, quirky team as they track the killer from the busy streets of Mumbai to the sunny beaches of Goa.
Manoj Bajpayee: The Heart of the Film
The biggest reason to watch this movie is Manoj Bajpayee. He plays Inspector Zende not as a “superhero,” but as a real human being. He is a family man who loves his wife, Viju (played warmly by Girija Oak), and worries about his kids. He doesn’t have a muscular physique or a fancy car; instead, he uses his brain, his patience, and his deep knowledge of how criminals think.
Bajpayee brings a wonderful sense of humor to the role. Whether he is arguing with a neighbor about a telephone line or trying to look cool while boarding his first-ever flight, he makes Zende feel like someone you might actually know. It is a refreshing change from the “angry cop” characters we see so often in Bollywood.
A Colorful Cast of Characters
The movie works well because of the people surrounding Zende. His team isn’t made up of elite commandos; they are regular policemen with their own flaws.
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Patil (Bhalchandra Kadam): A constable who provides many of the funniest moments but also shows a very human side when he gets scared during the mission.
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Jacob (Harish Dudhade): A serious officer who claims he is smiling even when his face looks like stone.
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Carl Bhojraj (Jim Sarbh): Jim Sarbh plays the villain with a lot of style and a French accent. While the movie doesn’t spend as much time on the killer’s mind as some might want, Sarbh makes him feel charming and dangerous at the same time.
What Makes It Special?
Most “true crime” movies are dark and scary. Inspector Zende chooses to be a crime caper—a fun, fast-paced adventure. It feels a bit like a comic book brought to life. The 1980s setting is captured beautifully, with old cars, vintage fashion, and a nostalgic soundtrack that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
One of the best parts of the film is how it shows the “boring” side of police work—like waiting for hours, dealing with low budgets, and filling out paperwork—and turns it into comedy. There is a great scene where the team has to pool their own pocket money just to keep the investigation going in Goa because the department hasn’t sent enough funds.
The Downside
No movie is perfect, and Inspector Zende has a few slow moments. The middle of the film drags a bit when the team arrives in Goa, and some of the jokes don’t land as well as others. Also, if you are looking for a deep, psychological study of a serial killer, you might be disappointed. This movie is firmly focused on the hero, not the criminal.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Watching?
iBomma Rating: 3.5 / 5 Stars
Inspector Zende is a delightful surprise. It proves that you don’t need a massive budget or over-the-top action to tell a great story. It celebrates a real-life hero who used honesty and wit instead of violence to get the job done.
Why you should watch it:
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Manoj Bajpayee’s brilliant performance.
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The funny and relatable supporting cast.
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The nostalgic 1980s vibe.
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A lighthearted tone that the whole family can enjoy.
If you want a movie that makes you smile while keeping you curious about what happens next, Inspector Zende is a great choice for your next movie night.
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