Netflix’s Inspector Zende brings the spotlight on Inspector Madhukar Bapurao Zende, the man who twice captured the infamous serial conman Charles Sobhraj. Directed and written by Chinmay Mandlekar and produced by Om Raut and Jai Shewakramani, the film mixes history, crime, and drama. With Manoj Bajpayee in the lead and Jim Sarbh as the fictional Carl Bhojraj (based on Sobhraj), the film promises a gripping chase but delivers an uneven experience, elevated only by Bajpayee’s performance.
Inspecter Zende Movie Plot and Premise
The story follows Inspector Zende’s relentless pursuit of Carl Bhojraj, a suave yet dangerous criminal modeled on Charles Sobhraj. While Sobhraj has often been romanticized as the “charismatic anti-hero,” Inspector Zende flips the lens to highlight the cop’s grit, determination, and challenges. The film portrays not just the cat-and-mouse chase but also Zende’s life as a “family man cop,” balancing his duty with moments of warmth at home.
Inspecter Zende Movie Performances and Characters
- Manoj Bajpayee once again proves why he is among India’s finest actors. Channeling shades of his much-loved role in The Family Man, he plays Zende as sharp, patient, and deeply human. His presence single-handedly keeps the film engaging.
- Jim Sarbh as Carl Bhojraj adds charm but suffers from thin writing. Reduced to smirks and cryptic one-liners, his character never rises to the menace Sobhraj truly carried.
- Girija Oak brings emotional depth as Mrs. Zende, while Sachin Khedekar lends authority as Zende’s superior. Bhalchandra Kadam and Vaibhav Mangale inject light-hearted moments as fellow officers.
Also Read: Nishaanchi Trailer Out Now: Anurag Kashyap Crime Drama Set for September 19, 2025
What Works in Inspector Zende
The biggest strength of Inspector Zende lies in Manoj Bajpayee’s powerhouse performance. He brings an understated intensity to the role, portraying Inspector Zende as a sharp yet grounded cop who relies more on perseverance and intelligence than flamboyance. Much like his iconic role in The Family Man, Bajpayee makes the character relatable—a man who can be relentless in pursuit of a criminal while still sharing tender, domestic moments with his family. His presence ensures that even when the script falters, the film never loses its watchability.
The cat-and-mouse chase between Inspector Zende and Carl Bhojraj is another high point. The tension in these sequences feels authentic, drawing the audience into the dangerous, unpredictable world of a cop facing a clever and ruthless adversary. These moments of thrill give the film an edge, reminding viewers of the stakes at hand.
The supporting cast further strengthens the narrative. Girija Oak as Mrs. Zende adds a warm, emotional balance to the otherwise intense drama, giving audiences a glimpse into the personal life of the inspector. Sachin Khedekar lends gravitas as Zende’s superior, while actors like Bhalchandra Kadam and Vaibhav Mangale provide lighter moments, ensuring the film doesn’t feel one-note. Together, they create a layered world around Bajpayee’s character.
Another standout element is the authentic period detailing. The retro Bombay setting, complete with bustling streets, vintage cars, and era-specific costumes, adds a layer of realism and nostalgia to the film. This attention to detail transports the audience back to the 70s, making the story feel rooted in its time rather than just another dramatized retelling.
Finally, the climax injects much-needed energy into the narrative. The tug-of-war between the Goa and Mumbai police over Carl’s custody is staged with tension and a touch of wit, offering a satisfying payoff after a meandering middle act. It’s a reminder of the film’s potential, showing how creative direction and strong performances can elevate even a predictable ending.
What Doesn’t Work in Inspector Zende
Despite its strengths, Inspector Zende struggles with several shortcomings. The screenplay, though rooted in real events, often drags—especially in the middle portions. Certain scenes feel unnecessarily stretched, diluting the urgency of the chase and slowing down the overall pace. For a thriller, such moments of slackness hurt the engagement.
Another weak point is the decision to semi-fictionalize Charles Sobhraj into the character Carl Bhojraj. While the intent might have been to create a fresh narrative, the execution robs the story of its raw impact. Sobhraj’s real-life flamboyance and menace are toned down, leaving Carl Bhojraj feeling like a watered-down version of a fascinating historical figure. This creative liberty ultimately feels like a missed opportunity.
The film also falters in its tonal consistency. Humor, intended to be dark and dry, often lands unevenly and clashes with the gritty crime-thriller atmosphere. Similarly, the music is serviceable but underwhelming, doing little to enhance the tension or emotional beats of the story. For a film set against such a high-stakes backdrop, the lack of a strong musical identity is noticeable.
Lastly, Jim Sarbh, despite his natural charm and screen presence, is underutilized as the antagonist. His portrayal of Carl Bhojraj relies too heavily on villainous smirks and cryptic one-liners, never fully capturing the dangerous charisma associated with Charles Sobhraj. Without a strong foil, even Bajpayee’s brilliance sometimes feels one-sided, leaving the cop-criminal dynamic weaker than it could have been.
Verdict
Inspector Zende is a film that survives almost entirely because of Manoj Bajpayee. His nuanced performance transforms a patchy script into something watchable. While the movie has its moments—especially the thrilling climax and authentic period detailing—it struggles with uneven pacing and weak characterizations.
⭐ Rating: 3/5
If you enjoy real-life inspired cop dramas or are a fan of Manoj Bajpayee, this Netflix release is worth a watch. But without him, Inspector Zende might have been just another forgettable true-crime retelling.
Also Read: Bigg Boss 19: Captaincy Task High-Voltage Drama, Mridul Tiwari Injured
About the Author:
Rohit Kumar
I am a skilled content writer and SEO expert with a passion for crafting engaging and informative content. I currently work at Possible11, where I contribute to the company's blog and social media channels. I am also a contributing writer for several online publications. With over 500 articles under my belt, I have a deep understanding of how to create high-quality content that resonates with readers and drives traffic. I am also an expert in SEO, and I know how to optimize content for search engines to improve its visibility. I am a valuable asset to any team, and I am always ready to take on new challenges.
