The Indian OTT space has seen a steady rise in crime thrillers, but Inspector Zende manages to carve out its own space by blending suspense with subtle humor and character-driven storytelling. Directed and written by Chinmay Mandlekar in his directorial debut and produced by Jay Shewakramani and Om Raut, the film is inspired by real-life events surrounding Mumbai police officer Madhukar Zende, the man who arrested the infamous serial killer Charles Sobhraj twice.
Streaming exclusively on Netflix from 5 September 2025, Inspector Zende is a comedy thriller that keeps you engaged not just with its cat-and-mouse chase, but also with its richly written characters and period setting.
🕵️♂️ Plot: A Ghost from the Past Returns
Set largely in 1980, the story begins with shocking news: notorious criminal Carl Bhojraj has escaped from Tihar Jail. For Inspector Madhukar Bapurao Zende, this isn’t just another case—it’s personal. Fifteen years earlier, Zende had successfully captured Carl, ending a reign of terror that spanned countries.
Now older but no less sharp, Zende reunites with his team to hunt down a criminal who knows how to disappear, manipulate, and charm his way out of danger. The narrative smartly avoids excessive flashbacks and instead focuses on tension-building conversations, investigative legwork, and psychological warfare between cop and criminal.
🎠Performances: Manoj Bajpayee at His Effortless Best
Manoj Bajpayee delivers yet another masterclass performance as Inspector Zende. He doesn’t play the role as a larger-than-life hero; instead, his Zende is calm, observant, occasionally humorous, and deeply human. His restraint adds authenticity, making the character feel lived-in rather than dramatized.
On the other side is Jim Sarbh as Carl Bhojraj—a character inspired by Charles Sobhraj. Jim brings a chilling charisma to the role, portraying Carl as intelligent, arrogant, and disturbingly charming. The verbal sparring and psychological tension between Bajpayee and Sarbh form the backbone of the film and are easily its strongest moments.
The supporting cast shines as well:
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Sachin Khedekar lends gravitas as DGP Chandrakant S. Purandhare
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Girija Oak adds emotional depth as Vijaya Zende
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Bhalchandra Kadam and Vaibhav Mangle provide both grounding realism and light comic relief
🎥 Direction, Writing & Atmosphere
For a debut director, Chinmay Mandlekar shows remarkable control over tone and pacing. The film doesn’t rush; it allows scenes to breathe, trusting the audience to stay invested. The writing smartly mixes dry humor with investigative tension, ensuring the film never feels too heavy despite its dark subject matter.
The 1980s setting is recreated with subtle production design—no loud nostalgia, just enough detail to transport viewers back in time. Background score is used sparingly, enhancing suspense without overpowering performances.
🎯 What Works (and What Could Have Been Better)
✅ Strengths
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Powerful lead performances
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Smart, dialogue-driven screenplay
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Balanced mix of humor and thriller elements
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Real-life inspiration adds authenticity
⚠️ Minor Limitations
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Viewers expecting fast-paced action may find the film slow in parts
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The procedural approach may feel understated to fans of high-octane thrillers
⭐ Final Verdict: Worth Your Time
Inspector Zende is not just about catching a criminal—it’s about patience, intelligence, and the quiet determination of a man who refuses to let evil slip away twice. It’s a film that trusts storytelling over spectacle and performances over gimmicks.
For audiences who enjoy intelligent crime dramas with strong acting and realistic storytelling, this film is a must-watch.
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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)