Inspector Zende, starring Manoj Bajpayee in the titular role, has finally premiered, and early reactions from fans on Twitter (X) suggest the film is a clear winner. Directed by Chinmay Mandlekar, this police comedy-thriller is inspired by the real-life story of Madhukar Zende, the Mumbai cop who famously arrested serial killer Charles Sobhraj — not once, but twice.
The film pairs Bajpayee with Jim Sarbh, who plays Carl Bhojraj, a character inspired by Sobhraj. With sharp writing, humour, and an engaging narrative, Inspector Zende is already trending on X as viewers call it “a banger.”
Inspector Zende Story: A Mumbai Cop vs A Serial Killer
The movie follows Madhukar Zende (Manoj Bajpayee), a fearless yet witty Mumbai police inspector. Known for his intelligence and quick thinking, Zende managed to capture the notorious serial killer Charles Sobhraj twice, becoming a legend in Mumbai’s crime history.
Unlike most thrillers, Inspector Zende mixes humour and comic timing with a gripping cat-and-mouse chase, offering audiences a unique blend of crime, comedy, and drama.
Inspector Zende Twitter (X) Reactions
The film has sparked a wave of positive reviews online:
- One user wrote: “Another unsung hero’s role played brilliantly by @BajpayeeManoj. You must know about the man #InspectorZende who arrested #CharlesSobhraj twice. Funny, comic, and a real tribute to a deserving hero.”
- Many praised the film’s “Mumbai flavour” and Bajpayee’s effortless comic timing.
- Others appreciated the writing, humour, and tight screenplay.
Inspector Zende Cast and Characters
- Manoj Bajpayee as Madhukar Zende (lead role)
- Jim Sarbh as Carl Bhojraj (inspired by Charles Sobhraj)
- Sachin Khedekar
- Girija Oak
- Bhalchandra Kadam
- Harish Dudhade
- Bharat Savale
- Nitin Bhajan
- Onkar Raut
The ensemble cast supports Bajpayee’s powerful performance, while Sarbh adds layered villainy with his charming yet menacing act.
Manoj Bajpayee on Playing Inspector Zende
Talking about the role, Bajpayee shared:
“What fascinated me about Inspector Zende was that he wasn’t chasing glory — he was just doing his job, yet caught one of the most notorious criminals twice. His bravery, humour, and that unmistakable Mumbai flavour make his journey truly inspiring. I’m glad his story is finally getting the spotlight it deserves, and that too globally on Netflix.”
Technical Review: Direction, Writing, and Tone
- Direction (Chinmay Mandlekar): Balances realism with humour, making the story engaging for both crime-thriller fans and casual viewers.
- Writing: Witty dialogues and smart pacing keep the narrative fresh.
- Tone: Unlike typical police dramas, Inspector Zende blends comedy with tension, making it stand out in the genre.
Inspector Zende Movie Review: Final Verdict
Inspector Zende is like listening to a close friend narrate a spooky family story — thrilling yet filled with punchlines. It is a witty, well-paced police comedy-thriller with stellar performances from Manoj Bajpayee and Jim Sarbh.
⭐ My Rating: 3.7/5 Stars – A Gripping Comedy Thriller Worth Watching on Netflix
