NEW DELHI – Inspector Zende brings a playful twist to real-life crime stories. Mixing laughs, nostalgia, and a classic cops-and-robbers chase, the film keeps viewers interested even if it never quite reaches the heights of suspense.
Chinmay Mandlekar, making his first Hindi feature, moves away from stories about Charles Sobhraj–here renamed Carl Bhojraj (Jim Sarbh)–and puts the spotlight instead on Mumbai police officer Madhukar Zende (Manoj Bajpayee), known for catching Bhojraj not once, but twice. Lasting 112 minutes, this comedy-thriller lightens a dark true tale with breezy performances and a lively cast, led by Bajpayee’s familiar and likeable style.
A Nostalgic Comedy Based on True Events
Drawing on the flavours and sights of 1980s Mumbai and Goa, Inspector Zende kicks off with a radio report that Carl Bhojraj, a notorious killer behind 32 murders, broke out of Tihar Jail in 1986 by drugging guards with sedative-filled kheer.
The escape spurs Inspector Madhukar Zende, a middle-class cop who once caught Bhojraj in 1971, back into action. Sent by DGP Chandrakant Purandare (Sachin Khedekar), Zende and his colourful team—Patil (Bhalchandra Kadam), Jacob (Harish Dudhade), Deshmane (Nitin Bhajan), Naik (Bharat Savale), and Patekar (Onkar Raut)—head to Goa for a low-key mission to bring the criminal back.
The story leans into its comic streak, aiming for laughs and family-friendly charm rather than harsh realism, which makes for both its strength and weakness.
Coming from a background in Marathi cinema, Mandlekar offers a style that is much lighter in feel than most gritty crime dramas like The Serpent or Netflix’s Black Warrant. He draws on a ‘70s and ‘80s backdrop, referencing Amitabh Bachchan films, the crowded lanes of Mumbai chawls, and a nostalgic score created by Sanket Sane and Swanand Kirkire.
Humour wins out, carrying scenes like Zende’s squad running out of cash in Goa or an over-the-top wedding dance. Sometimes the jokes overshadow the shock of Bhojraj’s crimes, making the tone uneven in places.
Performances Carry the Story
Manoj Bajpayee leads the film with his trademark charm. As Madhukar Zende, he mixes sharp wit with a steady, plainspoken approach that feels very true to life. Fans of his work in The Family Man will spot a similar balance of home life and police work.
His moments with his screen wife Viju (Girija Oak)–especially when she brings puran poli to celebrate their anniversary at the police station–add heart to the story. Audiences have praised him online, calling his performance “gripping” and describing his inspector as “relentless.”
Jim Sarbh, who plays Carl Bhojraj, combines style and subtle menace. However, the script gives him little room to develop, so at times he feels like a villain from a costume party.
Critics often point out that, despite Sarbh’s commitment, his character lacks depth. Supporting roles spark to life, too, especially Bhalchandra Kadam’s fun take on Patil, the quick-thinking, cheerful cop who loves to compare himself to Rishi Kapoor. Girija Oak and Sachin Khedekar offer reliable support, while the police team brings a sense of warmth and fun.
Audience and Critical Reactions to Inspector Zende
Since its debut, Inspector Zende has lit up social media, with many calling it a “classic ‘90s” piece and praising its sharp, lively humour. Viewers have described it as “a banger,” complimenting Bajpayee’s seriousness and Sarbh’s accurate accent, though some found the second half a bit slow. Another review called it “a smart, fast-paced police comedy-thriller” with a 3.7 out of 5 rating, encouraging others to watch it on Netflix.
Fans of Marathi film, in particular, enjoyed Bhalchandra Kadam’s scene-stealing performance.
Professional critics are less united. The Times of India scored it 3.5 out of 5, enjoying Bajpayee’s and Sarbh’s work as well as the nostalgic Mumbai-Goa setting, but worried that the humour weakens the sense of high stakes. The Indian Express, less impressed, gave it just 2 out of 5, criticizing the comedy-thriller blend and saying the story can’t match the boldness of its real-life criminal.
The Hindu was cautious in praise, calling the movie “moderately enjoyable” and pointing to repetitive plot points, while Bollywood Hungama found the real-life inspiration and offbeat storytelling “refreshing,” awarding 3.5 out of 5. ABP Live took a tougher stance, claiming the film “wastes a good true story” and “reduces the police to caricature,” awarding only one star.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Inspector Zende’s biggest plus points are its acting, quick pace, and use of fond, retro details. The visuals, from busy Mumbai corners to laid-back Goan beaches, create a strong feeling of time and place, with moody camera work adding to the effect. Humorous dialogue and team camaraderie, such as Zende poking fun at a Delhi ACP or the group pooling pocket money for expenses, help keep things light.
Yet the script stumbles by mixing comedy with the seriousness of the crimes. The character of Carl Bhojraj lacks detail, and the use of familiar nostalgia, like obvious CGI backdrops and a bright colour palette, sometimes feels thin. Critics also point out that Bhojraj never really has a voice, making it hard to care about the chase itself.
Final Thoughts on Inspector Zende
Inspector Zende stands as an enjoyable, though imperfect, salute to an unsung lawman. It avoids being a gritty look at real crime or a super-charged thriller. Instead, it plays out as a light, family-appropriate drama that comes alive through Bajpayee’s star quality and a cheerful ensemble.
Fans of quirky police stories and retro style will have the most fun. For those wanting a deeper dive into Charles Sobhraj’s criminal history, Black Warrant or The Serpent may deliver more. But for anyone in the mood for something charming, easy-going, and carried by standout acting, Inspector Zende offers a pleasant journey back to the ‘80s.
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