The Premise
Set in the 1980s, Inspector Zende revisits the infamous prison escape of serial killer Charles Sobhraj—here renamed Carl Bhojraj (played by Jim Sarbh)—and the relentless Mumbai cop Madhukar Zende (Manoj Bajpayee) who captured him twice. Instead of glorifying the criminal, debutant director Chinmay D. Mandlekar flips the focus to the unassuming police officer, showing his determination and everyday struggles as he chases the “Serpent” across Mumbai and Goa.
The Performances
Manoj Bajpayee brings warmth and relatability to Inspector Zende, portraying him as a family man balancing duty and domestic life. He manages to add humor without reducing the seriousness of the chase, grounding the film with his trademark authenticity. His Marathi lines and subtle comic touches are especially endearing, and he carries the film with ease.
Jim Sarbh, as Carl Bhojraj, looks the part of the suave, cold-blooded killer, but the script doesn’t give him enough menace or psychological depth. At times, his portrayal comes across more like a costume act than a chilling villain. Still, some viewers found his performance refreshing and even more engaging than Bajpayee’s in certain sequences.
The supporting cast adds an extra layer of charm. Girija Oak as Zende’s wife, Sachin Khedekar as the senior officer, and Bhalchandra Kadam as a fellow cop provide warmth and levity. Their moments, such as humorous aliases or light domestic interludes, create a nostalgic touch reminiscent of old-school Hindi cinema.
What Works
One of the film’s biggest strengths is its decision to shift the spotlight from the criminal to the police officer. Instead of romanticizing Charles Sobhraj, the film gives Inspector Zende his long-overdue recognition. Manoj Bajpayee’s performance also keeps the film engaging, as he balances sincerity with light comic timing.
The tone of the film, though not always consistent, has moments of charm. The way it mixes procedural crime with slices of everyday life creates a few heart-warming scenes. These touches, combined with nostalgic 1980s-inspired visuals and music, help the film remain pleasant to watch despite its flaws.
What Doesn’t
The biggest issue with Inspector Zende is its uneven tone. The film moves between thriller and comedy but never fully settles into either. This weakens the suspense and makes the chase less gripping than it should be. The writing often feels flat, struggling to capture the audacity of the criminal or the determination of the police.
Jim Sarbh’s Carl Bhojraj, while stylishly played, does not feel dangerous enough to match the reputation of Charles Sobhraj. The lack of menace reduces the stakes of the story. The pacing also dips in the middle, slowing down the momentum and making the narrative predictable.
Verdict
Inspector Zende is neither a disaster nor a revelation. It falls squarely into the category of a “decent one-time watch.” Manoj Bajpayee carries the film with his presence, and there are enjoyable moments, but weak writing and tonal confusion prevent it from being a memorable crime thriller. For casual streaming, it works fine, but it does not leave a lasting impact.
Bullseye Rating:★★★ (3/5 stars)
Inspector Zende is currently streaming on Netflix.
