Introduction
Inspector Zende is a 2025 Indian film inspired by the true story of Charles Sobhraj, the infamous most-wanted serial killer often dubbed the “Bikini Killer.”
The movie chronicles the tireless pursuit and eventual arrest of Sobhraj by Mumbai police officer Madhukar Zende, portrayed by Manoj Bajpayee.
With a true-crime foundation, the film promised an intense thriller steeped in suspense and drama, but while it has moments of brilliance, it struggles to fully deliver on the high expectations built around the enigmatic story of one of India’s most notorious criminals.
Release Details
Inspector Zende marks Chinmay Mandlekar’s directorial debut, releasing on Netflix on 5th September 2025.
Set predominantly in 1970s and ‘80s India, the movie dramatizes real-life events around the chase of Charles Sobhraj, with a blend of truth and fiction to add layers of intrigue and dark humor.
It attempts to stand out by mixing crime procedural tension with occasional quirky character-driven moments.
Cast
Manoj Bajpayee as Inspector Madhukar Zende, a dogged, no-nonsense cop dedicated to justice.
Jim Sarbh as Carl Bhojraj, the charismatic, toxic criminal inspired by Charles Sobhraj.
Sachin Khedekar as DGP Chandrakant Purandhare, Zende’s superior officer.
Girija Oak as Vijaya Zende, providing a personal dimension to Zende’s life.
Supporting cast includes Bhalchandra Kadam, Vaibhav Mangle, among others who enhance the narrative with their respective roles.
What is in the movie?
Inspector Zende deeply explores the conflict between a relentless law enforcer and an elusive, cunning criminal.
The story follows Zende’s struggles against not only Sobhraj’s manipulations and escapes but also systemic challenges within the police force.
The plot oscillates between intense investigative sequences and more laid-back, sometimes quirky moments that provide a breather from the tension.
The film attempts to humanize both protagonist and antagonist—showing Zende’s dogged determination and personal sacrifices as well as Bhojraj’s slippery charm and menace.
The narrative embraces a style that combines factual retelling with black humor and character quirks.
What Works
The performances stand out as the strongest element of the film. Manoj Bajpayee embodies the grounded determination of Inspector Zende, delivering a restrained yet powerful portrayal that commands attention and respect.
Jim Sarbh’s interpretation of Carl Bhojraj is mesmerizing—balancing menace with charisma, making the villain both repulsive and fascinating.
The direction shows promise, especially in its attention to period detail, capturing the colorful yet gritty backdrop of Mumbai and its surroundings during the era.
Additionally, the quirky humor and playful dialogue add texture and unpredictability, lending the movie a distinct tone that separates it from typical crime dramas.
Some of the comic moments, borne from character interactions and subtle jokes, inject fun into the tense storyline.
What Doesn’t Work
Unfortunately, the movie’s pacing often drags, undermining the suspense that a crime thriller of this nature inherently demands.
The story, while intriguing in concept, is stretched over scenes that sometimes feel repetitive or slower than necessary, diluting the overall impact and causing moments of boredom.
The tonal shifts introduced by the quirky humor clash at times with the seriousness of the subject, leading to uneven narrative flow.
Expectations for a taut, edge-of-the-seat thriller are not fully realized, with the screenplay lacking a gripping momentum or tightly woven tension.
Moreover, some plot elements and character developments feel underexplored or glossed over, making the story feel less compelling than it could have been.
While the film does offer a fresh perspective, its execution leaves much to be desired in terms of keeping the audience fully engaged.
Final Thoughts
Inspector Zende is a film of strong contrasts—a commendable effort with commendable acting, particularly from the leads, but held back by inconsistent pacing and an uneven tone.
Those drawn to true crime and psychological cat-and-mouse stories will find elements to appreciate, especially the performances and certain quirky moments that add charm.
However, the film falls short of producing a fully satisfying cinematic experience due to its lack of sustained suspense and moments of narrative drag.
It’s a nuanced, if occasionally frustrating, take on one of India’s most infamous criminal chases that ultimately feels a little undercooked.
