Inspector Zende Movie Review: Manoj Bajpayee’s Netflix Cop Drama Mixes Crime, Comedy, and Nostalgia

Netflix’s Inspector Zende, released on 5 September 2025, is one of those films that arrives with a mix of curiosity and excitement. The moment you hear Manoj Bajpayee’s name attached to a project, expectations naturally rise. Add Jim Sarbh to the cast, and you know you’re in for something unpredictable. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker and actor Chinmay Mandlekar, this movie is inspired by a not-so-true story– a playful reimagining of Inspector Madhukar Bapurao Zende, the cop who famously caught the elusive conman Charles Sobhraj (the “swimsuit killer”) in the 1980s. In this Inspector Zende movie review, we’ll explore how the film balances crime, humor, and nostalgia while showcasing Bajpayee in top form.

But instead of going down the dark, gritty thriller route that most crime dramas prefer, Inspector Zende takes a refreshing turn. It blends crime with humor, nostalgia, and character-driven storytelling, making it feel both entertaining and thoughtful. In this review, I’ll break down the film’s narrative, performances, direction, and highlight what works—and what doesn’t.

Inspector Zende Movie Story

The narrative begins in Mumbai in 1986. The narrator explains how the city police worked tirelessly to clean the streets of gangsters. Manoj Bajpayee then appears, standing in a queue for milk. There, he hears on the radio that Carl Sobhraj (renamed from his original name, Charles Sobhraj) has escaped from Tihar Jail in Delhi. Bajpayee’s character had previously caught Carl 15 years earlier, in 1971. He knows exactly how the criminal thinks, having studied his case in detail.

Zende rushes home to get ready for duty, but his wife, whom he fondly refers to as “the commissioner,” asks why he is in such a hurry. His reply is simple yet powerful: “Desh ki naak kat gayi.” (The nation has been dishonored).

Carl Sobhraj (played by Jim Sarbh) already had a notorious history of jail escapes—five times before. This time, he offered jail prisoners and constables his handmade kheer, secretly laced with sleeping pills. That’s how he managed to escape from Tihar along with four other prisoners: David Jones, Lalit Khatana, Ratan Tomar, and Subhash Tyagi.

Once again, the case was handed to Zende. With the help of his informers, he began tracing foreigners who had recently checked into Mumbai hotels. He and his officers set up a trap at one such hotel, but unfortunately, the plan failed by a margin. What follows feels like a cat-and-mouse chase, except this time Carl has the upper hand.

During the investigation, Zende’s team mistakenly arrests the wrong person. This leads to public criticism and accusations against the Mumbai police. People claim they had wrongly targeted an innocent man. Despite the setback, Bajpayee’s Zende refuses to give up. He later tracks down and arrests two escaped prisoners, Ratan Tomar and Subhash Tyagi. From them, he receives valuable information: Carl is now hiding in Goa.

Soon after, DGP Purandhare arrives at Zende’s home and assigns him a secret mission to arrest Carl in Goa- emphasizing that this mission is not official and must be carried out quietly. Now the real fun begins. How is Zende going to capture Carl?

Star Cast of Inspector Zende

Manoj Bajpayee as Inspector Zende

Manoj Bajpayee proves yet again why he is considered one of India’s finest actors. His portrayal of Inspector Zende is nuanced, understated, and effortlessly charming. He doesn’t play the role like a hyper-masculine Bollywood cop who screams and punches his way through problems. Instead, he embodies a real man- a sharp, witty officer who uses his intelligence as his weapon. Bajpayee’s comic timing is also on point, which brings a freshness to a crime-based narrative.

Jim Sarbh as Carl Sobhraj

Jim Sarbh slips into the skin of Carl Sobhraj with ease. His suave mannerisms, smooth dialogue delivery, and ability to switch from charming to menacing make him the perfect choice for the role. While the film leans more toward Zende’s perspective, Sarbh ensures that Sobhraj remains a memorable character throughout.

The supporting cast deserves applause, too. From the colleagues in the police department to the quirky informants Zende interacts with, each character adds depth and flavor to the story. Girija Oak and Bhalchandra Kadam, in particular, bring humor and warmth to their roles.

Direction & Screenplay

The biggest strength of Inspector Zende lies in its screenplay. Instead of treating the Charles Sobhraj story as just another high-tension thriller, the writers approach it as a blend of comedy, drama, and nostalgia. The dialogues are witty, the pacing in the first half is smooth, and the recreation of old Bombay adds charm.

The direction smartly avoids over-dramatization. Instead, it focuses on moments—whether it’s Zende’s playful banter with his colleagues or the quiet intensity when he’s closing in on Sobhraj. The tonal balance, however, may not work for everyone. Some viewers might feel the comedy occasionally undercuts the tension. But for those looking for a different flavor in crime dramas, this tonal shift feels refreshing.

Cinematography & Music

Visually, the movie is a treat. The cinematography captures the essence of vintage Mumbai and Goa with bustling streets, old taxis, and charming cafés. The lighting and framing lend a slightly theatrical touch, making the movie feel like a stage play at times.

The music deserves a special mention. The background score is peppy, retro, and fits the vibe of the late 1980s. Instead of using heavy, tension-building music, the soundtrack opts for playful beats that match the film’s quirky tone.

Hits and Misses of Inspector Zende

What truly works in Inspector Zende is the way it allows Manoj Bajpayee to command the screen. His portrayal of Inspector Zende is the heartbeat of the film- subtle, powerful, and deeply relatable. Alongside his performance, the movie’s unique tone stands out. Mixing humor with a true crime story could have easily backfired, but here it feels refreshing and engaging. The nostalgic recreation of old Mumbai adds another layer of charm, transporting viewers back to a different era. And then there’s the cat-and-mouse chemistry between Bajpayee and Jim Sarbh, which keeps the story alive with tension, wit, and unpredictability.

On the flip side, the film isn’t without its shortcomings. The pacing wavers in the second half, where some sequences feel repetitive and drag on longer than they should. Tonally, the movie sometimes struggles to find balance- viewers expecting a dark, gritty thriller might find the comedic elements a little jarring. Additionally, a few supporting characters show sparks of potential but are never fully fleshed out, leaving you wishing the film had explored them in more depth.

What the Viewers Are Saying about the Inspector Zende Movie

Social media has been buzzing with positive reactions. Fans have called it a “banger” and a “refreshing take on the cop thriller.” Many viewers appreciated the mix of humor and nostalgia, saying it felt different from the typical serious thrillers.

Critics, however, have been divided. While many gave it 3 to 3.5 stars, praising its charm and performances, a few felt that the writing didn’t fully match the potential of the real-life story. Still, most agree that Manoj Bajpayee’s performance alone makes the film worth watching.

Final Verdict

Inspector Zende isn’t your typical cop thriller, and that’s exactly what makes it stand out. Instead of drowning the story in darkness and melodrama, the film chooses a lighter, quirkier path that balances crime with humor and nostalgia. At its core is Manoj Bajpayee’s outstanding performance- measured, relatable, and deeply compelling. He ensures that even when the narrative slows down, you remain invested in Inspector Zende as a character. Jim Sarbh, meanwhile, adds sophistication and edge as Charles Sobhraj, creating a fascinating dynamic that elevates the cat-and-mouse chase.

Yes, the film stumbles at times with uneven pacing and tonal shifts, but those shortcomings don’t take away from its charm. At a time when crime thrillers on streaming platforms often look and feel the same, Inspector Zende offers something refreshingly different. It may not satisfy everyone who wants a gritty, edge-of-the-seat drama, but for audiences open to a more character-driven and nostalgic take, this is an engaging watch worth adding to your Netflix list.

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