Manoj Bajpayee gives a strong performance in “Inspector Zende,” which centers on the police officer who apprehended Charles Sobhraj twice. Although the picture suffers with an inconsistent storyline, it successfully combines police rivalry with historical accuracy.
Inspector Zende Review: A Hint of Family Man Charm in a Half-Baked Comic Thriller
Netflix’s ‘Black Warrant’ reopened the chapter on Charles Sobhraj earlier this year, detailing his daring escape from Tihar Jail. Filmmakers have long been captivated with Sobhraj, who is frequently depicted as the likable anti-hero. The attention instead moves to Inspector Madhukar Bapurao Zende, the police officer who arrested him twice, in Chinmay Mandlekar’s “Inspector Zende” (pronounced as Jhende). Although the idea is novel, the film ends up being a mediocre movie that is largely saved by Manoj Bajpayee.
Following ‘The Family Man”s enormous success, the actor returns to the role of a modest, everyday-looking police whose true power is not arrogance but rather sharpness and endurance. His ‘Inspector Zende’ may not have Srikant Tiwari’s clandestine activities or multi-layered double life, but Bajpayee excels at the “family man cop” model here as well: a guy who strikes a balance between duty and domesticity, equally at home whether on the run to apprehend the renowned criminal or enjoying precious moments with his wife. ‘Inspector Zende’ feels like a funny cousin of that beloved series because of its similar cadence, and Bajpayee fits right in.
Jim Sarbh has shockingly little to do opposite him. He was cast as Carl Bhojraj, the semi-fictitious stand-in for Sobhraj, and he mostly alternates between asking, “Who Carl?” repeatedly, smirking villainously, and uttering cryptic words. The script never provides Sarbh enough to make the role into a memorable antagonist, despite his charisma. The semi-fictionalization really seems superfluous, as though the movie want Sobhraj’s flamboyance without going all the way.
The supporting cast includes Sachin Khedekar as Zende’s supervisor and Girija Oak as Mrs. Zende, who adds a gentle emotional undertone to the otherwise cop-murderer pursuit plot. As fellow officers, Bhalchandra Kadam and Vaibhav Mangale also contribute a few humorous moments. A character casually referring to producer Om Raut as his enemy is another amusing meta-moment that moviegoers are sure to catch.
Technically, the movie does a good job at capturing the era; the busy streets of Bombay, the vintage automobiles, and the clothes all add realism. However, the music hardly contributes to the spirit of adventure, remaining passable rather than making an impression. The tone falters when the humor, which is characterized as dry and gloomy, hits unevenly.
The conclusion, which is presented as a struggle between the Goa and Mumbai police over Carl’s custody, is what really sticks out. Although it’s a humorous scene, the movie also doesn’t hold back when making fun of the Goa and Delhi police, which makes you question whether these liberties were inspired by fiction or based in reality. Nevertheless, following a convoluted middle act, the conclusion offers a much-needed energy.
Carl’s statement that Zende will become famous because of him is arguably the most telling example. In a sense, he was correct because this Netflix movie was created using that exact account decades later. However, Zende’s career wasn’t just shaped by Sobhraj; he has a long list of daring stories to his name, which raises the fascinating question of whether “Inspector Zende” will serve as the model for a new type of comic-book-style Indian police hero, with follow-ups detailing his other exploits.
But ultimately, Bajpayee is the reason “Inspector Zende” endures as a movie. A poor, uneven narrative is made watchable by his performance. It would have been just another unmemorable true-crime tale without him.
Inspector Zende receives a rating of 2.5 stars out of 5.
Q1. What is the story of Inspector Zende?
Inspector Zende focuses on Inspector Madhukar Bapurao Zende, the real-life police officer who arrested the infamous criminal Charles Sobhraj twice. The film explores his sharpness, determination, and balance between duty and family life.
Q2. Who plays the lead role in Inspector Zende?
The film stars Manoj Bajpayee as Inspector Zende, bringing his trademark intensity and depth to the character.
Q3. How is Manoj Bajpayee’s performance in the film?
Manoj Bajpayee delivers a strong performance, reminiscent of his role in The Family Man. His portrayal of a grounded, sharp, and family-oriented police officer is the highlight of the movie.
Q4. Who plays the antagonist in Inspector Zende?
Jim Sarbh plays Carl Bhojraj, a semi-fictitious stand-in for Charles Sobhraj. However, critics note that his role feels underwritten and lacks the menace needed for a memorable villain.
Q5. How is the supporting cast in the film?
The supporting cast includes Sachin Khedekar as Zende’s senior officer, Girija Oak as Mrs. Zende, and comic relief from Bhalchandra Kadam and Vaibhav Mangale.
Q6. What works well in Inspector Zende?
Manoj Bajpayee’s performance
Authentic depiction of 1970s–80s Bombay with vintage settings
Blending of humor with crime-thriller elements
A fun climax highlighting police rivalry
Q7. What are the drawbacks of Inspector Zende?
Uneven and inconsistent screenplay
Weakly written antagonist role for Jim Sarbh
Humor feels patchy in parts
Music doesn’t add much impact
Q8. How does the film compare to The Family Man?
The film feels like a comic cousin of The Family Man, with Bajpayee again playing a relatable cop balancing family and duty, though without the layered espionage elements.
Q9. What is the movie’s rating?
Inspector Zende has been given a 2.5 out of 5 stars rating by critics.
Q10. Where can I watch Inspector Zende?
The movie is available to stream on Netflix.
Q11. Is Inspector Zende based on a true story?
Yes, it is based on real-life events surrounding Inspector Madhukar Bapurao Zende, who captured Charles Sobhraj twice, highlighting the cop’s courage and strategic brilliance.
Q12. Who directed Inspector Zende?
The film is directed by Chinmay Mandlekar, who focused on blending historical accuracy with cinematic storytelling.
Q13. Does the movie cover Charles Sobhraj’s full criminal history?
No, the story primarily focuses on Zende’s encounters with Sobhraj. The antagonist’s flamboyance is partly fictionalized for cinematic effect.
Q14. How historically accurate is the film?
The film maintains authenticity in its depiction of 1970s–80s India, vintage cars, streets, and police work. However, some liberties are taken for narrative and comedic effect.
Q15. How is the film’s cinematography?
Cinematography captures the era effectively, with vintage Bombay streets, authentic costumes, and period-accurate props enhancing realism.
Q16. Is the humor in Inspector Zende effective?
The humor is uneven—sometimes dry and clever, other times falling flat. However, it provides light moments in the otherwise tense thriller.
Q17. How is the pacing of the movie?
The first half is gripping and keeps audiences engaged. The second half slows down and becomes less coherent, affecting the overall flow.
Q18. How important is Zende’s family in the film?
Inspector Zende’s family life adds depth to his character. Girija Oak as Mrs. Zende provides emotional grounding, showing the balance between personal and professional life.
Q19. Does Jim Sarbh’s character add suspense?
He is underutilized. While Carl Bhojraj is meant to be the antagonist, the script doesn’t give him enough depth to create lasting tension.
Q20. What role does the Goa vs. Mumbai police rivalry play?
The climax features a humorous yet exciting custody struggle, showcasing inter-police competition while adding energy to the final act.
Q21. Are there any notable meta or humorous references?
Yes, the film includes playful references, such as a character joking about producer Om Raut as his enemy, adding a self-aware humor layer.
Q22. How is the music and background score?
The music is functional but not memorable. The score supports scenes but doesn’t significantly elevate tension or emotion.
Q23. Does the movie explore Zende’s other achievements?
The film focuses on the Sobhraj episodes. However, it hints at Zende’s wider career, leaving room for potential sequels about his other exploits.
Q24. Who would enjoy this film the most?
Fans of true crime, historical thrillers, and Manoj Bajpayee’s acting will find the movie engaging. Casual viewers may find it uneven due to pacing issues.
Q25. Is Inspector Zende suitable for family viewing?
Yes, it’s suitable for adults and mature teens. The film blends thriller elements with mild humor and avoids excessive gore.
Q26. What sets this film apart from other cop dramas?
The focus on a real-life police officer, combined with historical accuracy and Manoj Bajpayee’s nuanced performance, gives it a unique edge.
Q27. Does the film have potential for sequels?
Yes, the movie hints at Zende’s other adventures, making it possible to develop a series based on his career.
Q28. What is the critical consensus?
Critics praise Bajpayee’s performance but criticize the inconsistent screenplay and underused antagonist. Overall, it’s watchable mainly because of the lead actor.
Q29. How is the production design?
Production design effectively recreates vintage Bombay, Goa, and Delhi police environments, with attention to detail in vehicles, sets, and costumes.
Q30. What is the takeaway message of Inspector Zende?
Despite narrative flaws, the film celebrates dedication, intelligence, and perseverance in law enforcement, with a memorable lead performance making it worthwhile.
Q31. How long is the movie?
The runtime is approximately 2 hours 12 minutes, balancing thriller elements with dramatic storytelling.
Q32. Does the film have action sequences?
Yes, there are several well-choreographed action scenes, mainly showcasing Zende’s tactical approach to catching Charles Sobhraj.
Q33. How realistic are the police procedures shown?
The film attempts accuracy, showing police investigations, inter-department coordination, and the challenges of tracking a cunning criminal like Sobhraj.
Q34. Does the movie explore Sobhraj’s psychology?
Only partially. The focus is more on Zende’s perspective, and Sobhraj (or the fictionalized Carl Bhojraj) serves mainly as the plot driver rather than a fully explored character.
Q35. Are there any memorable dialogues in the movie?
Yes, Zende’s witty lines and moments of subtle humor stand out, especially in interactions with his colleagues and family.
Q36. How is Manoj Bajpayee’s performance different from his role in The Family Man?
Bajpayee reprises a “family man cop” persona, balancing professional sharpness with domestic warmth, though the character here is less layered than Srikant Tiwari in The Family Man.
Q37. Are there emotional moments in the film?
Yes, scenes involving Zende’s wife and family provide emotional depth and humanize the character amidst thriller elements.
Q38. Does the film require prior knowledge of Sobhraj’s crimes?
Not strictly. While knowledge of Sobhraj’s history adds context, the film explains the major events needed to follow the story.
Q39. Is the film more historical or fictional?
It’s a blend—historical events form the backbone, but characters like Carl Bhojraj are semi-fictionalized to fit cinematic storytelling.
Q40. How is the film’s editing?
Editing is competent in the first half, creating suspense. The second half suffers from pacing issues, making some sequences feel rushed or disjointed.
Q41. What is the audience rating so far?
On popular review platforms, the movie averages around 2.5–3 stars, praised for Bajpayee but critiqued for story inconsistencies.
Q42. Who else in the supporting cast stands out?
Sachin Khedekar, Bhalchandra Kadam, and Vaibhav Mangale provide comic relief and support the main narrative effectively.
Q43. Is the movie more thriller or comedy?
It’s primarily a thriller, but dry humor sprinkled throughout lightens the tone.
Q44. How does the film handle the Goa vs. Mumbai police rivalry?
The rivalry is exaggerated for humor and tension, especially in the climax where custody over Carl Bhojraj is contested.
Q45. Are there any cinematic homages or references?
The film includes subtle nods to real-life police events and meta-commentary, adding layers for attentive viewers.
Q46. How does the film compare to other true-crime stories?
Unlike standard biopics, the movie emphasizes the cop’s perspective rather than glorifying the criminal, offering a refreshing take on Sobhraj’s saga.
Q47. Will the movie appeal to international audiences?
Partially. Historical accuracy and crime elements are universal, but some cultural nuances and humor may resonate more with Indian viewers.
Q48. Does the film address Zende’s personal struggles?
Yes, balancing work-life challenges and his dedication to justice is a recurring theme.
Q49. Is the film suitable for streaming platforms?
Yes, it works well for OTT viewing, especially for fans of true crime, police dramas, or Manoj Bajpayee.
Q50. Can we expect a sequel or series on Zende?
The movie leaves room for future adaptations exploring other daring cases from Zende’s career, potentially launching a franchise of “comic-book-style Indian police heroes.”
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