Inspector Zende Movie (2025) : Story, Cast, Reviews, OTT ReleaseThe year 2025 has brought several exciting Bollywood releases, but one film that is gaining attention for its unique blend of true crime and comedy is Inspector Zende. Directed by Chinmay Mandlekar and starring Manoj Bajpayee in the lead role, this Netflix original movie reimagines the real-life story of Inspector Madhukar Bapurao Zende, the Mumbai police officer who captured the notorious criminal Charles Sobhraj. The film combines thrilling moments with quirky humor, making it a refreshing watch for fans of crime dramas.
About the Movie Inspector Zende (2025)
- Title: Inspector Zende
- Language: Hindi
- Genre: Comedy Thriller / True Crime Drama
- Director: Chinmay Mandlekar
- Producers: Jay Shewakramani, Om Raut
- OTT Release: Netflix (5 September 2025)
The movie is inspired by real events but presented in a stylized, entertaining format that keeps audiences hooked till the end.
Plot and Storyline
Inspector Zende follows the adventurous journey of Inspector Madhukar Zende, the Mumbai police officer who became famous for capturing Charles Sobhraj not once, but twice. In the movie, the character of Charles Sobhraj is fictionalized as Carl Bhojraj, played brilliantly by Jim Sarbh.
The plot highlights two major events:
- The 1971 arrest in Mumbai – where Zende outsmarts the cunning criminal during his early operations.
- The 1986 Goa encounter – where Zende once again manages to track him down, thanks to sharp instincts, police teamwork, and a bit of luck.
While rooted in reality, the movie adds elements of comedy and situational humor, showing Zende’s witty personality and his unique way of handling criminals. The cat-and-mouse chase between Bajpayee and Sarbh is both gripping and entertaining.
Cast and Characters
The casting of Inspector Zende has been praised for bringing authenticity and charm to the film:
- Manoj Bajpayee as Inspector Madhukar Bapurao Zende – a fearless, witty, and determined cop.
- Jim Sarbh as Carl Bhojraj – inspired by Charles Sobhraj, known for his charisma and cunning mind.
- Sachin Khedekar – supporting role, adding depth to the police hierarchy.
- Girija Oak – plays a strong female character connected to the investigation.
- Bhalchandra Kadam – comic relief with a Maharashtrian touch.
- Harish Dudhade – adds intensity as part of the investigative team.
The chemistry between Bajpayee and Sarbh is the highlight, turning the film into a thrilling yet humorous battle of minds.
Real-Life Inspiration: Who Was Inspector Zende?
The real Inspector Madhukar Zende was one of Mumbai’s most respected police officers. He became a national hero after capturing Charles Sobhraj, also known as “The Serpent,” a serial killer and master of disguise who targeted tourists in Asia.
- Zende first arrested Sobhraj in 1971 in Mumbai.
- In 1986, after Sobhraj escaped from prison, Zende tracked him down in Goa and arrested him again at O’Coqueiro restaurant.
This double achievement made Inspector Zende a legend in Indian police history, and the film celebrates his wit, courage, and investigative brilliance.
Reviews and Audience Reactions
Since its Netflix release on 5 September 2025, Inspector Zende has received positive reviews from both critics and audiences.
- NDTV rated it 3.5/5, praising Bajpayee’s performance and the unique mix of comedy with true crime.
- Koimoi gave it 4/5, calling it “a refreshing cop-drama that breaks stereotypes.”
- Rediff offered a mixed review, appreciating the humor but pointing out some repetitiveness in the narrative.
- On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie currently holds an average score of 3/5, with most reviewers highlighting Manoj Bajpayee as the film’s strongest element.
Audiences on social media have widely appreciated Jim Sarbh’s stylish portrayal of Carl Bhojraj, with many calling him one of the most charismatic Bollywood villains in recent times.
Cinematic Style and Direction
Director Chinmay Mandlekar deserves credit for blending a true crime story with comedy. Instead of making it a dark and heavy thriller, the film uses quirky dialogues, humorous situations, and retro styling to keep the tone light.
The cinematography recreates the Mumbai and Goa of the 1970s and 1980s, giving audiences a nostalgic glimpse of India’s past. The background score, infused with retro beats, further adds to the entertainment value.
Why Watch Inspector Zende?
If you are still wondering whether to stream the movie, here are some solid reasons:
- Manoj Bajpayee’s power-packed performance – He adds depth, wit, and humor to the role.
- Jim Sarbh as the stylish villain – His portrayal of Carl Bhojraj is smooth, dangerous, and captivating.
- True crime meets comedy – A unique experiment in Bollywood, rarely seen before.
- Based on real events – The story of Charles Sobhraj’s arrest is fascinating in itself.
- Perfect weekend watch on Netflix – Light, entertaining, and engaging.
Box Office and Streaming Performance
Since Inspector Zende is a Netflix exclusive release, it did not hit traditional theaters. However, within just a week of release, it became one of the Top 5 trending films on Netflix India and entered the global Top 10 non-English films list.
The streaming numbers show that the film has successfully connected with a wide audience, not only in India but also internationally, especially among viewers interested in true crime stories.
Inspector Zende (2025) is more than just another Bollywood crime thriller. It is a tribute to a real-life police hero, Inspector Madhukar Zende, who showed bravery and intelligence in bringing down one of the world’s most notorious criminals. With stellar performances by Manoj Bajpayee and Jim Sarbh, stylish direction by Chinmay Mandlekar, and a refreshing mix of comedy and suspense, this movie is a must-watch.
For audiences who enjoy true crime stories, witty characters, and thrilling cat-and-mouse chases, Inspector Zende is one of the best Hindi films to stream on Netflix in 2025.