Fri Sep 05 07:40:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**”Inspector Zende” on Netflix: Manoj Bajpayee Shines in Uneven Charles Sobhraj Chase**
**Mumbai, India** – A new Netflix film, “Inspector Zende,” has shifted the focus from the infamous Charles Sobhraj to the police officer who apprehended him, Madhukar Bapurao Zende. The film, directed by Chinmay Mandlekar, stars Manoj Bajpayee as the titular character, but while the premise is promising, the execution falls short of its potential.
Bajpayee, fresh off the success of “The Family Man,” delivers a compelling performance as the unassuming yet sharp Inspector Zende. He masterfully portrays the officer balancing his duties with his family life, creating a relatable and engaging character. However, Jim Sarbh, cast as the semi-fictionalized Carl Bhojraj (Sobhraj), is underutilized and struggles to elevate his role beyond villainous smirks and cryptic lines.
The supporting cast, including Girija Oak as Mrs. Zende and Sachin Khedekar as Zende’s superior, adds depth and warmth to the narrative. The film’s period detailing, from the bustling Bombay streets to the retro cars, is commendable.
However, the film struggles with an inconsistent tone, and the humor, pitched as dark and dry, often falls flat. The climax, a tug-of-war between Goa and Mumbai police over Bhojraj’s custody, provides a much-needed spark after a meandering middle act.
Ultimately, “Inspector Zende” is carried by Bajpayee’s performance. While the film hints at the possibility of future installments chronicling Zende’s other adventures, it remains a patchy and uneven true-crime retelling that survives primarily because of its lead actor.
First Piper 