Inspector Zende on OTT: Why you should watch Manoj Bajpayee and Jim Sarbh's crime comedy?

While Manoj Bajpayee portraying the titular role of IPS officer Madhukar B Zende, Jim Sarbh to bring out the quirky side of serial killer Charles Sobhraj in Inspector Zende, releasing this September.

Still of Manoj Bajpayee and Jim Sarbh

Serial killer Charles Sobhraj has been the subject of 4 biographies and 3 documentaries, along with a Bollywood film Main Aur Charles, a 2021 eight-episode Netflix series The Serpent and a 2025 seven-episode Black Warrant. But the surprising part is there's still no such content there on the IPS officer Madhukar B Zende from Mumbai who caught Sobhraj not once, but twice from escaping. Hence, this time Netflix is bringing a film titled Inspector Zende that's going to show Zende's and Sobhraj's quirky sides of the story on September 5, 2025. Let's find out why it's a must-watch film on Netflix!

Reasons to watch Inspector Zende:

Real-life inspiration

Instead of a serious biographical drama, Inspector Zende is a comical take on the unforgettable story of Madhukar B Zende, the legendary Mumbai police officer who haunted down Charles Sobhraj. Viewers with get to see a fun-filled adventure that uses humour to bring this amazing tale to life, rather than sticking to a strict historical account.

Star power

National Award-winning Manoj Bajpayee is bringing Zende's role to life, a man who's incredibly down-to-earth and is deeply driven to catch the elusive criminal. However, his performance is a stark contrast to that of Jim Sarbh who amazingly portays the role of Charles Sobhraj as Carl Bhojraj. This is the first time the duo has collaborated, and already giving a thrilling and memorable vibe to the viwers!

The retro Mumbai vibe

Inspector Zende takes on a ride back to the 1970s and 1980s when the technology was not so advanced and had no CCTV cameras and computer forensics. Mumbai was quite different from what it's now. The film shows a style of policing where officers had to be sharp and relentless. Instead of relying on technology, they used their wit, instincts, and sheer grit to track down criminals and solve cases. It was a time when catching criminals was a street-smart game and real deal for the police.

Different from grim procedurals

Inspector Zende breaks the stereotypes of same old dark themes and the serious tone we usually get to see in true-crime thrillers. Instead of being grim and intense, the film takes a fresh approach to the genre, making it a different and more enjoyable for viewers who might not typically enjoy dark themes. Rather the crime drama you can say a family-friendly film.

FAQs:

Q. Who is Inspector Zende?

A. Madhukar B Zende is a Mumbai police officer who arrested serial killer Charles Sobhraj twice; once in 1971 and again in Goa in 1986 after his escape from Tihar Jail.

Q. Where to watch Inspector Zende?

A. The film Inspector Zende is coming soon on Netflix on September 5, 2025.

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