Inspector Zende: Who is 'Bikini Killer' Charles Sobhraj, played by Jim Sarbh in Manoj Bajpayee's film

In the upcoming Netflix film, Jim Sarbh will play 'Carl Bhojraj', a character inspired by French serial killer Charles Sobhraj. The film also stars Manoj Bajpayee.

Manoj Bajpayee and Jim Sarbh in Inspector Zende

Inspector Zende is an upcoming cop crime thriller movie that stars Manoj Bajpayee and Jim Sarbh in the lead roles. Inspired by true events, the film revolves around the search for one of Mumbai's most notorious serial killers, named Charles Sobhraj, who successfully escapes from a Delhi prison by throwing a huge party and drugging the guards. This article will throw light on Charles Sobhraj, known as the Bikini Killer. Jim Sarbh will play 'Carl Bhojraj', a character inspired by French serial killer Charles Sobhraj in Inspector Zende.

Who is 'Bikini Killer' Charles Sobhraj

Charles Sobhraj, known as the 'Bikini Killer' and 'The Serpent,' is a French serial killer, thief, and fraudster who preyed on Western tourists along the 'hippie trail' in Asia during the 1970s. He is infamous for his cunning, ability to evade capture, and for strategically manipulating and killing his victims.

Sobhraj was described as handsome and charismatic, a man who befriended and gained the trust of his victims. He would drug them, often feigning an interest in gemstones or drug dealing, before committing robberies and murders. According to reports, his victims in the late 1970s were young hippies who were found dead in their swimsuits when they were rescued from the sea. He killed at least 10 backpackers in Southeast Asia.

Also Read: Inspector Zende: Release date, what to expect, trailer breakdown, cast, and more about the crime-comedy drama

After drugging a group of French students in New Delhi in 1976, Sobhraj was arrested and sentenced to prison. To avoid extradition to Thailand, where he faced a death sentence, he staged a daring escape in 1986 by drugging his prison guards during a fake birthday party. He was rearrested shortly after but served his extended sentence in India.

After his release from India in 1997, Sobhraj lived quietly in France until he made the "fatal error" of returning to Nepal in 2003. A journalist recognized him at a casino, leading to his arrest and conviction for the 1975 murders of American Connie Jo Bronzich and Canadian Laurent Carrière.

In December 2022, after serving 19 years of his sentence in Nepal, the Supreme Court ordered his release on grounds of old age and health. He was sent back to France, where he remains a free man under French law.

Sobhraj's life has been chronicled in several books and documentaries. His story gained renewed public interest with the 2021 BBC/Netflix miniseries, The Serpent, and the 2025 Netflix India series, Black Warrant.

About Inspector Zende

Inspector Zende is a crime drama inspired by the real-life cat-and-mouse chase between Mumbai police officer Madhukar Zende (Manoj Bajpayee) and the notorious serial killer Charles Sobhraj (Jim Sarbh). Directed by Chinmay D. Mandlekar, the film is set for release on Netflix on September 5, 2025.

FAQs:

Q: When will Inspector Zende be released on Netflix?

A: Inspector Zende will premiere globally on Netflix on September 5, 2025.

Q: Who plays Inspector Madhukar Zende in the film?

A: Manoj Bajpayee plays the lead role of Inspector Madhukar Zende, portraying his wit, courage, and street-smart detective skills.

Q: Who plays the “Bikini Killer” Carl Bhojraj in the movie?

A: Jim Sarbh plays the role of Carl Bhojraj, the charming yet elusive criminal who challenges Zende in a high-stakes cat-and-mouse chase.

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