The new Netflix film Inspector Zende tells the remarkable story of Mumbai police officer Madhukar Zende, who captured the infamous criminal Charles Sobhraj also called Carl Bhojraj twice, once in 1971 and again in 1986 after Sobhraj escaped from Tihar Jail. While Sobhraj’s crimes are well-known worldwide, Zende’s bravery and clever strategies remained largely untold until now.
Inspector Zende Film Highlights Mumbai Cop’s Bravery
Directed and written by Chinmay Mandlekar, the film focuses on Zende’s perspective, showing how he tracked Sobhraj using just a 15-year-old photograph. Despite the serious subject, Mandlekar chose to use humor to tell the story. He explains that the events had a “fairy-tale” quality, and the irony of a small team of six Mumbai cops chasing a dangerous criminal made the story suitable for a lighter tone. Manoj Bajpayee plays Inspector Zende, and Jim Sarbh plays Carl Bhojraj. Bajpayee appreciated the humorous approach, saying it added depth and relatability to his character.
Manoj Bajpayee brings a fresh dimension to the role of Zende. Unlike the angry or intense police characters he has played in past films like Shool (1999) or short films like Taandav (2016), Zende is shown as a dedicated, family-oriented, and clever officer. Jim Sarbh, who plays Sobhraj, spent significant time studying the real-life criminal to capture his mannerisms and obsession with disguises. The makeup and costume team helped Sarbh create two distinct looks for Sobhraj, reflecting different stages of his life.
The film skillfully mixes tension and humor, especially in scenes where Zende and his team try to outsmart the manipulative criminal. Bajpayee describes the dynamic on set, noting how his serious character interacts with quirky supporting characters, which highlights the challenges and unpredictability of capturing a master criminal.
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Inspector Zende is more than just a crime story; it celebrates intelligence, determination, and the courage of law enforcement officers. By blending true events with humor, the film becomes engaging, entertaining, and memorable. It also brings attention to an unsung hero who used wit and strategy to capture one of the most elusive criminals in history.
Author: Purnima s
Purnima | Entertainment Blogger 4+ yrs writing fun blogs on movies, celebs & trends. Pop culture addict serving fresh, binge-worthy content!
