‘Inspector Zende’ Review: Manoj Bajpayee and a strong ensemble outshine a faltering script

What happens when a dreaded criminal’s story is retold with a dash of wit and thrill? Netflix’s latest release, ‘Inspector Zende’, directed by Chinmay Mandlekar, is a comedy thriller that pits Manoj Bajpayee against Jim Sarbh in a cat-and-mouse chase inspired by the life of the infamous ‘Bikini Killer’ Charles Sobhraj.

Bajpayee, in the titular role, slips into a space that instantly recalls his much-loved Shrikant Tiwari from ‘The Family Man’ - sharp, witty, and always a step ahead, yet laced with deadpan humour. Released this Friday, the film balances crime and comedy, with Bajpayee leading the charge alongside a stellar ensemble, as the narrative unfolds around the eccentric and unpredictable Carl Bhojraj, played by Jim Sarbh.

But is ‘Inspector Zende’ worth your weekend watch? Read on to find out.

Unfolding the narrative:

The story kicks off with Carl Bhojraj (Jim Sarbh), the dreaded serial killer, staging yet another dramatic escape from Tihar Jail—his fifth successful breakout. His flight from captivity not only humiliates the police force but also shames the nation, especially given his history of murdering several foreign nationals. When word surfaces that Carl is hiding in Mumbai, the city’s police turn to their most trusted hand—Inspector Madhukar Zende (Manoj Bajpayee), the officer who had captured Carl 15 years earlier. With Zende back on the trail, what follows is a razor-sharp cat-and-mouse chase between the wily criminal and the relentless cop.

Strengths of the film:

‘Inspector Zende’ is, without doubt, a Manoj Bajpayee showcase. Slipping into the role of a cop, Bajpayee once again proves that there isn’t a character he cannot not only play but completely own. What elevates his performance here is the impeccable timing of his deadpan comedy, which blends seamlessly with the character’s integrity. Zende is portrayed as an honest officer, a grounded family man, and a leader who values teamwork over taking credit—making him both relatable and admirable.

While Bajpayee’s performance might remind viewers of his turn as Srikant Tiwari in ‘The Family Man’, Zende is far from a carbon copy. The two men may share shades of wit and warmth, but their approaches to duty and life are distinctly different, ensuring that Zende emerges as his own, lovable character.

Beyond Bajpayee, Jim Sarbh delivers a striking performance in a role that seems tailor-made for him. As Carl, he exudes charm and menace in equal measure, embodying the suave yet unpredictable nature of the criminal mastermind. The supporting cast too deserves credit—Bhalchandra Kadam as Patil, in particular, is a standout. His camaraderie with Bajpayee adds a delightful layer of humor, as he plays the part of an innocent, slightly timid policeman who is equal parts funny and endearing. Girija Oak also impresses as Zende’s wife, bringing warmth and authenticity to their on-screen relationship.

The ensemble is rounded out by solid performances from Harish Duhade, Bharat Savale, Nitin Bhajan, Onkar Raut, and the ever-dependable Sachin Khedekar. The decision to bring in Marathi actors works wonderfully, adding depth and freshness to the film’s tone. Collectively, the cast ensures that, even when the story falters, the performances never let you down.

It isn’t just the performances that deserve applause—the dialogue writing, too, stands out. The team succeeds in delivering clean, well-timed humor that adds charm without ever feeling forced, giving the film a refreshing lightness. Credit must also go to the art design team, whose meticulous work transports viewers back in time. From the setting to the smallest details, especially the way that they’ve shown Zende’s house, the period recreation feels authentic, adding an extra layer of immersion to the narrative.

Where it stumbles:

Even though ‘Inspector Zende’ boasts a stellar cast, sharp and clean humour, and some truly memorable performances, it ultimately falters in its writing and overall storyline. The second half, in particular, begins to feel stretched, losing the tautness expected from a comedy thriller. The repeated sequences where Zende and Charles narrowly miss crossing paths initially add intrigue but soon become predictable and monotonous, diluting the tension. While the film presents an honest take inspired by true events, it never quite achieves the finesse it aims for, leaving viewers with a narrative that has its moments but also its fair share of flaws.

Another shortcoming lies in how underutilized Jim Sarbh is in the film. On paper, the role of Carl seems tailor-made for him, yet the script gives him surprisingly little to do. Beyond flaunting his charm, style, and signature swagger, the character is written without enough depth to truly challenge an actor of his caliber. As a result, Sarbh’s performance, though effective in parts, never rises to the level one would expect from someone capable of delivering powerhouse acts. It feels like a missed opportunity to fully tap into his range.

Final verdict:

Despite the flaws, ‘Inspector Zende’ makes for a one-time watch, especially for Bajpayee’s performance. The film does have moments where it will make you laugh. Even though it’s based on a serious crime, ‘Inspector Zende’ is anything but a serious watch.

Rating: 2.5 stars out of 5