Inspector Zende Netflix Review: Manoj Bajpayee Shines in this Cat-and-Mouse Crime Drama

When a real Mumbai cop who caught the infamous “Bikini Killer” inspires a Netflix show, you know you’re in for some thrilling storytelling. Inspector Zende, directed by Chinmay Mandlekar, is a six-part crime-thriller series based on the life of Madhukar Bapurao Zende — the man who twice nabbed Charles Sobhraj (fictionalized here as Carl Bhojraj).

This isn’t your typical glossy cop drama. Instead, it’s a mix of suspense, dark comedy, and 1980s nostalgia, rooted in chawls, crowded trains, and the sun-soaked beaches of Goa.

Storyline & Structure

The series kicks off with Carl Bhojraj’s daring escape from Tihar Jail in 1986. Enter Inspector Zende (Manoj Bajpayee), who secretly begins a manhunt across Goa, keeping even the local police in the dark.

Episodes juggle two worlds:

• Zende on duty — stakeouts, disguises, and clever tricks to outsmart the fugitive.

• Zende at home — tender moments with his wife Vijaya (Girija Oak), showing the emotional cost of chasing criminals.

This dual narrative gives the show both heart and tension, keeping audiences invested beyond the procedural thrills.

Performances

• Manoj Bajpayee delivers one of his best-ever roles. His calm authority, occasional wit, and ability to say more with silence than dialogue make Zende unforgettable.

• Jim Sarbh as Carl Bhojraj has flashes of menace, but doesn’t fully capture the predator-like charm of the real Sobhraj.

• Girija Oak adds warmth as Zende’s wife, balancing the tension with light, grounded humor.

• Bhalchandra Kadam as Constable Patil quietly steals scenes with his deadpan expressions.

Direction & Tone

Chinmay Mandlekar avoids high-tech gimmicks, instead crafting a period piece that feels authentic. From the sepia-tinted visuals to the retro background score, the show evokes Bombay in the ’80s with flair.

The tone is a balancing act of comedy and thriller — at its best in scenes like Zende’s legendary tricycle gag, but uneven when it swings too abruptly from laughs to bloodshed.

What Works

✅ Manoj Bajpayee’s commanding performance. ✅ Goa sequences with a catchy retro theme song (“Charlie Baby, where the hell are you?”). ✅ Relatable human side of a cop’s life, beyond the uniform.

What Doesn’t

❌ Jim Sarbh’s underwhelming villain turn. ❌ Pacing dips in the middle episodes. ❌ Some tonal whiplash between humor and gritty crime.

Final Verdict

Inspector Zende is not a perfect show, but it’s definitely a memorable one. Instead of flashy stunts, it thrives on character-driven storytelling, warm humor, and Bajpayee’s magnetic screen presence.

⭐ Rating: 3.5/5 — A nostalgic, engaging watch for crime-thriller lovers, even if the villain feels a bit too soft.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Inspector Zende based on a true story? Yes. The series is inspired by real-life Mumbai cop Madhukar Zende, who captured serial conman Charles Sobhraj twice in the 1980s.

2. How many episodes are there in Inspector Zende? The Netflix series has 6 episodes, each running around 40–45 minutes.

3. Who plays Charles Sobhraj in the series? Jim Sarbh plays the fictionalized version named Carl Bhojraj, though his performance has received mixed reviews.

4. Is Inspector Zende family-friendly? Mostly yes, but expect some crime-related violence and tense moments, so parental discretion is advised.

5. What makes Manoj Bajpayee’s role special in this series? His ability to mix seriousness with humor, while showing the human side of a cop, makes this portrayal one of his standout performances.