Inspector Zende Trailer Review: Manoj Bajpayee Hunts a Ruthless Criminal in Netflix’s Retro Crime Thriller

Netflix is back with another Indian crime thriller, and this time it’s Manoj Bajpayee leading the charge. The trailer of Inspector Zende has dropped, and while some fans speculate it could be linked to Bambai Meri Jaan Season 2, the teaser makes it clear: this is very much Zende’s story.

Set against the gritty backdrop of 1980s Mumbai and Goa, the show promises a tense game of cat-and-mouse between a determined cop and a notorious fugitive. But the real question is—does the trailer excite us, or is Netflix playing safe with another formula crime series? Let’s dive in.

Carl Bhojraj: The Criminal Who Won’t Stay Caged

The trailer wastes no time. A chilling voiceover tells us about Carl Bhojraj—Interpol’s most wanted man, accused of 32 murders and a master escape artist who’s broken out of jail five times.

The visuals of him striding across a Tihar Jail dorm of drugged inmates scream menace. Soon after, a newspaper clipping shows “Bombay Police have nabbed Carl.” Confusing at first, it’s later revealed that Inspector Zende caught him 15 years ago. Now Carl is back on the run, and the stage is set for a personal rematch.

Manoj Bajpayee as Inspector Madhukar B. Zende

When it comes to gritty, layered characters, Manoj Bajpayee rarely misses. Here, he plays the seasoned cop who once tamed Carl but now faces him again.

His standout line, “No matter how poisonous the snake, the mongoose is the father of the snake,” captures the essence of this battle—two predators locked in a fight, but Zende refuses to blink.

We see him donning his uniform, leaving his family, and embodying that old-school cop spirit—duty above everything.

Mumbai Meets Goa: A Retro Backdrop

Visually, the series looks stunning. From 1980s Bombay police stations, vintage vehicles, and chawls to the sunny chaos of Goa’s beaches and markets, the aesthetic is both nostalgic and cinematic. It sets the mood for a chase that feels expansive and textured, not just another dark-and-dusty crime drama.

Mumbai Police vs Interpol’s Most Wanted

One of the trailer’s interesting touches is Zende’s squad. Not elite forces, but ordinary Mumbai policemen—nicknamed “Pandu”—who carry more street-smartness than resources.

The undercover banter (choosing aliases like “Rishi Kapoor”) gives the trailer a slice of desi humor. Still, Zende reminds them of the stakes: “We won’t go without him.”

It’s the underdog spirit we’ve seen before, but it clicks—especially with Manoj Bajpayee leading the pack.

Brutally Honest Concerns

Now for the tough part.

• “Inspired by True Events” fatigue: Bollywood and OTT are leaning heavily on this tagline. Will Inspector Zende go beyond surface-level dramatization to explore deeper themes like Carl’s psyche or Zende’s personal toll?

• Bajpayee playing it safe? We’ve seen him nail morally complex officers (The Family Man, Satya). Here, the risk is Zende feeling too familiar unless the writing gives him fresh shades.

• Tone balance: Mixing gritty manhunts with lighthearted police banter is tricky. Done right, it can add charm. Done wrong, it can undercut the menace.

• Generic chase syndrome: “Cop vs escaped criminal” is a tried trope. The saving grace could be Carl’s taunting mind games (like the “I ❤️ You Bombay Police” note) and sharp storytelling twists.
  

Why You Should Still Watch

Despite these doubts, Inspector Zende has solid reasons to be on your watchlist:

• Manoj Bajpayee’s gravitas—he rarely phones it in.

• Retro Mumbai-Goa setting—visually refreshing.

• Psychological warfare—if explored, it could elevate the series beyond a simple chase.

• Underdog squad vs global criminal—always a crowd-pleaser in Indian storytelling.
  

Directed by Chinmay D. Mandlekar, if the writing leans into character depth and clever twists rather than clichés, Inspector Zende could be Netflix India’s next big crime drama. Aapke Sawal, Hamare Jawab! (FAQs)

Q1: Is Inspector Zende based on a true story? Yes, it is “inspired by true events.” The character of Inspector Zende is drawn from a real-life Mumbai police officer known for capturing notorious criminals.

Q2: Who plays Inspector Zende in the series? The role is essayed by Manoj Bajpayee, known for iconic roles in The Family Man, Satya, and Gangs of Wasseypur.

Q3: Where is the show set? The story unfolds across 1980s Mumbai and Goa, bringing a mix of gritty cityscapes and coastal backdrops.

Q4: Who is the villain Carl Bhojraj? Carl Bhojraj is depicted as Interpol’s most wanted criminal, responsible for multiple murders and daring jail escapes.

Q5: When will Inspector Zende release on Netflix? The release date hasn’t been officially confirmed yet, but with the trailer out, expect it to drop in the coming months.