Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
Netflix’s Inspector Zende delivers a vintage 1980s-style crime-comedy loosely inspired by the real-life exploits of Inspector Madhukar Zende, the man who famously captured the elusive Charles Sobhraj not once, but twice—including after his daring 1986 jail escape.
Manoj Bajpayee leads with trademark finesse, fully embodying the determined yet unassuming Inspector Zende. He balances sharp investigative instincts with endearing family moments, skillfully drawing viewers into his world. A few critics have likened this performance to a lighter, more grounded echo of his Family Man persona
The film opts for comedic whimsy over gritty realism, adopting a playful, almost slapstick tone that imagines police officers fumbling delightfully toward success
Inspector Zende thrives on character charm—driven squarely by Manoj Bajpayee’s magnetic presence—and offers an affectionate, if uneven, tribute to an overlooked legend of Indian policing. Its comedic spin on true crime is refreshing, though the film’s thin plot and tone misfires keep it from being truly memorable
Final Take: A mildly amusing crime-comedy that’s often saved by its lead actor’s charisma and a likable ensemble—watchable, but ultimately short on substance.
Final Rating: 
☆☆ (3/5)
Inspector Madhukar Bapurao Zende, the real-life figure behind Netflix’s Inspector Zende, stands as a testament to methodical policing and unwavering integrity. A veteran of the Mumbai Police, Zende served with distinction from 1959 to 1996, building a legacy not on bravado, but on patience, intelligence, and ethical conviction. His most famed accomplishment—capturing the slippery serial killer Charles Sobhraj not once but twice—cemented his status as a national hero.
The first arrest came in 1971 when Zende apprehended Sobhraj after careful surveillance outside the Taj Hotel in Mumbai. The second, perhaps more legendary, took place in Goa in 1986. Acting on subtle clues—from a conspicuous peacock-green motorcycle to suspicious restaurant phone logs—Zende tracked down Sobhraj, who was attempting to live under a disguise. In a moment now etched in Indian policing history, Zende calmly approached him with the words: “Hello, Charles. How are you?” before making the arrest.
Beyond these high-profile captures, Zende’s career was marked by humane policing and remarkable composure. During riots and tense communal flare-ups, he often chose dialogue over force, earning the respect of both colleagues and citizens. His quiet heroism brought him recognition far beyond the police force. He was personally acknowledged by political leaders of his time, celebrated in popular culture, and even honored by cultural icons who admired his courage and character.
As viewers watch Manoj Bajpayee bring Inspector Zende’s persona to life on screen, they are witnessing more than just a police thriller. The film becomes a tribute to a man whose real legacy lies not in dramatic chases but in steadfast duty, moral clarity, and the quiet persistence of justice. Inspector Zende remains a symbol of how patience, intelligence, and humanity can outwit even the most cunning of criminals.
