Before CCTV cameras, cyber forensics, and high-tech policing, Mumbai relied on instinct-driven cops who worked with grit, gut, and jugaad. Among them was Inspector Madhukar Zende, a name etched into India’s crime history for capturing the infamous “Swimsuit Killer” Carl Bhojraj — not once, but twice. Netflix’s upcoming film Inspector Zende, premiering on September 5, revisits this extraordinary pursuit through a nostalgic yet thrilling lens.
The trailer, unveiled on Monday, offers a glimpse of this gripping story. Manoj Bajpayee takes on the role of Inspector Zende, portraying him as witty, sharp, and relentless, while Jim Sarbh steps into the shoes of the charming but elusive Carl Bhojraj, a fictionalised version of Charles Sobhraj. The ensemble cast includes Sachin Khedekar, Bhalchandra Kadam, Harish Dudhade, Onkar Raut, Bharat Savale, Nitin Bhajan, Girija Oak, and Vaibhav Mangale, whose camaraderie adds both humour and depth to the chase. From Mumbai’s crowded streets to Goa’s coastlines, the film promises suspense, wit, and edge-of-the-seat drama.
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Speaking about the role, Manoj Bajpayee said: “What fascinated me about Inspector Zende was that he wasn’t chasing glory — he was just doing his job, yet caught one of the most notorious criminals twice. His bravery, humour, and that unmistakable Mumbai flavour make his journey truly inspiring. Meeting him felt like stepping into a storybook, with a lifetime of tales to tell. Playing him let me dive into a world that’s as gritty as it is entertaining.”
Director Chinmay D. Mandlekar added: “Inspector Zende’s real-life chase had all the ingredients of a gripping film: a larger-than-life cop, a slippery antagonist, and an unforgettable era of Mumbai. But what stayed with me was the camaraderie, the small moments, and the quirks of the people involved. The trailer hints at the chase, but the film lets you live every beat of it.”
The teaser has already struck a chord with audiences. Fans praised its tongue-in-cheek humour and strong performances, drawing parallels between Bajpayee’s Zende and his much-loved character Shrikant Tiwari from The Family Man. Others hailed Jim Sarbh’s casting as the enigmatic antagonist, calling it one of his most compelling roles yet.
Blending humour, nostalgia, and high-stakes tension, Inspector Zende is more than just a crime thriller — it is a celebration of an unsung hero whose story deserves the spotlight. This September, Netflix brings viewers a cat-and-mouse chase where two daring escapes meet one relentless cop.
