Film Review - Inspector Zende on NETFLIX
By Aryeman Raj
Premise
& Setting
Inspector Zende dramatizes the pursuit of serial killer Charles
Sobhraj—here called Carl Bhojraj—by Mumbai cop Madhukar Zende. The film follows
his first arrest in 1971 and the dramatic rearrest in Goa in 1986. The period
setting is a highlight: Bombay’s alleys, vintage cars, and costumes give the
film an authentic 70s–80s feel.
Performances
- Manoj Bajpayee is the heart of the film. He plays Zende with warmth,
wit, and quiet determination, showing once again why he is one of the most
reliable actors in Indian cinema. His grounded portrayal makes the story
engaging, even when the script falters.
- Jim Sarbh brings presence as Carl Bhojraj, but his character is
underwritten. He spends most of the time looking mysterious and menacing
without enough depth to truly make him memorable.
- The supporting cast adds humour and family warmth, though they sometimes feel sidelined in the larger story.
The film
mixes crime and comedy, aiming for a light, witty thriller rather than a
hard-hitting procedural. This works in parts—it feels charming and
accessible—but the tone is inconsistent. At times the humour feels forced, and
in the middle portions, the pacing slows down noticeably. The film struggles to
balance between being a playful comedy and a gripping thriller.
Strengths
- Manoj Bajpayee’s layered
performance.
- Nostalgic recreation of Mumbai
in the 70s and 80s.
- A refreshing attempt at telling
a true-crime story with humour.
Weaknesses
- The villain, despite Jim
Sarbh’s charisma, isn’t fleshed out enough.
- Uneven pacing in the middle
weakens the narrative.
- The tone sometimes wavers,
leaving the film unsure of what it wants to be.
Final Thoughts
Inspector
Zende is not a perfect film—it wobbles
with inconsistent tone and could have done more with its antagonist. But it
remains watchable because of Manoj Bajpayee’s effortless screen presence and
the nostalgic setting. It’s a quirky, light take on a true-crime story that
entertains without ever becoming too heavy. A solid 3 out of 5.
