Inspector Zende: A Witty Spin on a Real-Life Manhunt

When cinema borrows from real life, it comes with a sense of intrigue. Inspector Zende, starring Manoj Bajpayee, Girija Oak, Bhau Kadam, Sachin Khedekar, Vaibhav Mangle, Omkar Raut, and Jim Sarbh, takes inspiration from Inspector Madhukar Zende—the man who captured Charles Sobhraj (renamed Carl Bhojraj here)—and turns it into a lively comedy-thriller.

The film refuses to be a grim procedural. Instead, it balances the edge of a manhunt with pockets of humour, keeping the ride light, engaging, and family-friendly. This tonal blend makes the story not just watchable, but refreshingly entertaining.

What truly stands out is the recreation of the 1990s. The bustling streets of Mumbai and the laid-back charm of Goa are captured with striking authenticity. The production design and visual palette deserve applause for pulling the audience back in time without ever feeling staged.

Performance-wise, the cast is a treat. Bhau Kadam delivers impeccable comic timing, injecting just the right amount of levity at the perfect moments. Manoj Bajpayee, with his quiet intensity, anchors the film, while Girija Oak, Sachin Khedekar, and Vaibhav Mangle enrich the ensemble with memorable quirks.

The predominantly Marathi cast—about 80%—is a clever creative decision. It grounds the story in its cultural soil, lending authenticity and freshness to the narrative fabric.

Directed and written by Chinmay Mandlekar and produced by Om Raut and Jay Shewakrama under Northern Light Films, the movie feels self-assured. It doesn’t chase melodrama but thrives on simplicity, wit, and nostalgia.

Inspector Zende isn’t just about catching a criminal; it’s about reliving history with humour, heart, and style. A perfect weekend watch that entertains across generations.

Neel Deshpande is a Creative Catalyst and Founder of Neel Writes, blending PR, media, and storytelling into impactful strategies. A film critic, writer, and poet in Marathi, Hindi, and English, he champions regional cinema and human-centred leadership. Rooted in Western Maharashtra yet carrying a global vision, he thrives on turning simplicity into something spectacular.