Do you know about one of India’s most notorious criminals, Charles Sobhraj? If you have seen Vikramaditya Motwane’s Black Warrant early this year, you’d know how he lived a fancy ‘prison’ life. But do you know his whole story? Starring Manoj Bajpayee and Jim Sarbh in the lead, Inspector Zende, a movie inspired by Charles Sobhraj and Inspector Madhukar Zende’s life, is finally out on Netflix. The trailer hinted at a nail-biting chase sequence between the characters Inspector Zende and Carl Bhojraj, but is the movie equally thrilling? Read our review of Inspector Zende to find out.

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Inspector Zende movie: The plot

The movie opens with Carl Bhojraj, an infamous thief who goes on to become a ferocious serial killer with 32 murders. He was imprisoned five times and escaped every single time, driving the police crazy. But he frustrates them even more when he flees from Tihar Jail, Asia’s biggest prison. Before his birthday in jail, Carl throws a kheer party for his inmates and the authorities. But it turns out, the kheer was mixed with sleeping pills, which made it easy for Carl to escape the prison. This alerts all the major police stations in India, but there’s only one person who dares to catch him alive. It’s Inspector Madhukar Bapurao Zende, the only police officer who had previously arrested Carl in 1971. But this time, it’s not easy for Inspector Zende, as he doesn’t know what he looks like now. Will Inspector Madhukar Zende arrest Carl Bhojraj again? Or will Carl be successful in his escape?

Inspector Zende movie review: A chilling, quirky take on the true story

The movie narrates a thrilling story with subtle comedy to keep you entertained throughout. Directed by Chinmay D. Mandlekar, Inspector Zende isn’t your typical cop thriller; it combines charm and menace to leave you on the edge of your seat. Madhukar’s comic timing, his morals, and his calm demeanour elevate the movie. Opposite him is Carl Bhojraj, who keeps the thrill alive. Several scenes, including close calls between the Inspector and Carl, will make you nervously glued to the screen.

The rustic setting of Inspector Zende showcases chaotic Mumbai streets, vintage cafés of Goa, and radio announcements. This keeps you engaged in the raw action sequences. The humour, often born out of natural human errors, makes the movie a light-hearted crime thriller. But in doing so, it doesn’t overshadow the seriousness of the real story.

Inspector Zende movie: The compelling cast

The movie boasts a stellar cast helmed by Manoj Bajpayee and Jim Sarbh. Manoj’s craft shines as he delicately balances the humour, morality, and power-packed chase sequences. His character, Inspector Zende, thinks right from his heart. And so, Manoj’s acting makes it thrilling and hard for you to guess what his next move is. Jim Sarbh, on the other hand, fits perfectly in Carl Bhojraj’s character. From his quirky hairstyle, French accent, and slick smile to threatening moves, Jim Sarbh’s performance will leave you amazed. The supporting cast of Inspector Zende also includes Sachin Khedekar, Girija Oak, Bhalchandra Kadam, and Vaibhav Mangale in promising roles.

Inspector Zende is now streaming on Netflix.

Can you watch Inspector Zende with your family?: No, the movie portrays intimacy and foul language.

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