In the world of Indian cinema’s fascination with real-life criminals, Charles Sobhraj has long captured filmmakers’ attention, often portrayed as almost larger-than-life while the law seems ineffectual in comparison. From Netflix’s Black Warrant to other portrayals, his exploits have been showcased with a sense of awe.
Debutant director Chinmay Mandlekar’s Inspector Zende flips this narrative, focusing instead on what happens after Sobhraj’s daring escape from Tihar Prison in 1986 and the relentless pursuit by Inspector Madhukar Zende, the Mumbai Police officer who caught him twice.
While a documentary on Zende already exists, it is surprising that Bollywood has taken so long to highlight the distinguished officer whose work was largely understated. Zende himself once remarked that Sobhraj did not seem particularly intelligent.
Manoj Bajpayee’s portrayal captures this dynamic, revealing a serial killer who underestimated the ordinariness and persistence of the family man turned police officer. Bajpayee imbues Zende with quiet determination, transforming the cat-and-mouse pursuit from Mumbai to Goa into a compelling journey. His performance balances intensity with subtle humor, echoing his everyman cop persona from The Family Man, without diminishing the seriousness of the task.
Mandlekar’s choice to rename Sobhraj as Carl Bhojraj serves to diffuse the ostentatious aura surrounding the criminal while adhering to legal constraints. Jim Sarbh’s portrayal of Bhojraj, however, struggles to match the depth of Bajpayee’s Zende, appearing at times more theatrical than menacing.
This contrast reinforces the film’s focus on the officer’s perspective and elevates the procedural narrative. Mandlekar skillfully weaves observational humor into the story, presenting ordinary moments—like collecting milk from a neighborhood booth—amid a high-stakes investigation, lending a human touch to the thriller.
The film maintains a steady pace across its 112-minute runtime, with scenes highlighting the meticulous work behind capturing a notorious criminal. Bajpayee’s Zende stands out as a relatable, competent figure whose understated heroism drives the story.
The film’s blend of procedural accuracy, character depth, and moments of levity makes Inspector Zende a moderately enjoyable experience. It balances the tension of chasing a cunning criminal with the charm of middle-of-the-road cinema reminiscent of the 1970s and 80s, offering viewers a refreshing weekend watch that celebrates the determination of an ordinary man achieving extraordinary feats.
