Manoj Bajpayee’s Inspector Zende is now streaming on Netflix. This is another solid cop-comedy thriller from the Bollywood veteran, and fans have already begun sharing their reactions on social media.
The film is a comedy-thriller based on the true story of Madhukar Zende (played by Manoj Bajpayee), a Mumbai police officer who captured Charles Sobhraj on two separate occasions: once in 1971 and again in 1986, after Sobhraj escaped from Tihar Jail. Directed by Chinmay Mandlekar, the film also stars Jim Sarbh, Sachin Khedekar, Girija Oak, Bhalchandra Kadam, Onkar Raut, and more.
Early reactions to Inspector Zende are mostly positive, with praise directed at the outstanding performances of Bajpayee and Sarbh, as well as the film’s sharp writing. It blends comedy and drama seamlessly while shedding light on both the simplicity of the police team’s efforts and the bureaucratic power struggles they face.
Many viewers and critics have even compared Bajpayee’s performance here to his memorable role in Prime Video’s The Family Man.
Mandlekar also earns praise for authentically recreating 1980s Mumbai in Inspector Zende. The film avoids typical cop clichés, portraying Bajpayee’s character with grounded humility and sharp instincts.
That said, some have pointed out the lack of depth in Jim Sarbh’s Carl Bhojraj and noted that tighter editing could have elevated the experience. Still, the film works well overall.
With powerful performances, a nostalgic yet thrilling backdrop, and assured direction, Inspector Zende stands out as a fresh entry in the crime-drama genre. For fans of true-crime thrillers, retro-style films, or intense cat-and-mouse stories, this one is a must-watch on Netflix.
Here are some of the reactions on Twitter (X) to Netflix’s Inspector Zende!
"Inspired by the real-life story of a supercop tracking down a notorious killer, #InspectorZende stands out because of the genre it chooses."
Read @ReelReptile's review of the #ManojBajpayee starrer here.#InspectorZendeOnNetflixhttps://t.co/z9SHSg1m8g
— The Hollywood Reporter India (@THRIndia_) September 5, 2025
#InspectorZende review: Manoj echoes Family Man magic in mediocre comic-thriller | By @sanafarzeen #InspectorZendeOnNetflix #ManojBajpayeehttps://t.co/3h17rVgUZS
— India Today Showbiz (@Showbiz_IT) September 5, 2025
#InspectorZendeReview: #InspectorZende is a banger! 90s vibe ✅ comedy+crime #ManojBajpayee in srs mode = classic; @jimSarbh ka French accent on point. Writing, camera & lighting top-notch; relatable details galore. 2nd half thodi slow but ending wow. Zende > Singham.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ pic.twitter.com/Nh5gPfUojo
— STat. Advait Akash Shah (@advait_akash) September 5, 2025
#FPEntertainment: Netflix ‘Inspector Zende’ Movie Review: Manoj Bajpayee shines in the role of real-life Inspector Madhukar Zende@BajpayeeManoj @jimSarbh @NetflixIndia @omraut @SachinSKhedekar @GirijaOak @swanandkirkire
by @lachmi0809https://t.co/5g3PHT1kbG
— Firstpost (@firstpost) September 5, 2025
#ManojBajpayee led #Netflix release is a surprise you didn't think you'd get in a crime thriller#InspectorZendehttps://t.co/hhvguypjUh
— Mashable India (@MashableIndia) September 5, 2025
We’re hiring!
We are hiring two full-time junior to mid-level writers with the option to work remotely. You need to work a 5-hour shift and be available to write. Interested candidates should email their sample articles to [email protected]. Applications without a sample article will not be considered.
