Inspector Zende review scores reveal a compelling crime thriller that premiered on Netflix on September 5, 2025, earning a solid 3.5/5 rating from critics. Directed by Chinmay Madlekar and starring Manoj Bajpayee and Jim Sarbh in lead roles, the biographical drama brings to life the extraordinary story of Mumbai’s super cop Madhukar Bapurao Zende.
The Netflix film follows Inspector Zende as he pursues notorious serial killer Carl Bhojraj, who escapes prison and resurfaces in Mumbai. Set against the backdrop of March 16, 1986, the story chronicles how a determined police officer attempts to capture the elusive criminal once more.
Real-Life Inspiration Behind the Story
Inspector Zende stands out as a refreshing blend of real-life inspiration and quirky storytelling, based on actual incidents from the 1980s involving a Mumbai Police cop. The film transforms a true crime story into an engaging narrative that balances humor with genuine police work.
Critics Praise Manoj Bajpayee’s Performance
Netizens have lauded Manoj Bajpayee’s performance on social media, with viewers calling the cop thriller “gripping” and rating it 3.7/5 stars. Critics highlight how Bajpayee balances humor and grit brilliantly, portraying a character who isn’t a chest-thumping, larger-than-life hero, but simply a man doing a tough job, burdened by his own history.
Jim Sarbh Shines as the Antagonist
Jim Sarbh plays the “Swimsuit Killer” Carl Bhojraj, with critics calling it an ideal casting choice. The dynamic between the determined inspector and the cunning criminal creates the film’s central tension.
Mixed Critical Reception
Hollywood Reporter India describes Inspector Zende as “a clumsy but watchable cop comedy” that injects history with humor. However, some critics found the script shallow and silly, resembling “a tacky old Hindi movie in which cops arrive at the scene after the criminal has bolted”.
Supporting Cast and Production Details
The ensemble cast includes Sachin Khedekar, Girija Oak, Harish Dudhade, Bhalchandra Kadam, Bharat Savale, Onkar Raut, and Nitin Bhajan. The film runs for 1 hour and 51 minutes with a TV-MA rating, available with multiple audio and subtitle options including English and Spanish.
Audience Response on Social Media
Inspector Zende began trending on X (formerly Twitter) soon after its Netflix release, with audiences praising its sharp humor and brilliant performances. One viewer tweeted: “A Gripping Comedy Thriller” while praising Bajpayee for embodying a real-life hero.
Final Verdict
For viewers who appreciate real story-based movies, Inspector Zende offers a decent one-time watch experience with a runtime that doesn’t overstay its welcome. While the film receives mixed reviews from critics, the strong performances from Bajpayee and Sarbh make it worth streaming.
The biographical crime thriller succeeds in bringing an untold police story to mainstream audiences. Whether you’re drawn to crime dramas or Manoj Bajpayee’s filmography, this Netflix original provides an entertaining glimpse into Mumbai’s law enforcement history. What are your thoughts on this latest addition to Netflix’s Indian content library?