Inspector Zende: Twice-Caught ‘Bikini Killer’ Story Streams on Netflix
When Inspector Madhukar Zende arrested Charles Sobhraj for the second time, he recalled:
"Dilip Kumar booked a hotel room, Lata Mangeshkar requested a meeting for autograph, and Rajiv Gandhi stopped his car..."
Netflix’s Inspector Zende dramatizes the chilling hunt for Sobhraj, showcasing bravery, strategy, and an unwavering police spirit.
Movie Overview
Inspector Zende is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language comedy-thriller directed and written by Chinmoy Mandalkar, produced by Joy Shewakramani and Om Raut. The film stars Manoj Bajpayee as Inspector Madhukar Zende and Jim Sarbh as the notorious Charles Sobhraj. Inspired by real-life crimes, the film premiered on Netflix on September 5, 2025.
Cast Highlights
- Manoj Bajpayee – Inspector Madhukar Bapu Rao Zende
- Jim Sarbh – Charles Sobhraj
- Sachin Khedekar – DGP Chandrakant Purandhare
- Girija Oak – Vijaya Zende
- Volchandra Kadam – Volchandra Patil
- Vaibhav Mangal – Fonseca
- Harish Dudhade – Jacob
- Ankur Raut – Patekar
- Bharat Savale – Nayak
- Debang Baga – Lalit
- Nitin Bhajan – Ram Deshmane
- Madhav Waje – Joshi Kaka
Critical Reception
- NDTV, Radhika Sharma: 3.5/5 – “The film is memorable thanks to its stellar supporting cast.”
- Hollywood Reporter India, Rahul Desai: “It feels different due to its unique genre approach.”
- Anuj Kumar, The Hindu: “Heartfelt moments and Manoj Bajpayee’s nuanced performance keep viewers engaged.”
Some critiques noted flaws:
- Mint, Udita Jhunjhunwala: “Disorganized history and artificial tones undermine the story.”
- Indian Express, Shubhra Gupta: 2/5 – “The serious-comedy tone fails.”
- Rediff, Mayur Sanap: 2/5 – “Could have been funnier but constrained by formula.”
- Hindustan Times: 3/5 – “Interesting in parts thanks to Manoj Bajpayee, but repetition prevents it from reaching full potential.”
Real-Life Context: Zende & Sobhraj
Manoj Bajpayee’s portrayal brings back the story of notorious serial killer Charles Sobhraj. The focus is as much on Inspector Zende’s bravery as on Sobhraj’s crimes:
- Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi once stopped his car to meet Zende.
- Lata Mangeshkar requested a personal meeting for an autograph.
- Dilip Kumar booked a hotel room just to hear Zende’s story.
Zende first confronted Sobhraj in 1971 and captured him for the second time in 1986 at a Goa hotel.
Current Status
- Charles Sobhraj: Arrested in Nepal (2003), served life sentence, released in 2022, currently living in France.
- Madhukar Zende: 88 years old, living a peaceful retired life, remembered as a legendary police officer for capturing one of India’s most infamous serial killers twice.
This story is not just about a criminal—it’s a testament to courage, patience, and national pride. Watching Inspector Zende on Netflix gives viewers a thrilling glimpse into history’s unforgettable chapter of true crime and detective brilliance.
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