Netflix’s original film, Inspector Zende, drops you right into the chaotic world of crime investigation with a mix of humour, suspense, and a dash of true-story inspiration. Directed by Chinmay D Mandlekar (in his directorial debut), the film follows Inspector Madhukar Zende, a cop chasing one of the most notorious criminals of his time, named Carl Bhojraj. Based on the real-life incident of capturing Charles Sobhraj in Goa after he escaped from Tihar Jail, this film stars Manoj Bajpayee and Jim Sarbh in the lead roles, with actors like Girija Oak and Sachin Khedekar in supporting characters. Packed with standout performances, some witty moments and cat-and-mouse sequences. But at times, it feels like it’s juggling too many things at once, making the film overall an underwhelming watch.
A Lighthearted Take on a Dark Story
Inspector Zende’s attempts to blend a true-crime narrative with dark humour, but the result is a mixed bag. While the film offers a fresh perspective on the infamous Charles Sobhraj case, its execution leaves much for us to desire more and more. The structure of this movie is something like the 2021 Adam McKay’s Hollywood film ‘Don’t Look Up’. In that movie also the director tried to blend a serious issue into a dry comedic tone. But for this movie, it feels somewhat incoherent.
Manoj Bajpayee Shines Amidst Mediocre Writing
Manoj Bajpayee delivers a praiseworthy performance as Inspector Madhukar Zende, capturing the essence of a dedicated yet flawed and a bit fragile officer. His portrayal adds depth to a character that could have been one-dimensional. However, the script doesn’t provide him with enough material to truly excel. The middling black comedy tone of the script results in tonal inconsistency.
Jim Sarbh’s Villainous Turn Falls Flat
Jim Sarbh’s depiction of Carl Bhojraj, a character inspired by Charles Sobhraj, performs with the menace and charm expected from such a role. But his screentime feels restrained, and the character’s motivations are underdeveloped, making it hard for the audience to invest fully in the antagonist.
Supporting Cast and Direction
The supporting cast, including Girija Oak, Sachin Khedekar, Bhalchandra Kadam and Harish Dudhade, offer solid performances, but they’re overshadowed by the film’s slow editing issues. Director Chinmay D Mandlekar’s debut is ambitious and commendable, but the tonal shifts of the narrative hinder the film’s overall impact.
Final Verdict
Inspector Zende had the potential to be a standout crime comedy thriller, but it falls short due to its uneven storytelling and lacklustre screenplay. It’s a film that might appeal to those interested in true crime stories, but it doesn’t offer much beyond that.
You can watch Inspector Zende on Netflix.
Buzztag Rating: 2.5/5
