Netflix is dropping something seriously fun this September—and trust us, you’ll want to mark your calendars. Inspector Zende, a throwback cop-comedy set in the bustling, chaotic lanes of 70s and 80s Mumbai, is bringing together two powerhouse performers—Manoj Bajpayee and Jim Sarbh—in a face-off that promises brains, bravado, and big laughs.
Releasing on September 5, this quirky drama is inspired by true events and gives us a deliciously retro flavor of crime, comedy, and good ol’ fashioned police work. And let’s be real—who doesn’t want to watch Bajpayee play an old-school cop chasing a swimsuit-wearing criminal mastermind played by Jim Sarbh? It’s as wild as it sounds—and we’re here for it.
Old-School Sleuthing with a Dash of Madness
At the heart of Inspector Zende is a cat-and-mouse chase that kicks off when the notorious “Swimsuit Killer” breaks out of Tihar Jail. This isn’t your usual cold-blooded villain—he’s slick, stylish, and played with a delicious smirk by Jim Sarbh. The man has flair, and clearly, a twisted sense of fashion.
Enter Inspector Madhukar Zende, played by the ever-dependable Manoj Bajpayee. Think moustache, no-nonsense attitude, and pure determination. He’s not backed by tech or fancy gadgets—he’s running purely on instinct and experience. In an age before CCTV and Google, Zende relies on gut feeling, old contacts, and street smarts to crack the case.
And while the premise may sound intense, don’t be fooled—this film brings on the laughs just as much as it brings the thrills.
Bajpayee vs Sarbh: A Battle of Brains and Charm
Now, here’s where it gets spicy. We’ve seen Bajpayee own gritty roles before, but in Inspector Zende, he adds a layer of old-school charisma and comedic timing. He’s serious, but not stiff. He’s clever, but not above chasing crooks through crowded streets or dealing with an uncooperative informant in the middle of a spice market.
Jim Sarbh, on the other hand, is in full-on charming villain mode. As Carl Bhojraj, the so-called “Swimsuit Killer,” he’s unpredictable, intelligent, and oddly likeable. He’s not your average bad guy—he’s the kind that throws off your moral compass. One moment you’re rooting for Zende to catch him, the next you’re wondering if Bhojraj’s escape plans are actually… genius?
Their chemistry is crackling. It’s a dynamic that fuels the story—and keeps you guessing how it’ll all end.
A Vibe Straight Out of the 70s
Director Chinmay D. Mandlekar, making his Hindi directorial debut, brings a real sense of time and place to the film. The lanes, the fashion, the old Ambassador cars, the payphones—it’s a vibe. Every scene feels like it’s been dipped in nostalgia, yet the storytelling is fresh and sharp.
The supporting cast adds more flavor: Bhalchandra Kadam, Sachin Khedekar, Girija Oak, and Harish Dudhade all play pivotal roles in bringing this crime-comedy to life. And while it’s definitely a fun watch, the story doesn’t lose its heart. At its core, it’s about an ordinary man with extraordinary determination.
More Than Just Laughs
What sets Inspector Zende apart is that it doesn’t just ride on retro aesthetics and funny one-liners. It celebrates a kind of policing that’s almost forgotten today. The kind where legwork beat algorithms, and “jugaad” (resourceful hacks) was an actual survival skill.
Producer Om Raut calls this project a tribute—especially since it was his father’s dream to tell Inspector Zende’s story. That personal connection shows. The film respects the real-life inspiration while keeping things entertaining and light.
Netflix’s Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh summed it up perfectly when she said that Inspector Zende “flips the classic cop-versus-criminal story on its head.” And that’s exactly what it does. You get the chaos, the humor, the thrill—and just enough emotional depth to keep it grounded.
Jay-Ho! Power Point
Whether you’re in it for the old-school charm, the clever storytelling, or just to watch Manoj Bajpayee and Jim Sarbh go toe-to-toe, Inspector Zende is a win. It’s fresh, nostalgic, funny, and has enough twists to keep you hooked till the very end.
So, if you’re scrolling through Netflix wondering what to watch this September, stop right there. Inspector Zende drops on September 5, and trust us—you’re gonna want to catch this retro rollercoaster.
It’s not just another cop film. It’s a salute to old-school justice with a lot of heart and a killer sense of humor.
