A still from ‘Inspector Zende’
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Streaming giant Netflix on Thursday (August 7) announced a new crime caper film, Inspector Zende, headlined byManoj Bajpayee and Jim Sarbh. Directed by Chinmay D Mandlekar, the film is based on the real-life story of how a heroic cop tracks down the infamous ‘Bikini Killer’ Charles Sobhraj.
The film was announced with a quirky poster that teases Bajpayee’s titular cop, Madhukar Zende, investigating a swimsuit killer. “In the winding gullies of 70’s and 80’s Mumbai, when the infamous Swimsuit Killer breaks out of Tihar Jail, a determined police officer must track him down at all costs. Loosely inspired by a true story, this tale of determination and sheer grit unfolds into an epic cat and mouse chase.,” reads the plotline.
Starring Sarbh as the charming trickster and notorious “swimsuit killer” Carl Bhojraj, the film also features Bhalchandra Kadam, Sachin Khedekar, Girija Oak and Harish Dudhade in pivotal roles.
Om Raut, who produces the film with Jay Shewakramani, in a statement, called Inspector Zende “a gripping chase that’s as entertaining as it is inspiring,” and stated how it was his father’s dream to make a film on Inspector Zende.
Meanwhile, Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Director of Original Films, Netflix India, said that Inspector Zende flips the classic cop-versus-criminal story on its head, “deftly blending comedy and crime to deliver something truly unexpected.” She said that in directing the story, which is inspired by true events, director Mandlekar brings “a grounded sense of place and perspective to the storytelling. With Manoj Bajpayee and Jim Sarbh leading the charge, the film bursts with personality, supported by a versatile ensemble cast.“
Produced by Raut and Shewakramani under the Northern Lights Films banner, the film premieres on Netflix on September 5.
Published – August 07, 2025 01:03 pm IST
