Jim Sarbh and Manoj Bajpayee Lock Horns in Netflix’s Inspector Zende
Netflix has dropped the much-awaited trailer of its upcoming thriller Inspector Zende, premiering on September 5. The film, written and directed by Chinmay Mandlekar, is inspired by the real-life story of Mumbai’s legendary cop, Inspector Madhukar Zende. Known for capturing the notorious “Swimsuit Killer” Carl Bhojraj not once but twice, Inspector Zende promises to be an edge-of-the-seat chase. The keyword Inspector Zende sets the tone for a gripping tale of courage, instinct, and resilience.

A Cop’s Story Beyond Surveillance and Forensics
Set in a time when Mumbai had no CCTV cameras or digital forensics, Inspector Zende highlights a cop who relied purely on wit, street-smarts, and teamwork. The film takes viewers into the era when instinct mattered more than technology, making every decision a matter of life and death.
The trailer teases raw intensity mixed with lighter camaraderie among the team. From crowded Mumbai streets to a thrilling chase across cities ending in Goa, Inspector Zende showcases the cat-and-mouse game between law and crime in its purest form.
Manoj Bajpayee vs Jim Sarbh: A Battle of Brains
Manoj Bajpayee steps into the shoes of Inspector Zende, portraying the legendary cop with his signature gravitas. Opposite him, Jim Sarbh brings to life Carl Bhojraj, the infamous criminal who constantly evaded the system. Their face-off forms the backbone of the story, promising audiences a high-stakes battle.
The supporting cast adds depth, featuring Sachin Khedekar, Bhalchandra Kadam, Harish Dudhade, Onkar Raut, Bharat Savale, Nitin Bhajan, Girija Oak, and Vaibhav Mangale. Together, they recreate the energy of a team driven not by fame but by sheer determination to uphold justice.
Behind the Lens: The Director’s Vision
Director Chinmay Mandlekar describes the story as one filled with grit, humour, and the quirks of real people. For him, Inspector Zende is not just about the chase but also about capturing the human side of those who lived through it. From small, heartfelt moments to larger-than-life action, the film blends nostalgia with adrenaline.
Producer Jay Shewakramani and Om Raut back the project, ensuring it has the scale and polish Netflix audiences expect.
Why Inspector Zende’s Story Matters Today
In a world dominated by high-tech surveillance, Inspector Zende takes us back to the basics of policing — instinct, courage, and resilience. Manoj Bajpayee himself highlighted this while speaking about the role. For him, the appeal lay in portraying a man who didn’t chase glory but did his duty with unmatched bravery.