"A gripping chase that's as entertaining as it is inspiring"
Manoj Bajpayee and the crime genre go hand in hand, from Shool to Killer Soup and The Family Man. He is now set to star in Inspector Zende.
Netflix India announced the new crime thriller, which will be directed by Chinmay Mandlekar.
Starring alongside Manoj is Jim Sarbh.
Inspector Zende is set in the 1970s and 80s. It draws inspiration from the cases of Madhukar Bapurao Zende.
Zende was the real-life police officer who caught Charles Sobhraj twice. The notorious killer was nicknamed “The Bikini Killer”.
In the film, Manoj plays Inspector Zende. The story follows his pursuit of Jim Sarbh’s Carl Bhojraj, known as “The Swimsuit Killer”.
The plot begins after Bhojraj escapes from Delhi’s Tihar Jail, sparking a tense cat-and-mouse chase.
Charles Sobhraj was recently portrayed by Sidhant Gupta in Netflix’s Black Warrant, directed by Vikramaditya Motwane. That film also explored his criminal history.
Inspector Zende marks Chinmay D Mandlekar’s Hindi directorial debut. He has also written the screenplay for the Netflix release.
The film will premiere on September 5, 2025. It also features Bhalchandra Kadam, Sachin Khedekar, Girija Oak and Harish Dudhade in key roles.
It is produced by Jay Shewakramani and Tanhaji director Om Raut under the Northern Lights Films banner.
Om Raut said: “Inspector Zende’s story is one that deserves to be seen, remembered and celebrated.
“A gripping chase that’s as entertaining as it is inspiring, and most essentially, it was my father’s dream to make a film on Inspector Zende.
“Bringing this film to life with Netflix has been an incredible journey.”
Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, director of Original Films at Netflix India, said:
“Inspector Zende flips the classic formula by deftly blending comedy and crime to deliver something truly unexpected.
“At Netflix, we’re continually drawn to stories that celebrate heartland heroes and victories woven into our cultural fabric.”
Jay Shewakramani added: “Netflix’s support for distinctive, true-spirited stories and their ability to take them to audiences across the world make them the perfect partner for this film.
“We’re excited for viewers to meet Inspector Zende, an unlikely hero with an unforgettable story.”
Meanwhile, Manoj Bajpayee will return as Srikant Tiwari in the third season of The Family Man.
The new season will also introduce Paatal Lok actor Jaideep Ahlawat as the main antagonist. Raj and DK will once again direct.
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