1 September, Monday: Netflix has officially confirmed that Inspector Zende will release on September 5, 2025. It is a crime-comedy thriller directed by the debutant Chinmay D. Mandlekar, which fictionalizes the real-life legendary Mumbai cop Madhukar Zende's chase after Charles Sobhraj who has been renamed Carl Bhojraj in this film. Based in 1970s and 1980s Mumbai, the film looks like a blend of wit, thrill, and multidimensional performances.
Based on legendary true events
The storyline is based on real history. According to police records, Zende famously arrested Sobhraj twice. First arrest was in 1971 and again in 1986 after Sobhraj’s dramatic escape from Delhi’s Tihar Jail, when he drugged prison guards during a party.
Talking to IANS, Manoj Bajpayee described why he was attracted to the role, stating that he liked Zende because "he was just doing his job" when he became a legend. This ordinary heroism, Bajpayee added, was what made the tale so powerful to reproduce on the screen.
Why Inspector Zende is a must-watch?
After the trailer launch, News18 pointed out in its that there is a tremendous on-screen chemistry between Bajpayee and Jim Sarbh, saying that their face off also sets the tone for powerful and layered performances.
The cast is supported by Bhalchandra Kadam, Sachin Khedekar, and Girija Oak, who according to Netflix's press statement, bring depth and realism to the plot.
With its true crime origins, A-list talent, and global reach of Netflix, Inspector Zende is looking to be one of the most highly awaited streaming debuts for September.
