Inspector Zende Review: Reaction On X Netflix Thriller Survives on Manoj Bajpayee’s Performance

Netflix's Inspector Zende, directed by Chinmay Mandlekar, attempts to retell the chase of Charles Sobhraj by focusing on the man who nabbed him twice-Inspector Madhukar Bapurao Zende. While the premise is fresh, the film is uneven in execution, relying heavily on Manoj Bajpayee's stellar presence to hold it together.

Fans on X Hail Manoj Bajpayee's Performance in Inspector Zende

Fans on X (formerly Twitter) are buzzing with excitement after the release of Inspector Zende. Many viewers are praising Manoj Bajpayee's powerful performance, calling him the soul of the film and comparing his role to his much-loved character from The Family Man. Hashtags around the film have started trending, with users applauding the period detailing, witty dialogues, and Bajpayee's effortless screen presence. While some pointed out flaws in the script, most agreed that Bajpayee makes Inspector Zende a must-watch, turning the film into one of the most talked-about releases on social media this week.

After the phenomenal success of The Family Man, Bajpayee once again brings life to a character rooted in realism. His Zende is not a flashy cop but one defined by sharp instincts, perseverance, and a fine balance between duty and family life. This blend of grit and tenderness gives the character charm, making him instantly relatable. Bajpayee's controlled performance is the biggest strength of the film, lifting it far beyond its average writing.

On the other hand, Jim Sarbh as Carl Bhojraj, a semi-fictional stand-in for Sobhraj, remains underutilized. While he exudes charm and villainy, the script reduces him to little more than smirks and cryptic lines. The choice to fictionalize Sobhraj feels unnecessary and robs the narrative of depth.

Supporting actors Girija Oak, Sachin Khedekar, Bhalchandra Kadam, and Vaibhav Mangale bring warmth, authority, and light-hearted moments, adding balance to the cop-versus-criminal narrative. A cheeky meta-reference to producer Om Raut adds playful humour for attentive viewers.

Visually, the period detailing is strong, with retro Bombay streets and cars captured well. But the music fails to elevate the mood, and the humour is hit-and-miss, leaving the tone inconsistent. The climax-a tug-of-war between Goa and Mumbai police over custody-is easily the most entertaining portion, with satirical jabs at rival forces.

Final Verdict: 3.5/5
Inspector Zende is an average cop-thriller salvaged by Manoj Bajpayee's commanding performance. Without him, it would have slipped into forgettable territory, but with him, it becomes a watchable, if uneven, ride.