Northern Lights Films’ Inspector Zende is inspired by the true story of police inspector Zende who had re-arrested Charles Sobhraj after he fled the jail in 1986. The same inspector had arrested Sobhraj in 1971, but the criminal fled the prison after spending 15 years behind bars. The name of the criminal in the film has been changed to Carl.
Chinmay D. Mandlekar has written a story which is well-known. Even if some among the audience do not know the story, it is too simplistic to arrest attention. Mandlekar’s screenplay is slow-paced and does not have any highs or novelty. Consequently, the drama unfolds on the small screen without really involving the viewers. There was scope for emotions but they just don’t come through. The dialogues, also penned by Chinmay D. Mandlekar, are alright.
Manoj Bajpayee is okay in the title role. It is not too meaty a role for the talented actor. Jim Sarbh is alright as Carl. Sachin Khedekar is natural in the role of DGP Chandrakant Purandhare. Girija Oak leaves a fine mark as Vijaya Zende. Harish Dudhade makes his presence felt as Jacob. Onkar Raut has his moments as Patekar. Bharat Savale is impressive as Naik. Devang Bagga does a fair job as Lalit. Bhalchandra Kadam shines in the role of Patil. Nitin Bhajan is adequate as Ram Deshmane. Peter Delight (as David), Vaibhav Mangale (as Fonseca), Sukumar Tudu (as Tyagi), Ajeet Singh Palawat (as Tomar), Abhijeet Babaji Chavan (as the singer), Francis (as John Miller), Nagesh Salwan (as the home minister), Kapil Shah (as Ambrekar), Bachan Pachera (as the blind baba), Madhav Vaze (as Joshi Kaka), Avinash Razdan (as G. Pinto), Madhur Arora (as Swamy), Bhalchandra Athalye (as the Goa police commissioner), Nilofar Gesawat (as Lalit’s mother), Hemshankar Jha (as the jailer), Amit Sharma (as the hotel manager), Vikas Chavan (as Potdar) and the others lend the necessary support.
Chinmay D. Mandlekar’s direction is ordinary. He has not been able to make a film which can keep the audience involved and engaged. Sanket Sane’s music is alright. One song is fairly nice. Swanand Kirkire’s lyrics are okay. Jai Malhotra’s choreography is nothing to shout about. Ketan Sodha’s background music should’ve been more impactful. Vishal Sinha’s cinematography is nice. Riyaz Shaikh and Habib Sayyed’s action and stunt scenes are functional. Rajesh Choudhary’s production designing is proper. Meghna Manchanda Sen’s editing leaves something to be desired.
On the whole, Inspector Zende is too ordinary to make a mark.
Released on 5-9-’25 on Netflix.