The Story: Mumbai Ka PANDU vs The ‘Sobhraj-Lite’ Killer
The trailer introduces audiences to Carl Bhojraj, Interpol’s Most Wanted criminal, who is an obvious nod to the infamous Bikini Killer Charles Sobhraj. Bhojraj, portrayed with chilling charisma by Jim Sarbh, escapes from Tihar Jail, triggering panic across the nation.
To tackle the crisis, the Mumbai Police turn to their most trusted man — Inspector Madhukar Zende, brought to life by Manoj Bajpayee. The quirky narrative follows how Zende, with his unpolished Mumbai street smarts, hunts down Bhojraj across Europe, promising that “Mumbai ka pandu” won’t rest until he nabs the elusive fugitive.
Audience Reaction: Humour Meets Thrill
Within hours of release, the trailer began trending online, sparking excitement among fans. Viewers were quick to appreciate the film’s unique tone that blends suspense with tongue-in-cheek humour.
One fan commented, “Now this is our Shrikant Tiwari,” drawing parallels with Manoj’s popular character from The Family Man.
Another user applauded Jim Sarbh: “Glad to see Jim Sarbh getting the role he deserves, he’s damn classy and underrated.”
A third viewer noted the ensemble cast: “Came here for Manoj Bajpayee and delighted to see Bhau Kadam and Girija Oak. Also, Jim Sarbh as Shobhraj is an amazing choice.”
The quirky style of the trailer, paired with the thrilling manhunt premise, has clearly struck a chord with audiences.
Manoj Bajpayee on Playing Inspector Zende
Sharing his thoughts about the role, Manoj Bajpayee described the real-life cop as an unassuming yet heroic figure: “What fascinated me about Inspector Zende was that he wasn’t chasing glory — he was just doing his job, yet caught one of the most notorious criminals twice. His bravery, humour, and that unmistakable Mumbai flavour make his journey truly inspiring. Meeting him felt like stepping into a storybook, with a lifetime of tales to tell.”
This mix of grounded realism and larger-than-life heroism is what Manoj says makes the character so appealing.
Director Chinmay Mandlekar’s Vision
Director Chinmay D. Mandlekar revealed that the film aims to capture not just the thrilling chase but also the essence of Mumbai in the 1970s and 80s: “Inspector Zende’s real-life chase had all the ingredients of a gripping film: a larger-than-life cop, a slippery antagonist, and an unforgettable era of Mumbai. But what really stayed with me was the camaraderie, the small moments, and the quirks of the people involved. The trailer hints at the chase, but the film lets you live every beat of it.”
His vision promises a mix of suspense, humor, and nostalgia — a rare cocktail for a crime thriller.
Inspector Zende Release Date
Fans don’t have to wait long, as Inspector Zende is set to premiere on September 5, 2025, exclusively on Netflix. With Manoj Bajpayee’s powerhouse performance, Jim Sarbh’s chilling antagonist, and a storyline inspired by real-life events, the film is already being hailed as one of the most exciting OTT releases of the year.
Conclusion: A Must-Watch Crime Thriller with a Twist
From its witty trailer to its powerful performances, Inspector Zende promises a gripping blend of crime, comedy, and character-driven storytelling. With Manoj Bajpayee stepping into yet another memorable role and Jim Sarbh embodying a menacing yet stylish villain, the stage is set for a thrilling face-off.
This September, Netflix audiences will witness how “Mumbai ka pandu” takes on one of the most dangerous fugitives of our times.
