Netflix has announced Inspector Zende, an upcoming crime-comedy film inspired by real events from 1970s and 1980s Mumbai. The film stars Manoj Bajpayee as Inspector Madhukar Zende, a determined cop who embarks on a thrilling chase to catch the infamous “swimsuit killer,” Carl Bhojraj played by Jim Sarbh in a charismatic turn as the charming trickster.
Written and directed by Chinmay D. Mandlekar, the film marks his Hindi directorial debut. It also features a strong supporting cast, including Bhalchandra Kadam, Sachin Khedekar, Girija Oak, and Harish Dudhade in pivotal roles.
Image IMDb
Set against the backdrop of a gritty, pre-digital Mumbai, Inspector Zende blends crime, comedy, and nostalgia, transporting viewers to a time when instinct and persistence mattered more than high-tech tools. The story unfolds as the Swimsuit Killer escapes from Tihar Jail, leading to an epic cat-and-mouse chase across the city.
Producer Om Raut shared his personal connection to the project, saying, “Inspector Zende’s story is one that deserves to be seen, remembered, and celebrated. It’s a gripping chase that’s as entertaining as it is inspiring and most importantly, it was my father’s dream to make a film on Inspector Zende.”
Producer Jay Shewakramani added, “Bringing this film to life with Netflix has been an incredible journey. Their 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.”
Netflix India’s Director of Original Films, Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, also expressed her excitement: “Inspector Zende flips the classic cop-versus-criminal story on its head, deftly blending comedy and crime to deliver something truly unexpected. With Manoj Bajpayee and Jim Sarbh leading the charge, the film bursts with personality, supported by a versatile ensemble cast. At Netflix, we’re continually drawn to stories that celebrate heartland heroes and victories woven into the fabric of our culture and history.”