Inspector Zende Movie Review – Manoj Bajpayee in a Thrilling Cat-and-Mouse Chase

Image Source- The Hindu

Every once in a while, a film comes along that doesn’t rely on loud action set pieces or glossy production to win you over; it hooks you with something far more powerful: a relentless chase. Inspector Zende, now streaming on Netflix, is that kind of film. It takes you back to the 70s and 80s, to a Mumbai where crime was rampant, the underworld was on the rise, and the police force was still figuring out how to keep up. There were no fancy gadgets, no digital footprints to trace, just raw instinct, determination, and sharp strategy. And standing tall in the middle of this chaos is Inspector Madhukar Zende, played with effortless brilliance by Manoj Bajpayee. Trust me, you’ll find yourself rooting for him even in the quietest moments, whether he’s chasing criminals through Mumbai’s gullies or just sipping chai at the police station.

What makes Inspector Zende so engaging is not just that it’s a crime drama, it’s that it feels like a piece of folklore. The film doesn’t just tell you the story of a cop and a conman; it makes you feel like you’re part of that chase, like you’re walking the streets of retro Mumbai, watching a legend take shape. And in the middle of this quirky, tense, often unpredictable narrative is Bajpayee, delivering yet another performance that reminds us why he’s one of the finest actors of our time.

The Chase That Keeps Twisting

At its core, the story is about Inspector Madhukar Zende’s relentless pursuit of a slippery conman modeled on the infamous Charles Sobhraj. From the very beginning, it’s clear this isn’t going to be a straightforward investigation. The conman is smart, charming, and always one step ahead. Every time Zende thinks he has him cornered, the man finds a way to wriggle free, setting off a fresh chase that’s even sharper than the last. If you’re the kind who loves yelling at the screen ‘Catch him already!’ this movie will test your patience in the best way possible.

The film takes us across locations that feel alive and textured, the bustling, crowded gullies of Mumbai, the more laid-back but equally dangerous corners of Goa, and the smoky cafés where shady deals are struck. What could have easily been a linear cop-versus-criminal tale becomes an engrossing cat-and-mouse game where both sides are constantly trying to outthink each other.

What adds another layer to the story is how personal this chase becomes for Zende. This isn’t just about closing a case file; it’s about pride, about not letting a criminal slip through his fingers, no matter how clever he is. The narrative highlights the patience, observation, and sheer grit required in old-school policing. There are moments when Zende comes tantalizingly close to catching his target, only for the conman to escape again, and each escape makes the eventual payoff feel even more satisfying.

The retro setting plays a huge role in the storytelling. Without modern-day surveillance or digital tools, Zende relies purely on his instincts and his network, and that makes the chase feel raw and unpredictable. By the climax, you feel like you’ve been on this exhausting yet exhilarating journey with him, a journey where every missed chance and every hard-earned clue only strengthens his resolve.

The Faces Behind the Hunt

Let’s be honest, this film rests almost entirely on the shoulders of Manoj Bajpayee. And he absolutely delivers. His portrayal of Inspector Zende is calm, calculated, and filled with dry humor that makes the character stand out. Bajpayee doesn’t resort to exaggerated dramatics; he relies on quiet confidence and razor-sharp observation. Watching him think, plan, and execute is a masterclass in itself.

On the other side of the chase is Jim Sarbh as the conman. Normally, Sarbh is known for bringing intensity and charm to his roles, but here, something just doesn’t click. His performance feels flat, and the character lacks the danger and magnetism needed to make the cat-and-mouse game feel balanced. As a viewer, you can’t help but wish the face-off felt more equal because a great cat-and-mouse chase only works when the mouse is just as clever as the cat.

The supporting cast is solid, though uneven. Girija Oak, as Zende’s wife, brings warmth to the story, but her scenes don’t always land. There’s one particular moment where she brings puran poli to the police station, a scene clearly meant to humanize Zende, but instead, it feels forced and disrupts the flow of the narrative. Sachin Khedekar adds gravitas as always, and Bhalchandra Kadam’s comic relief has its moments, though it sometimes undercuts the tension.

Highs, Lows, and Everything In Between

What really makes Inspector Zende shine is its tone. Director Chinmay Mandlekar avoids turning it into a grim, by-the-numbers crime thriller. Instead, he gives it a quirky, playful edge without losing the tension of the chase. The retro Mumbai backdrop is captured with striking authenticity, the cat-and-mouse sequences are genuinely gripping, and Bajpayee’s performance ties everything together in a way only he can. Watching him piece together clues, outwit his adversary, and stick to his instincts makes for immensely satisfying viewing. It’s the kind of film that makes you lean in closer, almost like you’re part of the investigation.

But the flaws are hard to ignore. Some scenes drag unnecessarily and break the rhythm of the chase. The comic elements, while refreshing at times, occasionally clash with the darker undertones of the story. And most importantly, the imbalance between Bajpayee and Sarbh weakens the central conflict. A chase only works if both sides feel equally sharp, and here, the conman just doesn’t hold up his end. With a stronger antagonist and tighter pacing, this could have been a truly remarkable crime saga.

Final Verdict

Despite its unevenness, Inspector Zende still manages to stand tall as one of the most entertaining releases of the week. It’s not flawless, but it’s sharp, stylish, and filled with moments that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Above all, it’s a showcase for Manoj Bajpayee’s brilliance. His Inspector Zende is a character who deserves to be remembered in the pantheon of great Indian cop dramas.

If you’re craving a film that mixes nostalgia with suspense and delivers the thrill of an old-school chase, this one is absolutely worth your time. And honestly, in a week where most new releases barely make a dent, this one feels like a win you won’t regret pressing play.

By the way, if you’re into grounded film thoughts, underrated thriller picks, or just plain honest recommendations, I’m over on Instagram:@bingewatch_perspective.  That’s where I post quick recaps, hot takes, and those offbeat gems you might’ve missed.

Also, if heart-pounding suspense and clever twists are your thing, don’t miss my full review of Wednesday Season 2, where the mystery and thrills continue—read it here

💌 Enjoyed the post?
👉 Don’t miss out—hit Follow or Subscribe to stay updated with weekly movie reviews and watchlists!