Netflix's 'Inspector Zende': Cast, Plot, & Everything You Need to Know

Picture: Netflix

A quick read through the Wikipedia entry for thief and murderer Charles Sobhraj reveals just why the charismatic predator known as the “Bikini Killer” is a popular subject for movies and television shows. The 2021 Netflix Original British series The Serpent is based on Sobhraj’s crimes across Southeast Asia in the 1970s, and he plays a role in the 2025 Original Hindi series Black Warrant as well.

With the new film Inspector Zende, Netflix India shifts the focus from the criminal — renamed “Carl Bhojraj” to emphasize that this is not strictly biographical — to the police officer who captured him, twice. Inspector Zende (who keeps his real name for the movie) caught the serial killer once, so he could be put on trial in India, and then a second time when the thief broke out of prison.

Inspector Zende marks the Hindi directorial debut of Chinmay Mandlekar, who already has a Netflix credit as an actor in the Original series Kaala Paani. The film is produced by Om Raut (Adipurush) and Jay Shewakramani (Jaane Jaan) for Northern Lights Films.

The film is streaming now globally on Netflix, and although one outlet has referred to it as a suitable Mindhunter replacement, that might be a bit misleading…

What is the plot of Inspector Zende?

Here’s how Netflix describes Inspector Zende’s plot:

In the winding gullies of 70’s and 80’s Mumbai, when the infamous Swimsuit Killer breaks out of Tihar Jail, a determined police officer must track him down at all costs. Loosely inspired by a true story, this tale of determination and sheer grit unfolds into an epic cat and mouse chase. Inspector Zende blends crime, comedy, and nostalgia — transporting you to a time when gut instinct trumped gadgets and relentless determination was a cop’s greatest weapon.

Who is cast in Inspector Zende?

Manoj Bajpayee (Killer Soup) stars as the titular Inspector Zende. In this entertaining conversation between Bajpayee and the real Madhukar Zende, the famous cop seems tickled that such a respected actor is portraying him in a movie.

Jim Sarbh (House Arrest) plays the “Swimsuit Killer” Carl Bhojraj — an ideal casting choice.

Other key cast members include:

Sachin Khedeka (Firebrand)
Bhalchandra Kadam (Cycle)
Girija Oak (Qala)
Harish Dudhade (Tumchi Mulgi Kay Karte)
Vaibhav Mangale (15 August)

The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes with a TV-MA rating in the US. Netflix offers the new movie with the following audio and subtitle options:

Audio
English, Spanish (Latin America), Hindi – Audio Description, Hindi [Original], Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Tamil, Telugu

Subtitles
Arabic, English, French, Hindi, Polish, Ukrainian, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional)

You can see more of Netflix’s upcoming TV and movie slate from India scheduled to arrive throughout the remainder of the year and into 2026 in the link provided.

Are you excited for Inspector Zende? Let us know in the comments below!