I recently watched Manoj Bajpayee’s starrer, the ultimate series, Inspector Zende. The series is based on real-life Mumbai Police officer Madhukar Zende, who famously captured the serial killer Charles Sobhraj, and is written and directed by Chinmay Mandlekar. Manoj Bajpayee is one of my most favourite actors whose portrayal of Inspector Zende is absolutely gripping, intense, layered, and unforgettable. With his extraordinary acting, he has again set the benchmark in acting brilliance. Ive watched almost all his movies and series, but this one has left an unforgettable mark on my mind.
The series revolves around Inspector Madhukar Zende(Manoj Bajpayee), a respected police officer known for his strategic mind and ethical approach, who captured Sobhraj twice. First in 1971 and again in 1986 following the killers’ daring escape from Tihar Jail. The movie explores the power dynamics within the police force and offers a quirky, humorous take on a serious criminal case. The movie is a wild ride from start to finish, especially with Manojs shining role that brought signature conviction and charm to the character.
The series is a quirky comedy and a sharp exploration of criminal folklore, offering a humorous and engaging cat-and-mouse chase filled with sharp wit, quirky supporting characters, and nostalgic visuals. I liked the small but detailed roles of all the supporting characters, apart from Manoj Bajpayee, who has done a remarkable job to make this series a big success. Especially Girija Oak( Zendes Wife), Sachin Khedekar( Zendes Boss), and Bhalchandra Kadam( Constable). Their acting added a layer of charm to the film, making it a joint success rather than being identified solely by the big name of Manoj Bajpayee.
As the movie is based on a real story, it was necessary to justify the visuals and background wisely, which connects with the 80s era, and Vishal Sinhas cinematography has done this beautifully. The editing and narrating flow is also very good, especially in the first half; the scenes will really take you to the 80s beauty. Despite the strong choreography in the first half, the second half doesnt impress me much, as I found many flaws in several scenes that could have been more polished. But the background music was outstanding, especially during the chase sequence, beautifully evoking the 1980s Bollywood rhythm.
Overall, the move is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and true stories. It is a blend of parody with period drama. The dialogues are crisp and humorous. With some ups and downs, the move is watchable. Some of the scenes I found to be too boring, and others were unnecessary, especially in the second half. But with the power-packed acting of the lead actor, Manoj Bajpayee, and the supportive cast, the movie will entertain you with its brilliant acting, good comedy, and a hint of a true story, making it a must-watch series at this time.