There’s never an easy way to tackle a real-life story or a story based on real-life events. The audience would go into the theaters or log in to their streaming platforms, expecting they would see something riveting. However, it’s not that easy, and filmmakers need to follow certain rules if they want to adapt that story faithfully. One basic rule for adapting such a story is to strike the perfect balance between reality and fiction. There are only a handful of titles that have managed to achieve that kind of balance, and joining the list is Netflix’s Hindi-language movie Inspector Zende. Being a massive fan of Indian film, it came as a big relief that the makers tackled the real-life narrative with uniqueness and brought their own distinct touch to make it such an enthralling watch.
The movie begins with a narration and introduces the titular character, Inspector Zende. It doesn’t take much time to make it clear that the story is true, but it feels like a fantasy. Moreover, the film is inspired by real-life events, but it doesn’t leave any stone unturned to make the narrative look like a fairytale. The story begins in Mumbai in 1986, where Madhukar Zende (played by Manoj Bajpayee) lives a simple life. He is a down-to-earth family man, devoted to his wife and two kids, and seriously committed to his job as a policeman in the aforementioned city. Soon, Zende gets to know that Carl “The Swimsuit Killer” Bhojraj (played by Jim Sarbh) has escaped from jail. The film takes viewers back in time, where Carl drugs the prison rice pudding and manages to escape. It turns out that Zende and Carl have a history, and it was Zende who called the criminal for the first time in 1971. Eventually, we return to the story’s present day and see Carl continuing to slay victims.
Even though Sarbh does such a terrifying job, the story showcases him as a flamboyant character. While he tries to get away from the authorities, Zende does his best to nab the killer once again. From there, the movie delivers a wild mix of comedy and violence, and all the while leaning into its bizarre, over-the-top universe. For the uninitiated, the film is loosely based on Madhukar Zende, a former policeman who arrested Charles Sobhraj (in the movie, it’s Carl Bhojraj) for robbing a facility. However, he managed to escape the prison. In 1976, he was captured again, but this time, too, he escaped. Finally, in April 1986, Zende and his team took the criminal into custody in Goa, India, and sent him to jail. The Netflix flick tackles the story with sensitivity, yet it keeps viewers entertained with genuine, humorous moments that enhance the viewing experience.
The story of the film is simple, and director Chinmay Mandlekar doesn’t make it complicated by adding complex situations. Instead, he infuses the script with moments that make the entire scenario believable. The moment Zende is given the task of arresting Bhojraj for the second time, viewers find themselves embarking on a ride that’s funny and damn interesting. One of the strongest aspects of the movie is how Mandlekar never tries to tell viewers a heroic story. Instead, he follows a unique path of turning this “serious” narrative into something refreshing. Every police procedural doesn’t have to be serious. Yes, their work is quite serious, and they are on their toes every single day. But they can be shown having genuine fun, while simultaneously working on a case and not missing a beat. By including this comedic element in the storyline, he refrains from making cops larger-than-life figures who can do the unthinkable. On the contrary, he makes Zende and his team credible. They have morals and integrity, especially Zende. He is a flawed character and never shies away from thinking that things could go wrong in a mission, and he could commit mistakes. That’s why he is so unique and keeps on working on his mistakes, wanting to get everything perfect.
Apart from showcasing who Zende is, Inspector Zende focuses on the rivalry between the two police forces. The titular character, who belongs to the Mumbai Police, reaches Goa to capture Bhojraj. However, as soon as they reach the state, the Goa Police is making its own plan to catch Bhojraj. The filmmaker masterfully integrates this element into the main story, offering viewers a fresh perspective. But what’s amazing is how he doesn’t get too deep in this rivalry and never loses its grip on what he intends to show. The film is about Zende, so he remains a central figure, and the script never lets viewers forget that the real task here is to nab the notorious criminal.
When it comes to performances, Inspector Zende is all about Manoj Bajpayee and his conviction to play the real-life figure. He is considered a serious performer, but that doesn’t mean he can’t play a character who is amusing, which is why he is one of the greatest actors in the world. The way he balances the humor and grit is impeccable. However, this is not the first time he has done so, and there are several past examples where he has demonstrated his comedic timing. But not every filmmaker has managed to put that side of him in such a memorable way, making this portrayal stand out as one of his most effortlessly entertaining performances. Zende is not a Superman or a superhuman; he is just a man trying to do his duty and catch a dangerous criminal. With his portrayal, Bajpayee makes it clear that he can play any role with the same level of intensity.
On the other hand, Jim Sarbh is equally captivating. He is having a great deal of fun playing this character, and the actor doesn’t miss a beat in portraying a ruthless antagonist who is both flamboyant and menacing at the same time. Just like Bajpayee, Sarbh is also one of the rare actors who can bring his unique flair to any character, and still, we don’t see him on our screens frequently. Nevertheless, his performance is mind-blowing, and he leaves a lasting impression, making even the smallest scenes feel charged with energy and intensity.
With a screenplay that masterfully blends satire and suspense, Inspector Zende never undermines the humanity of the characters. The entire narrative primarily focuses on the titular character finding a ray of hope in a world that is filled with deceit and offensive maneuvers. All in all, Inspector Zende is a refreshing watch, thought-provoking, entertaining, and anchored by two of India’s finest actors.
Inspector Zende is now streaming on Netflix.
Learn more about the film at the official Netflix site for the title.
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