Meet The Inspector Who Beat The ‘Swimsuit Killer’ At His Own Game — Twice
Directed by Chinmay D. Mandlekar, and produced by Jay Shewakramani and Om Raut, Inspector Zende stars Manoj Bajpayee, Jim Sarbh, Bhalchandra Kadam, Sachin Khedekar in pivotal roles
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. Netflix’s latest quirky drama of an unlikely hero cop, Inspector Zende, arrives September 5.
Starring the ever-versatile Manoj Bajpayee as Inspector Madhukar Zende, and Jim Sarbh as the charming trickster and notorious “swimsuit killer” Carl Bhojraj, the film is directed and written by Chinmay D. Mandlekar. It also features Bhalchandra Kadam, Sachin Khedekar, Girija Oak and Harish Dudhade in pivotal roles. 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.
Producer Om Raut shares, “Inspector Zende’s story is one that deserves to be seen, remembered and celebrated. A gripping chase that’s as entertaining as it is inspiring, and most essentially, it was my father’s dream to make a film on Inspector Zende. Bringing this film to life with Netflix has been an incredible journey. Producer Jay Shewakramani adds, Netflix’s 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. We’re excited for viewers to meet Inspector Zende, an unlikely hero with an unforgettable story.”
Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Director of Original Films, Netflix India shares, “Inspector Zende flips the classic cop-versus-criminal story on its head, deftly blending comedy and crime to deliver something truly unexpected. Inspired by true events, the film marks the Hindi directorial debut of Chinmay D. Mandlekar, who brings a grounded sense of place and perspective to the storytelling. 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.”
Inspector Zende is a salute to old-school sleuthing and jugaadu (resourceful) justice. It’s the tale of an ordinary man who cracked an extraordinary case.
CREDITS
Produced By: Northern Lights Films
Producers: Jay Shewakramani and Om Raut
Director: Chinmay D. Mandlekar
Key Cast: Manoj Bajpayee, Jim Sarbh, Bhalchandra Kadam, Sachin Khedekar, Girija Oak and Harish Dudhade