Inspector Zende

Plot

Set in the late 1970s, Inspector Zende follows the eccentric yet razor-sharp Bombay police officer Madhukar Zende (Manoj Bajpayee), whose unconventional methods and dry wit make him both feared and ridiculed within the force. Known for cracking impossible cases with a mix of instinct and humor, Zende is thrust into the biggest challenge of his career when a string of mysterious murders of foreign tourists shakes the city. The prime suspect is Carl Bhojraj (Jim Sarbh), a charming, multilingual conman whose suave demeanor masks a cold-blooded predator. Carl lures his victims with promises of adventure and easy fortune, only to manipulate, poison, and rob them. His trail stretches from Goa to Kathmandu, leaving authorities baffled by his ability to evade capture. Zende, with his sharp eye for detail and knack for reading people, begins piecing together Carl’s movements. Their encounters form the heart of the film — Carl views Zende as a worthy adversary, often taunting him with riddles and near-misses, while Zende uses his trademark humor and patience to outmaneuver the slippery criminal. The tone balances thriller tension with comedy, as Zende’s unorthodox stakeouts and witty one-liners lighten the grimness of the investigation. Meanwhile, Carl’s charm begins to fracture as his paranoia grows. The climax unfolds in a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse at a bustling Bombay airport, where Zende finally corners Carl in a blend of wit, courage, and sheer timing. The arrest not only cements Zende’s legacy but also underscores the message that intelligence and persistence can dismantle even the most charismatic facades of evil. The film closes with Zende cracking a sly joke to his subordinates, cementing his image as both a relentless cop and an unforgettable character

Cast