Is Manoj Bajpayee's new crime film based on true events? Netflix India announces premiere date for 'Inspector Zende'

Manoj Bajpayee and the crime genre go well together — a cause for celebration for anyone who is a fan of films like Shool or shows like Killer Soup and The Family Man. Netflix India has announced a new crime film, directed by Chinmay Mandlekar, starring Manoj Bajpayee and Jim Sarbh.

The film, titled Inspector Zende, is set in the 1970s and 80s, and is said to be inspired by the cases of Madhukar Bapurao Zende, the real-life cop who apprehended Charles Sobhraj twice. Inspector Zende will explore Zende's attempts to nab Jim Sarbh's Sobhraj-inspired character Carl Bhojraj, aka 'The Swimsuit Killer', after the latter escapes from Tihar Jail. Sobhraj was nicknamed 'The Bikini Killer'. Recently, he was portrayed by Sidhant Gupta in Netflix's Black Warrant, helmed by Vikramaditya Motwane.

The film, which marks the Hindi directorial debut of Chinmay D Mandlekar (also screenwriter), will begin streaming on the platform on September 5. Other cast members include Bhalchandra Kadam, Sachin Khedekar, Girija Oak and Harish Dudhade.

Jay Shewakramani and Tanhaji director Om Raut are the film's producers under the banner of Northern Lights Films.

"'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," said Raut, in a statement.

Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, director of Original Films at Netflix India, said the film puts a fresh spin on the conventional cop-versus-criminal narrative. "'Inspector Zende' flips the classic formula by deftly blending comedy and crime to deliver something truly unexpected. At Netflix, we're continually drawn to stories that celebrate heartland heroes and victories woven into our cultural fabric."  

Meanwhile, Bajpayee has the third season of The Family Man coming up next. The Raj & DK-created series will see the return of Priyamani. It will introduce Paatal Lok actor Jaideep Ahlawat as the antagonist.

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