Inspector Zende: A Quirky Take on a Real Crime Story
Inspector Zende, now available on Netflix, offers a unique spin on the strange real-life story of serial killer Charles Sobhraj. This Bollywood comedy stands out as it focuses not on Sobhraj himself but on the celebrated Mumbai police officer Madukal Zende, the man who brought him to justice. It’s a film that mixes absurdity and crime, portraying the hunt for the so-called “Snake,” known for his preposterous escapes and calling card murders that claimed at least 20 victims. Manoj Bajpayee’s portrayal of Zende aims to blend humor with seriousness, landing somewhere between the comical and the chilling.
Key Points: When you start Inspector Zende, you’ll notice it’s labeled as a story that’s “true but feels fantastical.” This description captures the ethos of the film, showcasing exaggerated styles and slapstick moments amid gruesome scenes. Set in 1986, we meet Madukal Zende (played by Bajpayee), a devoted family man and police officer who calls his wife Vijaya (Girya Oak) the “commissioner,” much to her enjoyment—a sweet yet amusing dynamic.
Zende learns about “The Swimsuit Killer,” a character whose name has been altered from the original. This killer has somehow escaped from prison, triggering a series of flashbacks that hint at the chaos to come. Don’t worry, the narrative will circle back to present-day events soon enough.
As the story unfolds, Zende is briefed about the elusive killer, who has evaded capture across five prisons in multiple countries with a staggering 32 murders attributed to him. While Sobhraj isn’t exactly a sympathetic character, there’s something oddly childlike about him that draws a bit of pity. The film leans into the absurd with slow-motion sequences of Zende and his team hustling through the streets as the killer wreaks havoc.
Similar Movies: If you think of Naked Gun, you’ll find parallels in how Zende approaches police storylines with satire. Netflix has previously tackled themes around Sobhraj in a much different tone in Snake.
Performance Worth Noting: Bajpayee skillfully balances the absurdity with a serious glare, echoing classic comedic figures like Leslie Nielsen.
Memorable Exchange: There’s a memorable moment regarding catching snakes:
Chief: Do you know how to catch snakes, Zende?
Zende: No matter how toxic a snake is, sir, mongooses always slap snakes.
Chief: So, are you our mongoose?
Zende: No tails, no two legs.
Sex and Skin: N/A
Our Take: The film attempts a mix of gruesome murders with offbeat humor, but the results often fall flat. Zende interrogates informants in odd ways, including a foot massage, which feels misplaced for police work. The blend of macabre elements with humor struggles to land; what’s supposed to be funny often misses its mark. The film stretches out its plot—nearly two hours long—filled with montages and elongated jokes that detract from the pacing. Zende’s investigations lead him through vibrant scenes that fail to build genuine laughter, instead drawing on budget-related gags that fall closer to social commentary.
Bajpayee’s portrayal adds depth through his recurring narrative of family devotion, giving layers to an otherwise chaotic tapestry of humor and horror. Still, despite its colorful visuals and unique character dynamics, Inspector Zende doesn’t quite hold up as intriguing entertainment.
Our Call: While the effort is commendable, the combination of dark themes and comedic elements in Inspector Zende creates a jarring shift that doesn’t quite work. It might be best to skip this one.
