Inspector Madhukar Zende has years of experience in capturing criminals, but his encounters with the notorious Charles Sobhraj, often dubbed the 'Bikini Killer', made him a household name in India. His story has been revitalized in the recent Netflix film 'Inspector Zende', which stars Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee and recreates Zende's thrilling encounters with Sobhraj in 1986.
The film dives into the complex cat-and-mouse game that unfolded when Sobhraj, who escaped from Delhi's Tihar jail, returned to Mumbai only to be pursued by Zende. Throughout the movie, the viewer experiences a mix of suspense and real-life drama as Zende tracks down one of the world’s most notorious criminals.
The cinematic narrative offers insights into the mindset of criminals and law enforcement during a turbulent period in India. Sobhraj’s criminal activities spanned several countries, and his ability to evade capture made him infamous. Zende conveys a sense of duty and urgency as he remembers being the one in charge of the case, tasked with preventing Sobhraj from escaping justice yet again.
Interestingly, Zende briefly portrays a cameo in the film — adding a personal touch to the dramatized account of his life’s defining moments as a cop. His contributions, both in the past and present, highlight the challenges faced by law enforcement while navigating intricate criminal networks.
As public interest revives, with articles exploring Zende's illustrious career and books recounting the thrilling tales of his work, the film casts a much-deserved spotlight on this unsung hero of Mumbai's police force.
