INSPECTOR ZENDE

The Supercop's Story on Netflix

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Released on Netflix in September 2025, Inspector Zende dives into one of India's most riveting true-crime sagas-the capture of Charles Sobhraj, the elusive serial killer and conman who gained international infamy in the 1970s and '80s. Instead of glorifying the criminal, the film shifts focus to the man who relentlessly pursued him: Inspector Madhukar Zende of the Mumbai Police, whose sharp instincts and persistence led to Sobhraj's arrest on more than one occasion.

At the heart of this retelling is Chinmay Mandlekar, a celebrated Marathi actor best known for his nuanced performances in films and theatre. With Inspector Zende, Mandlekar takes a bold, creative leap, making his directorial debut in the Hindi film industry. By stepping behind the camera, he offers audiences a fresh perspective choosing to celebrate an unsung hero of Indian policing rather than perpetuate the larger-than-life aura around Sobhraj. His transition from acting to direction not only widens his artistic canvas but also highlights the growing cross-pollination between regional cinema and mainstream Hindi storytelling.