Netflix’s upcoming film ‘Inspector Zende’ revisits Charles Sobhraj’s 1970s arrest in Goa. NT BUZZ in a tête-a-tête with actors Manoj Bajpayee, Bhalchandra Kadam, and director-writer Chinmay Mandlekar about bringing the story to the screen
RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT BUZZ
While many know the name Charles Sobhraj, the infamous “Bikini Killer”, there are others who may not. In the 1970s his trail of crimes shook Asia and his arrest in Goa by Inspector Madhukar Zende became one of the country’s most talked-about cases. Netflix’s upcoming (September 5) film ‘Inspector Zende’, starring Manoj Bajpayee, brings that chase to screen in a retro setting.
The film is directed and written by Chinmay Mandlekar and also stars Bhalchandra Kadam, Sachin Khedekar, and Jim Sarbh. It is produced by Jay Shewakramani and Om Raut. Based on true events, the story follows Inspector Zende (Manoj Bajpayee) as he captures the notorious serial killer Charles Sobhraj (Jim Sarbh) for the second time.
To promote the 1970s-set crime drama, Netflix hosted an interaction at its Mumbai office on September 1 with Bajpayee, Kadam and Mandlekar.
‘Inspector Zende’ marks the first directorial venture in Hindi cinema for Mandlekar. And the idea for the film, he says, came from Raut. “Though I knew about Inspector Zende and his exemplary record, meeting him in person convinced us there was a full-fledged film to be made,” he says.
Mandlekar says much of the film’s authenticity comes from his memories of 1980s Goa and research. “I first visited Goa as a child in 1988. Much of what appears in the film comes from my memories and from people I’ve met. I also have a few relatives in Goa and Raut is from there. This made it easier to capture the era.”
He adds that real investigative details like the peacock-green motorcycle are included in the film. “The film stays true to these facts while creating cinematic tension. The bike, its number and its colour are all shown accurately. We wanted to remain faithful to the investigation while keeping the story engaging,” he explains.
Mandlekar also notes the challenge of engaging younger audiences. “A 15-year-old today might find it hard to believe there was a time without mobiles. So making the story accessible to all generations while staying authentic was the biggest challenge,” he says.
In Goa, the film was shot in Saligao, Panaji, and the ferry between Divar Island and Ribandar. “We couldn’t shoot at the O’Coqueiro restaurant in Porvorim, where Sobhraj was re-arrested. The restaurant and its surroundings have changed and to stay true to how it looked back then, we had to recreate it for the film,” Mandlekar says.
He hopes audiences will enjoy the film’s nostalgia, suspense and humour. “Some films become your go-to when you’re bored or need a pick-me-up. I hope ‘Inspector Zende’ becomes one of those,” he says.
For Bajpayee who essays the lead role of Zende, it was the film’s tone that was a major draw. “This is a comic thriller. The humour comes naturally from situations. No one is trying to force laughs or step out of character. Everyone plays their part sincerely, yet the humour emerges organically. That combination of chase, tenacity, and comedy really attracted me to the script.”
He was also struck by Zende’s qualities. “He was a middle-class, ordinary man, very loving, who didn’t carry his power on his shoulder. He was confident and assured. He wasn’t intense or angry but accomplished his goals with preparation and determination,” says Bajpayee, while also pointing out to Zende’s enduring relevance. “People of his character are rare today. This film brings attention to someone who captured an internationally known criminal, a story most people, especially this generation, are unaware of.”
On preparing for a role, Bajpayee says, he reads the script multiple times and rehearses with the cast. “I always request reading sessions where each actor performs their part. I like to work in a friendly and familiar atmosphere. It helps me understand the characters and connect with my fellow actors,” he adds.
Bajpayee, who is fond of Goa, says he didn’t need to travel specifically for the film, having already experienced the state through films, articles and personal visits. “Whenever I have time, I fly to Goa. I’m even planning a permanent second home for my family there. The character is from Mumbai, but the story unfolds in Goa and the interactions with local police and residents are extraordinary in the script,” he says, adding that the audience can expect a “fantastic family entertainer” that can be enjoyed multiple times.
