Manoj Bajpayee to Star in Crime Thriller ‘Inspector Zende’ Ahead of The Family Man 3 — Releasing This September on Netflix
Manoj Bajpayee to Star in Crime Thriller ‘Inspector Zende’ Ahead of The Family Man 3 — Releasing This September on Netflix
While audiences have their eyes locked on the return of The Family Man Season 3, Manoj Bajpayee is already set to heat things up with a gripping new crime thriller, Inspector Zende. The first look of the film dropped recently, and it’s clear—this isn’t your everyday cop drama.
Streaming exclusively on Netflix, this intense police-chase story stars Bajpayee in the lead alongside the ever-versatile Jim Sarbh, and is set to premiere on September 5, 2025. The poster, cleverly designed to mimic a newspaper front page, sets the tone for a gritty pursuit between law and crime, with a headline that reads: “Zendebaad! Will Inspector Zende catch the Swimsuit Killer?”
Inspector Zende is a Netflix Original film, written and directed by Chinmay D. Mandlekar, and dives deep into the heart of 1970s and 80s Mumbai—a city buzzing with ambition, danger, and stories that rarely saw the light. The film draws inspiration from true events, chronicling a lesser-known yet chilling criminal episode involving a mysterious fugitive dubbed the “Swimsuit Killer.”
The story follows Inspector Madhukar Zende, played by Manoj Bajpayee, an upright and fearless police officer who is determined to track down a dangerous killer that has escaped from Tihar Jail. The killer, Carl Bhojraj, portrayed by Jim Sarbh, is at the center of this high-stakes chase.
The narrative is said to unfold across two pivotal timelines: 1971, set in South Mumbai’s historic Fort area, and 1986, taking viewers to a dramatic event at a Goa restaurant. While plot specifics are still tightly under wraps, the setting and newspaper-style clues suggest a sharp, period-authentic crime drama with rich attention to detail.
Alongside Bajpayee and Sarbh, Inspector Zende boasts a strong supporting cast including Bhalchandra Kadam, Sachin Khedekar, Girija Oak, and Harish Dudhade, all of whom bring depth and authenticity to this layered narrative.
The film is produced by Om Raut, known for his cinematic storytelling, and co-produced by Jay Shewakramani. Speaking about the project, Raut shared, “Inspector Zende is not just a film—it’s a story that needs to be told. It’s thrilling, powerful, and incredibly inspiring.”
Jay Shewakramani added, “Netflix’s commitment to real stories and their global reach makes them the ideal home for a film like this. We’re excited for the world to meet Zende.”
What About ‘The Family Man 3’?
For fans of The Family Man, there’s good news on that front too. Manoj Bajpayee recently confirmed in an interview with OTTPlay that the third season of the hit spy thriller will arrive in November 2025. This season will also feature the dynamic Jaideep Ahlawat, raising anticipation even further.
