The captivating saga of the serial killer Charles Sobhraj, famously dubbed the 'Bikini Killer', comes alive in the gripping Netflix film 'Inspector Zende', telling the untold story of an Indian police officer who apprehended him twice.
Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee stars as Inspector Madhukar Zende, a character based on the real-life officer known for capturing Sobhraj in the mid-1970s and again in 1986 when the killer escaped from prison.
The narrative follows these events in a time-stamped thriller, revealing Zende's efforts during a tense cat-and-mouse chase over three weeks. He cleverly spots Sobhraj, leading to a sensational arrest, transforming Zende into a local hero.
After a decade in prison for earlier crimes, Sobhraj’s story unfolds with high-profile escapes, leading to countless murders across countries like India, Nepal, and Thailand, linking him to over 20 gruesome killings primarily targeting young Western tourists.
As he evades capture, Zende's pursuit escalates, providing a thrilling backdrop contrasting the daily grind of police work with the drama of hunting a notorious fugitive. This film not only highlights Sobhraj’s notorious history but also brings the spotlight back on Zende, who earned commendations but remained relatively unknown in popular discourse.
Retired at 88, Zende reflects on his legacy shaped by unpredictability and excitement, cherishing the media attention post-arrest while maintaining a cool detachment from Sobhraj's actions today.
As audiences revisit this intense chapter of criminal history, 'Inspector Zende' serves both as a tribute to bravery and a reminder of the complexities of law enforcement amidst a captivating narrative
