Om Raut continues to mine historical tales rooted in Maharashtra’s history, expanding his repertoire beyond the mythic to the real-life ebb and flow of the city’s crime era. After the blockbuster success of Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior in 2020 and his forthcoming Inspector Zende, the director remains committed to telling stories centered on Maratha and regional figures. His early directorial debut, the acclaimed Lokmanya: Ek Yug Purush (2015), explored Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and he later produced Tanhaji, celebrating the Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare. Now he is producing Inspector Zende, directed by Chinmay D Mandlekar, with Manoj Bajpayee in the lead.
Inspector Zende draws inspiration from Mumbai police officer Madhukar Zende, famed for capturing the notorious Charles Sobhraj, known as the Bikini Killer. Raut described Zende as a national figure whose achievements resonate within Maharashtra, noting the local roots of the story that he believes can connect with global audiences. Set in the vibrant lanes of 1970s and 1980s Mumbai, the film stars Bajpayee as the titular officer and Jim Sarbh as Carl Bhojraj, the infamous “Swimsuit Killer” who escaped from Tihar Jail. The narrative blends crime, comedy, and nostalgia as it follows their cat-and-mouse pursuit.
Produced by Northern Lights Films, with Jay Shewakramani, Inspector Zende is planned for release on Netflix on September 5. The ensemble includes Bhalchandra Kadam, Sachin Khedekar, Girija Oak, and Harish Dudhade in prominent roles. The project grew from conversations Raut had with Chinmay D Mandlekar, who eventually wrote the script after Raut asked him to consider taking on the project. Raut’s own journey with the story began after he and his team conducted initial research and felt the material offered a fresh lens on a local legend, making it suitable for a broader audience.
Raut also noted that his interest in exploring mythological realms remains intact, despite the mixed reception to Adipurush (released in 2023). He reiterated his desire to delve into India’s rich cultural and historical tapestry, suggesting that Inspector Zende represents more than a standalone film; it signals his ongoing commitment to stories rooted in Indian heritage that can resonate globally through streaming platforms.
Summary for readers: A high-profile project from Om Raut shifts from mythic epics to a real-life Mumbai police tale set in the 70s–80s, with Manoj Bajpayee leading and a Netflix release promising broader reach. The film emphasizes local heroism, historical city life, and a cross-border appeal through a crime-and-nostalgia narrative.
Additional notes for value: This project underscores the growing trend of Indian crime dramas on streaming platforms that blend factual foundations with cinematic storytelling. It also highlights how regional figures and history are being packaged for diverse audiences, potentially expanding the global footprint of Indian cinema while offering audiences a nostalgic look at Mumbai’s past.
Overall tone: Positive and hopeful about extending Om Raut’s legacy of historical storytelling and about Inspector Zende’s potential appeal to both Indian and international viewers on Netflix.