Debapriya Bhattacharya
‘Inspector Zende’ marks the directorial debut of Chinmay Mandlekar and is inspired by the true story of Mumbai police officer Madhukar Zende. In 1971, Zende arrested infamous serial killer Charles Sobhraj from the Taj Hotel in Mumbai. However, the latter escaped from Tihar Jail in Delhi a decade and a half later, and Zende was tasked with his capture once again. Netflix’s comedy thriller film stars Manoj Bajpayee as Inspector Madhukar Zende, based on the retired Assistant Commissioner of Mumbai Police. When Carl Bhojraj (Jim Sarbh), the character based on Charles Sobhraj, escapes from Tihar in 1986, the officer arrives in Goa with his team in pursuit of the notorious killer. The film production took place on location with the story set around the hub of Hindi filmmaking in India. The bustling streets and the scenic beaches accentuate the thrilling cat-and-mouse chase that ensues in the film.
Inspector Zende Filming Locations
Principal photography of ‘Inspector Zende’ reportedly began in January 2025 and wrapped up in March of the same year. Filming took place in various locations in the states of Maharashtra and Goa in India. Maharashtra is the home of Bollywood, the Hindi filmmaking industry that derives its name from Hollywood in the US. The neighboring state of Goa, on the other hand, is the smallest state in the country and is known for its scenic beaches and bustling tourism. The movie covers a diverse landscape with the hunt for Carl taking Zende and his team across the state border. As the narrative unfolds, the backdrop gradually shifts from bustling urban areas to the serene rural locales.
Goa, India
The majority of the scenes in ‘Inspector Zende’ were lensed in Goa, also known as the Beach Capital of India. Once a settlement of the Portuguese who first arrived in 1498 under the leadership of Vasco da Gama, the vibrant local culture and architecture of Goa is marked with Portuguese-Indian heritage. The sun-kissed beaches and laid-back vibes not only make the place a favorite among tourists but also an attractive destination for filmmakers seeking to add stunning natural backdrops to their shoot. The multicultural aspect of Goa further aids the entertainment industry to thrive.
As it happens, a major portion of the story of ‘Inspector Zende’ takes place in Goa, making it only fitting that the shooting takes place on location. Situated at a distance of 380 miles from Mumbai, the home of Bollywood, it was also easily accessible for the crew and cast of the film. Other projects that were filmed in the state include ‘Go Goa Gone,’ ‘Madgaon Express,’ ‘Finding Fanny,’ ‘Simmba,’ and more.
Mumbai, India
A portion of ‘Inspector Zende’ was also taped in the city of Mumbai in the state of Maharashtra, India. The titular character in ‘Inspector Zende’ is an officer of the Mumbai Police, who first arrests Carl in the city of Mumbai itself. When the serial killer escapes, Zende is given the responsibility to lead a team of officers to recapture the escaped convict once again. The city of Mumbai features in the narrative as well as in the movie itself, being the central hub of Hindi filmmaking in India.
Also known as the financial capital of India, Mumbai is one of the most populous cities in the country with a bustling urban landscape. However, the city provides diversity in visuals, with the architecture incorporating Victorian Gothic, Art Deco, Indo-Saracenic, and contemporary styles. It also presents a clear contrast between locales with high-rises and those with smaller, densely packed structures. The city has been the shooting destination of innumerable other movies, such as ‘Monica, O My Darling,’ ‘Bhagam Bhag,’ ‘Darlings,’ and ‘Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery,’ and shows like ‘The Family Man,’ ‘The Indian Detective,’ and ‘OK Computer.’
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