Why Manoj Bajpayee Calls Inspector Zende His Most Enjoyable Cop Role Yet

Netflix’s Latest Hit
Netflix’s latest release Inspector Zende, directed by Chinmay Mandlekar and produced by Om Raut and Jay Shewakramani, premiered on 5th September and has quickly won the hearts of audiences and critics alike. A quirky crime drama with a perfect blend of humor and seriousness, the film is being hailed as a family entertainer.

Manoj Bajpayee in Uniform Again
At the center of all the appreciation is Manoj Bajpayee, whose performance as Inspector Zende is being called one of his most enjoyable and memorable roles in recent years. Over his 30-year career, Bajpayee has played a wide range of characters, from hardened cops and gangsters to professors and mentors. Yet, Inspector Zende has given him a unique sense of joy and fulfillment.

The Actor’s Reflection
Speaking about the role, Manoj Bajpayee shared, “In the career spanning 30 years, you know, I have played many policemen, many gangsters, many good guys, many teachers, professors. But, you know, in the end, it boils down to the person that you are playing, not the uniform. But this person, Inspector Zende, I have never played before, it is a character very unlike who I am. I’m a quieter person off the set. I like to do my own thing. I like to read, I like to see authentic, credible news and form my own analysis of the world. But, I have enjoyed playing the role of Inspector Zende, so much, because there is a certain kind of humor, a certain kind of quirkiness, and energy that the director wanted me to bring into the character.”

Bidding Goodbye to Zende
He further added, “Being in the zone of Zende was my primary concern. Just when we were about to wrap up the film, I actually started feeling bad that this was coming to an end, because it was Zende all over his mindset all over me. But the memories are something that always travel with you. You can be 105, 110 films old, but if the memories were fantastic, that is how you’ll always remember a particular film.”

A Fresh Take on the Cop Drama
It’s this mix of humor, eccentricity, and freshness that makes Inspector Zende memorable — both for audiences and for Bajpayee himself. Known for his powerful and intense performances, the actor discovered a new rhythm in embodying the quirky, energetic personality envisioned by Mandlekar.

Streaming Now
With heartfelt performances, a unique tone, and a refreshing take on the familiar cop story, Inspector Zende has established itself as an entertainer that will stay with viewers. For those yet to experience this unforgettable cop, the film is now streaming only on Netflix.

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