Inspector Zende
Could Bollywood’s next cinematic universe revolve around a no-nonsense cop played by Manoj Bajpayee? If director Om Raut has anything to say about it, the answer might just be a thrilling yes.
In a recent interview, the Adipurush director dropped an intriguing hint about the possibility of expanding on Inspector Zende—a character portrayed by Manoj Bajpayee in the 2013 action-thriller Tevar. While the film itself may not have made a huge splash at the box office, Bajpayee’s portrayal of the sharp, morally grey police officer has quietly built a cult following over the years.
“Mauka Mila Toh, Bilkul…”
When asked about the idea of building a cinematic cop universe, Raut responded with a smile and said, “Mauka mila toh, bilkul sochunga. Inspector Zende is a layered character with a lot of untapped potential.”
He added that in an era where cinematic universes are becoming the norm—from Marvel and DC to Rohit Shetty’s own cop universe—it’s only natural to think about interconnected storytelling in Indian cinema too.
Why Zende? Why Now?
In the current entertainment landscape, audiences are hungry for grounded, character-driven narratives that still pack a punch. Inspector Zende is ripe for a deeper dive. He’s not your typical Bollywood hero—he’s flawed, calculating, and operates in a moral grey zone that would make for compelling long-form storytelling.
Imagine a gritty, Mumbai-based crime saga where Zende isn’t just chasing criminals—he’s dealing with personal demons, political corruption, and a system that’s just as broken as the people he’s trying to arrest. It’s not hard to envision a streaming series or a film franchise that could go head-to-head with the likes of Sacred Games or Delhi Crime.
Manoj Bajpayee Is Ready
While Om Raut has been coy, Manoj Bajpayee has previously expressed interest in revisiting some of his earlier characters—especially those who didn’t get the spotlight they deserved. Given his stellar work in The Family Man, fans already know he can anchor a gripping police procedural with both heart and intensity.
The Future of India’s Cop Cinematic Universes
Rohit Shetty may have laid the foundation with Singham, Simmba, and Sooryavanshi, but a darker, more cerebral take on the genre could provide the perfect counterbalance. With Raut’s vision and Bajpayee’s acting chops, the Inspector Zende universe could explore deeper themes like justice, trauma, and what it really means to wear the badge in modern India.
Final Word
For now, it’s all just potential. But if Om Raut gets his “mauka,” don’t be surprised if Inspector Zende makes a thunderous return—this time, not just as a side character, but as the cornerstone of an entirely new cop saga.
One thing’s for sure: the badge has never looked more interesting.
