Netflix's Inspector Zende star Manoj Bajpayee on theatrical releases: 'Everyone wants to make a...'

The upcoming web series Inspector Zende is already building buzz with its gripping premise. The thriller explores the disturbing psyche of serial killer Carl Bhojraj, played by Jim Sarbh, and the intense cat-and-mouse chase led by Inspector Zende, essayed by Manoj Bajpayee.

As the conversation around streaming versus theatrical cinema continues, an interesting point came up when Bajpayee appeared on The Right Angle With Sonal Kalra Season 2, produced by Gautam Thakker Films. When asked whether OTT actors, who enjoy popularity on par with big-screen stars, are being paid equally, he jokingly said, “I don’t get the money” before elaborating further, “However, today, actors are also not getting paid, as they are being told that it’s risky to put in the money and there is a budget constraint. Even the ones who are releasing films in theatres are not getting paid, everybody wants to make this a risk-free project”

Madhukar Zende ka sabse bada mission ab shuru. Interpol’s most wanted ko pakadna 👀🔥

Watch Inspector Zende, starring Manoj Bajpayee and Jim Sarbh, out 5 September, only on Netflix.#InspectorZendeOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/cbv3ghjTHb

— manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) August 25, 2025

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Bajpayee’s candid words shine a light on the changing dynamics of the industry, where creative risks often clash with financial caution.

Talking about his latest release _Inspector Zende_, Firstpost gave the film 3 stars and wrote, “This film will truly make you laugh till your tummy hurts. Netflix’s Inspector Zende also showed the powerplay in the police force and how police officials from Delhi want to get all the credit, when in Mumbai the police force is counting every penny and struggling to get funds to survive in Goa for a few days.

It’s indeed a quirky comedy and a great weekend watch and the best thing is the script is sharp and the performances are brilliant. And as for Manoj Bajpayee, he truly knows his craft. And there are a lot of similarities of his character here with Srikant Tiwari from The Family Man. The humour-infused biopic is the highlight of the film.”