Manoj Bajpayee-starrer 'Inspector Zende' is sluggish yet funny, Hindustan Times wrote, giving it three out of five stars. "Inspector Zende is an engaging watch in parts, lifted by Manoj Bajpayee’s steady presence and a cast that rises to the occasion," the review read. The movie, directed by Chinmay Mandlekar, is based on the arrest of Charles Sobhraj.