A refreshing take on the crime genre

Netflix’s Dabba Cartel is a gripping crime thriller directed by Hitesh Bhatia and backed by producers Farhan Akhtar, Shibani Dandekar Akhtar, and Ritesh Sidhwani. Featuring a powerhouse cast including Shabana Azmi, Jyotika, Shalini Pandey, Nimisha Sajayan, Anjali Anand, Gajraj Rao, and Sai Tamhankar, the series brings a fresh twist to the crime drama genre.

Plot Overview

At its heart, Dabba Cartel follows five middle-class women who start a humble tiffin service, only to turn it into an unlikely drug empire in Mumbai. Their journey through the city’s dark underbelly delves into themes of power, survival, and the challenges women face in a male-dominated society.

Performances & Characters

Shabana Azmi shines as Sheila, the formidable matriarch with a mysterious past. Jyotika’s portrayal of Varuna, a woman balancing personal and professional turmoil, adds depth to the narrative. Shalini Pandey, Nimisha Sajayan, and Anjali Anand deliver compelling performances, bringing authenticity to their roles as ambitious women navigating an unexpected world of crime.

Strengths & Weaknesses

One of the show’s biggest strengths lies in its ability to blend multiple storylines—ranging from corporate conspiracies to personal struggles—creating a rich, layered narrative. While this adds depth, it occasionally leads to an overcrowded plot that slightly weakens the show’s central theme. The pacing could have been tighter, as some developments become predictable, but the overall execution remains engaging.

Visual & Cinematic Appeal

The series beautifully captures Mumbai’s essence, contrasting its lively cultural backdrop with the darker world of crime. The use of the tiffin service as a front for drug dealings is a clever narrative choice, subverting traditional expectations and highlighting the women’s resourcefulness.

Final Verdict

Despite minor flaws in pacing and predictability, Dabba Cartel delivers a refreshing take on the crime genre. With standout performances, especially from Shabana Azmi, and an innovative storyline, it’s a compelling watch for those who enjoy character-driven thrillers set in a realistic urban landscape.

Ratings

Acting: 3/5

Direction: 2/5

Screenplay: 2.5/5

Originality: 3/5

OVERALL – 2.5/5

Verdict: It’s a decent watch on OTT