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Arts & Culture
28 February 2025

Dabba Cartel: A Gripping Tale Of Women’s Survival And Deception

The Netflix series depicts five women entangled in the drug trade, highlighting resilience amid chaos and societal challenges.

Dabba Cartel: A Thrilling Yet Frustrated Dive Into Women-Led Drug Trade

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Thane, Netflix's latest series Dabba Cartel follows five middle-class women whose ordinary lives drastically change when their dabba (lunchbox) delivery service becomes entangled with the drug trade. This gripping narrative spins the tale of how these women navigate their newfound reality filled with danger, deception, and complexity.

The series stars powerhouse performers including Shabana Azmi, Gajraj Rao, Jyotika, and Shalini Pandey. Dabba Cartel is produced by Excel Entertainment, led by the notable duo Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, along with creator Shibani Akhtar. The show premiered on February 28, 2025, quickly capturing audience attention for its unique premise.

At the heart of the story is Raji (played by Shalini Pandey), who runs the dabba with her maid, Mala (Nimisha Sajayan). The plot begins with Mala's boyfriend persuading her to smuggle weed within the lunchboxes, drawing Raji and her colleagues—Shahida (Anjali Anand), Baa (Shabana Azmi), and Varuna (Jyotika)—into the perilous world of narcotics. This unexpected venture tests their friendships and families, raising the stakes as they try to maintain the facade of their mundane lives.

The show is rich with character depth, particularly showcasing how each woman's personal struggles lead them to make desperate choices. Azmi's character, Baa, is depicted as the reluctant leader with a dark past, adding complexity to her role as she manages the precarious balance between their domestic lives and the illegal enterprise they now oversee. Jyotika brings to life Varuna, a woman battling professional and marital failures, contributing to the multilayered narrative of the series.

While audiences have applauded performances, especially Azmi's portrayal reminiscent of her earlier roles akin to the "Godmother" figure, there have been mixed reviews concerning the execution of the story. Many viewers noted the clever writing and compelling commentary on women's power dynamics within society. Critics have pointed out how the exploration of the drug trade through the experiences of these women is refreshing yet not fully realized. Public reactions on social media highlight the show’s promising premise but express disappointment at predictable plot developments and execution.

“The premise is so promising but the execution faltered somehow. Too predictable and boring,” lamented Sukhnoor Kaur on social media after viewing.

Sukanya Verma provided insightful feedback noting, “Using everyday domestic imagery to camouflage an illegal enterprise is their masterstroke move, but it’s the compulsions and challenges driving each of these women's stories which gives Dabba Cartel its spunk.”

Despite these critiques, some viewers found merit in the show. Rahul Desai, for example, appreciated the clever writing and praised the engaging performances saying, “I quite like the show.”

Cinematography and sound design have also been lauded for their role in building suspense throughout the series, with many noting how the show's pacing aligns with its thematic elements—highlighting survival over ambition.

Yet, even as it captures viewers’ imaginations with its ambition, Dabba Cartel has been dubbed by some as failing to reach its full potential. Critics observed it settling for surface-level dramatics rather than deep emotional engagements or twists akin to notable predecessors like Breaking Bad or Narcos. “What could have been a thrilling, emotionally charged crime drama instead feels like a wasted opportunity,” states journalist and critic, ASN Pant.

A notable aspect of the show is its exploration of the societal structures surrounding women, depicting their resilience and adaptability. The series cleverly intertwines their stories with those of male characters who often underestimate them, providing commentary on gender dynamics. The women’s navigation through the drug trade is portrayed as more than mere criminal behavior; it is depicted as survival against generational oppression.

Overall, Dabba Cartel serves as both thrilling entertainment and social commentary. It wraps itself around themes of deception and resilience, illustrating the lengths women will go to reclaim their place within the world. The buzzing excitement following the show’s debut indicates strong interest, and those craving stories centered on female empowerment may find this series resonates well—despite its shortcomings.

For those interested, Dabba Cartel is currently streaming on Netflix and invites viewers to witness this unique blend of suspense and drama woven through the lives of these extraordinary women.