The quirky show Dabba Cartel was released today on Netflix, captivating audiences with its intriguing plot and stellar cast. Featuring renowned names including Shabana Azmi, Jyothika, Gajraj Rao, Sai Tamhankar, Jisshu Sengupta, Nimisha Sajayan, and Shalini Pandey, the series has managed to grab attention immediately. It is Azmi's character, Sheila, who has particularly won viewers over. Portrayed as a mysterious woman with the façade of a housewife, Sheila harbors dark secrets from her past.
Interestingly, the storyline connects to the beloved film, Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai through Sheila’s revelations. During the third episode, she mentions working for gangster Sultan Mirza, drawing parallels to Ajay Devgn’s iconic character from the 2010 film. Shahida, played by Anjali Anand, quizzes, ‘Mumbai mafia waala Mirza sahab?’ asserting the connection. While the mention of Sultan Mirza serves as nostalgic bait for fans of the film, viewers shouldn't expect flashbacks featuring the character himself, as the story only hints at Sheila’s life when she escaped the underworld to reinvent herself.
Dabba Cartel revolves around the lives of women operating a drug-dealing operation disguised as a tiffin service. Set against the backdrop of Mumbai’s suburbs, the series sees these women getting caught up with a pharmaceutical company embroiled in scandal after the accidental distribution of banned drugs. An honest drug officer and his ambitious counterpart take center stage, aiming to unravel the truth behind the chaos.
Critical responses to the show have been mixed. While excitement buzzed prior to its release, with over 22 million views on the trailer within just one week, the first reviews suggest uneven storytelling. Some viewers and critics have noted, “The show begins with potential but loses steam as it progresses.” According to one review on Bollywood Hungama, “The initial episodes had promise, but the narrative eventually became stretched and failed to maintain engagement.”
The lead cast performances have drawn widespread praise—especially those of Shalini Pandey and Nimisha Sajayan. Both actresses shine, showcasing depth and nuance in their portrayals of women caught between societal pressures and darker choices. Shabana Azmi and Jyothika also deliver commendable performances, but some critics argue the story doesn’t provide them ample opportunities to truly shine.
Reviewers highlighted the first three episodes positively. “This show starts promisingly, with characters introduced engagingly,” stated one critic, but added, “as it continues, the lack of thrilling moments detracts from the overall experience.” Despite its shortcomings, the ensemble cast’s talent largely saves the series, with standout moments crafted by Bhupendra Jadawat and Sunil Grover noted for their strong supporting roles, bringing additional layers to the narrative.
Directed by Hitesh Bhatia, with writing by Vishnu Menon and Bhavna Kher, Dabba Cartel aims to combine the charm of crime drama with character-driven storytelling, yet some feel it did not fully meet its potential.
Fans of female-centric narratives and crime dramas may still find value in this series, as it features themes of friendship, betrayal, and survival against the odds. Overall, reviews tilt toward cautious optimism. “While the series didn’t hit the highlights we anticipated, the solid cast and intriguing premise warrant at least one watch,” concludes another critic.
There is certainly room for growth as the series leaves the door open for more storytelling, ending with the hope of season two. To capitalize on its premise, Dabba Cartel could evolve, shedding light on Sheila’s past and shedding the cloak of mundanity on its characters, allowing them to take greater strides and command the narrative more boldly.
Overall, Dabba Cartel opened with considerable excitement and the promise of thrilling, women-led storytelling, but it remains to be seen how the series will develop any future arcs effectively. With fans eagerly wondering about potential character routes, only time will tell whether the series can rise to its initial expectations.