Netflix has yet again captivated audience attention with its latest release, Dabba Cartel, which began streaming on February 28, 2025. Starring acclaimed actors Shabana Azmi, Jyothika, and Nimisha Sajayan, this crime drama centers around five middle-class women who, after launching their dabba (tiffin) service, find themselves entangled in the dangerous world of drug dealing.
Directed by Hitesh Bhatia and produced by Excel Entertainment, Dabba Cartel expertly intertwines humor, suspense, and intense character development over seven engaging episodes. The series begins with Raji (Shalini Pandey) running her tiffin service alongside her housemaid Mala (Nimisha Sajayan). This seemingly mundane business takes a sharp turn when Mala is blackmailed, leading them to unwittingly become part of the drug trade. What starts as food delivery gradually spirals them deep inside the dangerous underworld.
What sets Dabba Cartel apart from similar narratives is its focus on female empowerment and the brutal realities of life as women battling against societal norms. The plot is driven by strong character arcs as Raji finds herself caught between moral dilemmas and the addictive allure of the criminal world, mirroring the struggles faced by many women facing economic pressure. Shabana Azmi's character Sheila, the seasoned matriarch, embraces the risks, positioning herself to lead the women through their newfound lives.
"With Dabba Cartel, we wanted to explore the extraordinary journeys of ordinary household women, and how resilience, ambition, and survival instincts can push them to unimaginable circumstances," said creator Shibani Akhtar. This sentiment is echoed throughout the series, particularly as the women leverage their collective skills to navigate increasingly perilous situations.
The acting responsibilities are equally distributed among the ensemble cast, allowing each character to shine. Critics noted Azmi's performance, drawing parallels to her previous iconic roles, effectively anchoring the narrative. "Azmi pulls her weight without missing a beat," acclaimed one review. She embodies Sheila, who not only oversees their operations but also grapples with the shadows of her past.
Supporting performances from Jyothika, Anjali Anand, and newcomer Nimisha Sajayan add rich layers to the story. Anand stands out as Shahida, the property broker pulled reluctantly but decisively back from the mundanity of her everyday life, making her character’s development fascinating to observe.
Despite its intriguing premise and strong character work, some suggest the series could tighten its narrative and pacing. It’s been pointed out by reviewers, like those from NDTV, admiring the show's concept, yet questioning the occasional pacing issues and predictability within the storyline. They noted, "the show isn’t about what is meant to be, but about the flaws hidden within simple narratives and how various women navigate their struggles using their minds and hearts."
The series also delves deeply with its subplots, particularly the intertwining fate of the women with the larger drug scandal involving VivaLife Pharmaceuticals, which has been drawing forensic scrutiny from officers depicted by Gajraj Rao and Sai Tamhankar. Not only does it provide external pressures heightening their perilous ventures, it acts as pivotal moments of truth for these women.
Critical views around the show’s plot acknowledge melodrama but champion how the female characters become more than just their circumstances, offering redemption and camaraderie instead of mere sensationalism. "Dabba Cartel doesn’t shy away from addressing the social constructs at play," remarked another reviewer, cementing the series' stance as both entertaining and reflective.
Yet not all reviews regarded the lack of immediate police interference as minor. This oversight raised eyebrows, as the reality of drug operations typically faces significant immediate scrutiny from law enforcement, casting doubt on the realism of the narrative. "Running this sort of endeavor under the noses of law enforcement feels exaggerated," stated one critic, emphasizing the required balance of realism to maintain audience engagement. Nevertheless, the fantastical elements were viewed as part of the show's comic charm.
Moving forward, Dabba Cartel has set expectations high for future seasons, especially with its finale hinting at new dynamics and challenges for its brave characters. "The climax brings the biggest surprise, setting stages for thrilling season spinoffs," noted one review. With these cliffhangers, many fans are left wanting more.
Overall, Dabba Cartel offers not only entertainment but also resonates messages of resilience and the significant role women play even within oppressive structures. It challenges viewers to reconsider the narratives around female agency, often overlooked within standard crime dramas. For anyone intrigued by tales of grit and survival, the series is recommended for the must-watch list.
With rich performances, themes of empowerment, and engaging storytelling, it is clear Dabba Cartel is more than just another crime series; it marks the resurgence of nuanced female-led narratives within the streaming space.