The Dabba Cartel series revolves around Sheila (Shabana Azmi), a Gujarati woman who leads a secret double life. She heads an all-women group running a tiffin service, but their business hides something much bigger.
The team includes:
- Mala (Nimisha Sajayan) – A hardworking maid and single mother.
- Varuna (Jyotika) – A rich woman struggling to save her failing business.
- Raji (Shalini Pandey) – Sheila’s pregnant daughter-in-law, dreaming of moving to Germany.
- Shahida (Anjali Anand) – A property broker hiding a big secret.
They get involved in crime, forming a female cartel that smuggles illegal goods in lunchboxes. However, a drug scandal investigation, led by honest officer Ajit Pathak (Gajraj Rao) and police constable Preeti Jadhav (Sai Tamhankar), threatens to expose them. Meanwhile, VivaLife Pharmaceuticals, a powerful company, also has dangerous secrets to hide.
Review & Performance
The show has a strong cast, with Shabana Azmi giving a standout performance, reminding fans of her role in Godmother. Jyotika, Nimisha Sajayan, Anjali Anand, and Sai Tamhankar also shine in their roles, each bringing depth to their characters.
While the series is engaging, some scenes feel stretched, making the story a bit slow in parts. The thriller elements are not always impactful, but the drama between the women and their personal struggles keep the show interesting.
Where to Watch & Release Date
Dabba Cartel is a new crime drama series available on Netflix. Produced by Excel Entertainment, the show is directed by Hitesh Bhatia and written by Vishnu Menon and Bhavna Kher. The seven-episode series features a strong female-led cast and a gripping storyline.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?
If you enjoy crime dramas with strong female leads and a mix of suspense, emotion, and crime, Dabba Cartel is worth watching. Though not perfect, it has plenty of twists, strong performances, and an intriguing ending that hints at a possible second season.
