Netflix’s latest crime thriller, Dabba Cartel, is a gripping, female-led drama that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish. With an ensemble cast led by the legendary Shabana Azmi, the series weaves together crime, ambition, and survival in a way that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking. But does it deliver on all fronts? Let’s dive in!
A Powerhouse Performance by Shabana Azmi
When you have an actress like Shabana Azmi at the center of your story, half the battle is already won. She plays Sheila, a cunning Gujarati matriarch living a double life. Azmi brings her A-game, portraying the complexities of her character with ease, adding depth, intensity, and a subtle touch of humor to the narrative.
A Stellar Ensemble Cast That Shines
Backing Azmi is a formidable cast, including Jyotika, Nimisha Sajayan, Sai Tamhankar, Lillete Dubey, Shalini Pandey, and Anjali Anand. Each actress delivers a compelling performance, making the characters feel real, relatable, and multi-dimensional. Their chemistry adds an authentic touch to this crime drama, making their bond feel genuine.
A Fresh Spin on Crime Drama
What makes Dabba Cartel unique is its unconventional storytelling. It takes the classic crime thriller format and injects it with fresh energy, focusing on the lives of five women who find themselves entangled in a dangerous game. The narrative is engaging, though at times it feels like it could have been a bit tighter.
Intriguing But Slightly Uneven Execution
While the show excels in character development and performances, there are moments where it feels slightly stretched. The seven-episode format could have been more tightly packed to maintain momentum. Some twists and turns don’t land with the expected impact, making certain episodes feel slower than others.
The Plot: A Web of Secrets and Crime
At the heart of Dabba Cartel is a group of five women who run a seemingly harmless tiffin service. But behind those lunchboxes lies a secret trade—something that remains a mystery to the audience for much of the series. The show masterfully builds suspense, revealing bits and pieces of the puzzle as the story progresses.
The Women Who Drive the Story
Each woman in Dabba Cartel has her own struggles and motivations:
- Sheila (Shabana Azmi): The mastermind hiding a dark past.
- Varuna (Jyotika): A corporate wife trying to save her failing boutique.
- Mala (Nimisha Sajayan): A single mother with financial burdens.
- Shahida (Anjali Anand): A property broker with her own secrets.
- Raji (Shalini Pandey): A pregnant woman juggling family and crime.
Their intertwining lives create a gripping storyline filled with betrayals, ambitions, and unexpected alliances.
The Men in the Shadows
Though this is a female-driven narrative, the male characters aren’t mere background players. Jisshu Sengupta, Gajraj Rao, and Bhupendra Jadawat deliver strong performances that add depth to the plot. Their interactions with the female leads create tense, unpredictable dynamics.
Cinematic Excellence: Direction and Writing
Directed by Hitesh Bhatia and written by Vishnu Menon and Bhavna Kher, Dabba Cartel balances drama, crime, and dark humor beautifully. The storytelling is engaging, though some areas could have been streamlined for a sharper impact. The series doesn’t rely on exaggerated action sequences but instead builds tension through clever writing and well-crafted character arcs.
Does It Set Up a Second Season?
Without giving away spoilers, the ending of Dabba Cartel leaves room for more. While it provides closure, a few loose ends hint at the possibility of another season. If Netflix decides to continue the story, it will be interesting to see where the cartel heads next.
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Final Verdict
Absolutely! Despite minor pacing issues, Dabba Cartel is a compelling crime drama that delivers strong performances, an engaging storyline, and a fresh take on the genre. Shabana Azmi is the standout star, but the entire ensemble cast contributes to making this show a must-watch.
Rating: 3.5/5
