Web series review: Dabba Cartel is where tiffins serve both cuisine and crime
Netflix’s Dabba Cartel serves a mix of crime, thrill, drama, and Shabana, blending the everyday world of Mumbai’s tiffin services with the underbelly of the illegal drug trade.
Directed by Hitesh Bhatia, known for Sharmaji Namkeen, the series assembles a formidable cast led by Shabana Azmi, delivering a gripping yet imperfect crime thriller.
Set in a socio-economic backdrop where dabba services are both essential and deeply entrenched in Mumbai’s culture, the narrative follows Raji (Shalini Pandey) and Mala (Nimisha Sajayan), who start a tiffin delivery business that takes a darker turn.
Under the leadership of Shiela (Shabana Azmi), the enterprise expands into drug distribution, driven by economic necessity and the lure of wealth.
A parallel storyline traces a pharmaceutical company’s illicit drug production while an aging government official and a female police officer navigate bureaucratic roadblocks in their pursuit to dismantle the cartel.
A Strong Cast Led by Shabana Azmi
The ensemble cast delivers standout performances. Jyothika, Sai Tamhankar, Jisshu Sengupta, Nimisha Sajayan, Anjali Anand, and Shalini Pandey offer compelling portrayals, making each character relatable.
Gajraj Rao adds weight to the series, while Sunil Grover’s presence elevates the final episode, showcasing his versatility beyond the comedy genre.
Yet, the series belongs to Shabana Azmi, recipient of the 5X National Film Awards.
She dominates every scene with her sharp dialogue delivery, nuanced mannerisms, and commanding screen presence. Her performance in the climax is particularly riveting, drawing audiences to the edge of their seats.
The writing ensures viewers root for the ‘dabba girls,’ indicating well-etched characters and compelling storytelling. The pacing is steady, culminating in a high-stakes finale, leaving room for a potential sequel.
Missed Opportunities in an Otherwise Engaging Narrative
Despite its strengths, Dabba Cartel occasionally suffers from inconsistent storytelling. The script feels underdeveloped at times, with certain plotlines meandering without clear resolution.
Characters like Chavan receive undue focus but ultimately contribute little to the larger narrative. Moreover, given their commanding performances, the series could have benefited from more screen time for seasoned actors like Gajraj Rao and Shabana Azmi.
Excel Media and Entertainment, known for backing unconventional projects, delivers a well-executed series that aligns with the spirit of International Women’s Day.
More than just a crime thriller, Dabba Cartel pays tribute to female empowerment, highlighting themes of control, sisterhood, strategy, and resilience.
Currently streaming on Netflix, Dabba Cartel is a near binge-worthy watch. While its flaws hold it back from being exceptional, Shabana Azmi’s performance alone makes it worth watching.
I would rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars.
The writer is a senior postdoctoral scientist at Arizona State University, US. He is also an avid movie buff.
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