Dabba Cartel is a Hindi language crime drama series that premiered on Netflix on February 28, 2025. The series delves into the lives of five housewives who, amidst personal and financial challenges, establish a tiffin service with a clandestine twist, intertwining their domestic roles with the perilous world of drug trafficking.
Overview
| Genre | Crime drama |
|---|---|
| Created by | Shibani Dandekar Akhtar, Vishnu Menon, Gaurav Kapur, Akanksha Seda |
| Directed by | Hitesh Bhatia |
| Starring | Shabana Azmi, Jyothika, Shalini Pandey, Nimisha Sajayan, Anjali Anand |
| Country of Origin | India |
| Original Language | Hindi |
| No. of Seasons | 1 |
| No. of Episodes | 7 |
| Cinematography | Eeshit Narain |
| Running Time | 45—56 minutes |
| Production Company | Excel Entertainment |
| Network | Netflix |
| Original Release | February 28, 2025 – present |
Plot Overview
Set against the backdrop of VivaLife Society, “Dabba Cartel” portrays a group of women from diverse backgrounds who come together to navigate a male-dominated society. Their venture into the tiffin service business serves as a facade for a high-stakes drug cartel, leading them into a labyrinth of crime, secrecy, and survival.
Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Shabana Azmi | Sheila, Raji’s mother-in-law and Moushami’s best friend |
| Jyothika | Varuna Panikar, Shankar’s wife and owner of Sitara |
| Shalini Pandey | Raji, Sheila’s daughter-in-law |
| Nimisha Sajayan | Mala, Varuna’s ex-maid |
| Anjali Anand | Shahida, a real estate broker and Preeti’s love interest |
| Gajraj Rao | Ajit Pathak, FDSCO inspector |
| Sai Tamhankar | SI Preeti, Shahida’s love interest |
| Lillete Dubey | Mrs. Moushami Majumdar, Sheila’s best friend |
| Mansi Sehgal | Young Moushami |
| Jisshu Sengupta | Shankar Dasgupta, Varuna’s husband |
| Bhupendra Jadawat | Vikram |
| Abhiijeet Chitre | Naresh |
| Salim Husen Mulla | Ganya |
| Sunil Grover | Chacko Kurian, India’s drug lord (special appearance) |
Reception
Upon its release, “Dabba Cartel” received mixed reviews. Critics praised the series for its intriguing premise and strong performances, particularly highlighting Shabana Azmi’s portrayal reminiscent of her role in “Godmother.” However, some reviews pointed out that certain scenes felt forced, and the excessive use of profanity detracted from the overall experience.
Reviews
⭐ Critics’ Reviews
✅ “A gripping crime drama that keeps you hooked till the end. Shabana Azmi and Jyothika deliver power-packed performances!” – Film Companion
✅ “Excel Entertainment once again proves its mastery in storytelling. Dabba Cartel blends crime, drama, and emotions seamlessly.” – Bollywood Hungama
✅ “An intense narrative with standout performances. Sunil Grover’s special appearance is a game-changer!” – Times of India
⭐ Audience Reviews
⭐ 4.5/5 – “Loved every moment! The chemistry between Shabana Azmi and Lillete Dubey is heartwarming. The crime angle is thrilling.”
⭐ 4.2/5 – “Nimisha Sajayan and Anjali Anand steal the show! The plot twists keep you on the edge of your seat.”
⭐ 4/5 – “A must-watch for crime drama lovers. Sunil Grover’s cameo was unexpected but brilliant!”
