Dabba Cartel Review: A  Perfect Recipe for Crime, Chaos, and Thrills

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Crime dramas often revolve around men ruthless gangsters, power-hungry drug lords, or corrupt officials. But Dabba Cartel flips the script, introducing us to a group of ordinary women who stumble into the dangerous world of drug trafficking. What starts as a small home-based tiffin service soon transforms into a powerful crime syndicate, proving that power and ambition know no gender.

With power-packed performances, shocking twists, and a bold, fresh take on crime dramas, Dabba Cartel serves up a thrilling ride that keeps you hooked from start to finish. If you thought breaking bad was risky, wait until you see what happens when a dabba business starts dealing in something that is  far more addictive!

Storyline: From Home Kitchen To The World Of Drugs

The seven episode series opens with a scene where a couple riding a car in Amritsar meets with a accident when the women behind the wheel falls asleep. Later on it is revealed that the real cause of her drowsiness was because of a medicine called Modella which is an illegal opioid and the one responsible for it is Viva Life Pharmaceutical.  Naturally, they come under the scrutiny of FDSCO, a drug agency and soon tension starts building and spreads among the employees of Viva Life, particularly in the life of  Shankar who is a senior professional.

Ajit Pathak (Gajraj Rao), a drug officer, along with the help of a cop, Preeti (Sai Tamhankar), begins an investigation. Shankar stays with his family in the Viva Life quarters. His junior, Hari, also resides in the same building with his family. His wife Raji (Shalini Pandey) along with Mala (Nimisha Sajayan) their maid run a simple dabba business where they also sell Viagra along with it to satisfy the souls of those poor women who wants more. Soon they get a notice from Tijori who is the President of the society gives them the notice to stop running the business. In a way to find other place they meet Shahida (Anjali Anand) who introduces them to a place in less money. 

Everything seems to be going right for them until one day Mala gets blackmailed by Santosh (Prateek Pachori) who wants them to sell drugs along with their food. This creates a chaos and Shahida too finds herself embroiled in a drug cartel. With no way out they start delivering them along with the dabbas and find themselves stuck in a critical juncture when Sheila (Shabana Azmi) Raji's mother in law comes to save their day. To save her business from sinking Varuna Panniker (Jyothika) too joins this cartel.

What starts a small desperate decision quickly turns into one of Mumbai's most powerful crime syndicate. Greed, power, and survival take center stage as friendships are tested and loyalties are questioned. But the real challenge is whether they will be able to keep their identities hidden while keeping their families safe. It's not just a crime story but about women taking charge and proving it to the world that they too can survive in a world dominated by men. So, do they truly dominate or do they fall deep into a pit? For that you have to watch it now.

Performances That Stand Out

One of the biggest strengths of Dabba Cartel is its stellar cast, led by some of the finest actors in the industry. Every character, no matter how big or small, leaves a mark, making the series an engaging and emotional ride. So lets meet the performances that has made the Dabba Cartel a hit.

Veteran actress Shabana Azmi proves once again why she’s a legend. As Sheila, the eldest and most composed member of the cartel, she brings a certain aura, strength, and a power that is going to hound for ages. Her sharp eyes and calculated expressions make it clear that she is always two steps ahead of her rivals. Azmi delivers a restrained yet commanding performance, making Sheila one of the most intriguing characters in the series.

If there’s one character who brings boldness and fire to the show, it’s definitely Mala, played brilliantly by Nimisha Sajayan. Unlike the others, Mala is street-smart, quick on her feet, and unafraid to take risks. Nimisha delivers an electrifying performance, capturing Mala’s fearlessness, sharp wit, and unpredictability with perfection. Her accent and body language make her stand out in every scene, and her chemistry with the rest of the cast adds depth to the story.

Jyothika shines as Varuna Panniker, a woman trapped between financial struggles and moral dilemmas. Initially hesitant to step into the cartel’s shady business, Varuna’s journey from a desperate entrepreneur to a key player in the game is one of the most gripping character arcs. Jyothika’s performance is filled with subtle emotions, resilience, and quiet intensity, making her character one of the most relatable in the series. 

The unexpected character that makes bold decisions and surprises when you least expect is Raji played by Shalini Pandey. Initially she seems like a simple women who runs a business but as time turns she takes some decisions which makes her transformation to a bold women who is willing to take risks any time. Shalini captures Raji’s emotional turmoil and inner strength beautifully, delivering a performance that is both heartbreaking and empowering. 

What Works And What Does Not Work

The show’s biggest strength lies in its fresh concept and powerful performances. The idea of five ordinary women running a secret drug operation through a tiffin service is both unique and gripping. The lead cast, especially Shabana Azmi, Jyothika, and Nimisha Sajayan, deliver standout performances, making their characters feel real and layered. The series maintains strong suspense, sharp writing, and impactful dialogues, keeping viewers hooked till the end. Visually, it captures the contrast between their everyday lives and the dangerous world they enter, making Dabba Cartel an engaging mix of crime, drama, and emotion.

While the show is engaging, it suffers from pacing issues, with some episodes feeling stretched, slowing down the momentum. Certain plot twists feel predictable, reducing the overall suspense. Some supporting characters, especially the antagonists, lack depth, making them less impactful. The season finale ends on an abrupt cliffhanger, leaving too many unanswered questions and feeling more like a setup for the next season rather than a satisfying conclusion. Despite these flaws, the strong performances and unique storyline keep Dabba Cartel highly watchable.

Final Verdict

With its unique premise, powerful performances, and gripping storytelling, Dabba Cartel brings a fresh twist to the crime thriller genre. The show thrives on its strong female leads, blending emotional depth with high-stakes drama. Though the pacing slows down at times and some plot points feel predictable, the intensity and suspense keep viewers invested. The season finale leaves plenty of unanswered questions, setting the stage for an even bigger and bolder next season. If you enjoy crime dramas with strong character-driven narratives, this one is worth the watch!

 So what are you waiting for? Start binge watching it right now.