Dabba Cartel had all the makings of a gripping crime thriller — an intriguing premise, an ensemble cast packed with powerhouse performers, and a blend of ambition, deception, and survival. But what should have been an explosive, high-stakes drama fizzles out due to weak execution, inconsistent pacing, and a lack of urgency in storytelling.
The premise is fresh. Women running a seemingly harmless lunchbox service, get unwittingly pulled into the dangerous world of a drug cartel. The idea alone is enough to spark curiosity, especially with its promise of exploring female agency in a genre usually dominated by male protagonists. And to its credit, the show does well in crafting strong, well-etched female characters — with distinct personality, background, and motivations. Their presence isn’t just a gimmick; they own the narrative without needing to be forcibly pushed to the forefront.
However, the storytelling lacks the tension needed to make this premise truly shine. The first few episodes fail to establish a gripping conflict, making it hard to stay invested. Things only start getting interesting by episode five, but by then, the slow build-up has already done its damage. The stakes never feel as high as they should, and the pacing dampens what could have been an edge-of-the-seat thriller.
Despite this, the cast is the show’s saving grace. Jyotika delivers a fantastic performance as Varuna, the owner of Sitara, balancing strength, vulnerability, and quiet resilience. Shabana Azmi, as Sheila, brings her usual gravitas, though the writing doesn’t allow her full potential to shine. Nimisha Sajayan’s Mala is fiery, untamed, and protective of her daughter, making her one of the most compelling characters. Anjali Anand’s Shahida, a street-smart broker, is brilliantly nuanced, especially in her beautifully understated romance with Sai Tamhankar’s Preeti. Their relationship is subtly woven into the story, never made a spectacle, yet deeply felt in every glance and interaction.
Also Read: O Saathi Re: Imtiaz Ali collaborates with Netflix for ‘an ode to vintage feeling of love’
Gajraj Rao, as Ajit Pathak, is reliably brilliant, completely transforming into a determined yet morally flexible officer. Jisshu Sengupta, as the corrupt and manipulative Shankar, is someone you grow to despise, yet his motivations are clear. His mistreatment of his wife, Varuna, makes him particularly unlikable, but his character is also a cog in a larger machine, merely following orders from those above him. Lillete Dubey’s Moushumi and Azmi’s Sheila share a delightful camaraderie, making their scenes together some of the most enjoyable moments.
By the final episodes, the show introduces Bhowmik Bose, adding an interesting new layer to the story. The reveal of who plays Chacko is a standout moment — one that, in a theatrical setting, would have earned applause.
Verdict
Ultimately, Dabba Cartel is a frustrating watch. It has all the right ingredients but fails to blend them into a satisfying whole. The strong female characters, stellar performances, and the occasional moments of brilliance make it worth a watch, but the lack of early engagement makes it hard to stay invested. By the time it finds its rhythm, it’s already too late. What could have been a thrilling, emotionally charged crime drama instead feels like a wasted opportunity — one that leaves you wondering what could have been if the execution had matched the ambition.
Dabba Cartel is now streaming on Netflix
Also Read: The Gene Hackman way — The legend who left Hollywood on his own terms
