by Introduction: The world of web series is constantly evolving, bringing forth stories that push boundaries and offer audiences gripping narratives. Netflix’s latest crime thriller, Dabba Cartel, directed by Hitesh Bhatia, is one such engaging drama that weaves an intricate tale of crime, power, and survival. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast, the series blends elements of suspense, drama, and unexpected humor. With an intriguing premise and an execution that keeps viewers hooked, Dabba Cartel delivers an enthralling experience.
Storyline: A Dangerous Game of Crime and Deception
Set in the bustling city of Thane, Dabba Cartel revolves around a group of women entangled in the murky world of drug trafficking. The show introduces us to VivaLife Society, where employees of the pharmaceutical company VivaLife Pharmaceuticals and their families reside. Among them is Hari Jagtap (Bhupendra Jadawat), an ambitious employee desperate to impress his boss, Shankar Dasgupta (Jisshu Sengupta). Hari’s wife, Raji (Shalini Pandey), runs a home-based tiffin service alongside her mother-in-law, Sheila (Shabana Azmi), and their loyal maid, Mala (Nimisha Sajayan). Meanwhile, Shankar’s wife, Varuna (Jyothika), struggles with her failing apparel business.
Trouble brews when a car accident in Amritsar exposes a dangerous drug named Modella, which is suspected to have ties to VivaLife Pharmaceuticals. With authorities on high alert, FDSCO officer Ajit Pathak (Gajraj Rao) is assigned to investigate, with the help of local cop Preeti (Sai Tamhankar). While these developments unfold, Raji finds herself in a precarious situation when society secretary Tijori (Sushmita Mukherjee) bans commercial activities within the building. Forced to rent a flat to continue her business, she unknowingly steps into a world far more dangerous than she ever imagined.
Raji and Mala’s new landlord, Shahida (Anjali Anand), introduces them to a lucrative opportunity—selling herbal Viagra through their tiffins. This unexpected side hustle quickly gains traction among unsatisfied housewives, turning their business into a roaring success. However, their newfound prosperity is short-lived as Mala’s manipulative boyfriend, Santosh (Prateek Pachori), threatens to leak her intimate video unless she smuggles drugs in their tiffins. As desperation sets in, Raji, Sheila, and Varuna are unwillingly pulled into the cartel, entangling themselves with the ruthless drug supplier, Chavan (Sandesh Kulkarni). What follows is a high-stakes game of deception, betrayal, and survival.
Story Review: A Thrilling Plot with a Few Hiccups
Written by Vishnu Menon and Bhavna Kher, Dabba Cartel presents a captivating narrative that balances elements of crime and dark humor. The premise is fresh and engaging, though it does bear some resemblance to Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo. While the screenplay keeps the momentum high, a few plot points stretch believability. The dialogues by Asad Hussain, with additional contributions from Menon and Kher, add a natural flow to the storytelling.
Hitesh Bhatia’s direction is commendable, ensuring a seamless narrative flow without overwhelming the audience with the intricate subplots. Set against the lesser-explored backdrop of Thane, the show offers a fresh visual perspective. The fast-paced storytelling keeps viewers engaged, with multiple plot threads converging seamlessly. The series effectively showcases the contrast between VivaLife Pharmaceuticals’ corporate corruption and the desperate measures of the women involved in the drug cartel.
While the narrative is largely compelling, certain elements could have been handled with more nuance. Varuna’s sudden involvement in the drug trade feels somewhat forced, given that she shares little rapport with the other women initially. Additionally, Chavan, initially portrayed as a formidable antagonist, is sidelined too soon, leaving his arc unresolved. The subplot involving a fake drug trial lacks adequate explanation, leaving viewers with unanswered questions. Furthermore, the LGBTQ+ subplot, while well-intended, feels somewhat underdeveloped and lacks the emotional depth it deserved.
The climax, while gripping, leaves the audience with mixed emotions. Instead of delivering a conclusive ending, the makers seem to have deliberately left room for a sequel, teasing further developments in the cartel’s dangerous game.
Performances: A Stellar Cast Elevates the Show
One of Dabba Cartel’s strongest assets is its powerhouse cast.
- Shabana Azmi delivers a masterclass in subtle, nuanced acting. With minimal dialogues, she conveys an entire spectrum of emotions through her expressions alone, proving once again why she is an acting legend.
- Shalini Pandey is a revelation, effortlessly embodying the role of a simple woman forced into a world of crime. Her portrayal of Raji’s transformation from an innocent homemaker to a resilient survivor is both believable and compelling.
- Jyothika exudes quiet strength, elevating even the simplest of scenes with her screen presence. Her performance adds depth to the show’s emotional undertones.
- Gajraj Rao is a natural fit as Ajit Pathak, bringing both gravitas and occasional humor to his role.
- Sai Tamhankar shines as Preeti, portraying an ambitious cop determined to make her mark. Her chemistry with Rao adds an enjoyable dynamic to the show.
- Nimisha Sajayan surprises with her standout performance, making Mala one of the most intriguing characters in the series.
- Anjali Anand also impresses as Shahida, the sharp-witted broker who plays a key role in Raji’s journey.
- The supporting cast, including Bhupendra Jadawat, Jisshu Sengupta, Sandesh Kulkarni, Lillete Dubey, and Prateek Pachori, deliver solid performances, contributing to the show’s overall impact.
- Sunil Grover, in a special appearance, steals the show in his brief but memorable role.
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Technical Aspects: A Visually Engaging and Well-Executed Production
The technical execution of Dabba Cartel is top-notch.
- Cinematography by Eeshit Narain captures the vibrancy and chaos of Thane beautifully. The tiffin-packing sequences are creatively shot, adding visual appeal to mundane activities.
- Music by Gaurav Raina and Tarana Marwah is fresh and funky, complementing the show’s quirky yet intense tone. The background score enhances the suspenseful moments while maintaining an engaging rhythm.
- Costume design by Rohit Chaturvedi and production design by Shruti Gupte lend authenticity to the characters and settings, making the world of Dabba Cartel feel immersive.
- Editing by Manas Mittal and Parikshhit Jha is mostly tight, though the first episode feels slightly rushed. The rest of the series, however, maintains a steady pace, keeping audiences invested.
A Worthy Watch with Room for Improvement
Dabba Cartel is an engaging crime drama that successfully blends suspense, humor, and social commentary. Despite some minor flaws, the strong performances, tight direction, and unique storyline make it a worthwhile watch. If you enjoy thrillers with a twist of dark humor and powerful female leads, this show is definitely worth adding to your watchlist.
With an open-ended climax, fans can certainly anticipate a sequel, which will hopefully address the unresolved subplots and deliver an even more gripping narrative.
