Dabba Cartel Review: A Star-Studded Crime Drama That Falls Short of Its Potential

Dabba Cartel Review: Shabana Azmi Leads, But the Show Struggles to Shine

When you hear **Shabana Azmi** is leading a crime drama, expectations soar. Add **Jyotika**, a thrilling premise, and Netflix’s production backing, and *Dabba Cartel* should have been an unmissable show. However, despite its intriguing setup—a tiffin service secretly doubling as a drug business—the series struggles to deliver the excitement it promises.  

A Crime Drama With Potential, But Lacks Impact 

At the heart of *Dabba Cartel* is Sheila (Shabana Azmi), a retired criminal who finds herself drawn back into the game. When she discovers her daughter-in-law Raji (Shalini Pandey) running a small-scale drug business with housemaid Mala (Nimisha Sajayan) and property broker Shahida (Anjali Anand), she takes charge. But instead of minor contraband, Sheila sets her sights higher—introducing ‘molly’ into their operations.  

The concept has shades of *Breaking Bad*, with middle-class women navigating the dangerous world of crime. But unlike the brilliance of its inspiration, *Dabba Cartel* doesn’t quite hit the mark.  

What Works: Strong Cast, Some Sharp Humor 

Despite the show’s flaws, it’s hard to ignore the talent on screen.  

Shabana Azmi steals the show – She plays Sheila with a quiet intensity, avoiding exaggerated ‘badass’ tropes and instead bringing a sharp, chess-like strategy to her character.  

Nimisha Sajayan is a scene-stealer – As the fiery, unpredictable Mala, she adds energy and humor to the show, making her one of the most engaging characters.  

A fresh, female-driven crime story – Indian streaming rarely offers stories where women take charge of the underworld, and *Dabba Cartel* attempts to change that.  

Where the Show Fails: Weak Writing & Uneven Execution

For a crime drama to work, it needs either **high stakes, gripping storytelling, or intense character development**. Unfortunately, *Dabba Cartel* struggles in all three areas.  

Predictable & Slow Narrative – The story unfolds in a way that lacks the edge-of-the-seat thrill crime dramas thrive on.  

Underwhelming Big Pharma Subplot – The parallel storyline involving a pharmaceutical company’s opioid cover-up feels disconnected and dull.  

A Missed Opportunity for Mumbai’s Grit – While the show captures glimpses of Mumbai’s chaos—rain-soaked streets, nosy neighbors, and hidden crime dens—it fails to use them effectively for atmosphere and tension.  

Final Verdict: Watch for the Cast, But Don’t Expect a Classic

*Dabba Cartel* had all the right ingredients—powerful female leads, an exciting crime premise, and a fresh setting. But **weak writing, inconsistent execution, and lack of true suspense** keep it from reaching the heights of Indian streaming’s best crime dramas like *Paatal Lok* or *Sacred Games*.  

Final Rating: 4.1/5

If you love **Shabana Azmi and Jyotika**, you might still enjoy their performances. But if you’re looking for a crime thriller that keeps you hooked, this one **might leave you disappointed**.  

What are your thoughts on *Dabba Cartel*? Did it live up to your expectations? Let’s discuss in the comments! 👇🔥