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Dabba Cartel had a solid story at its core, but the execution didn't quite do it justice. The screenplay felt weak and dragged in parts, making it a bit of a chore to sit through. While the performances were mostly good, Shabana Azmi was excellent as always, and Jyothika handled her Hindi well, the series never really pulled me in the way it should have.

What made it worse were the unnecessary rap songs in the background, which felt completely out of place. The show keeps you watching because you expect some jaw-dropping climax, but when it finally comes, it just fizzles out. It wasn't a total disaster, but it was stretched out more than needed, and the impact got lost along the way. A decent watch for the performances, but don't go in expecting a thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Good series with bad ending. Seems like the makers ran out of ideas how to end the story. The inclusion of Sunil Grover's character towards the end was forced and didn't add the zing to the story. Another female lead character was terminated without enough cause. The story took an abrupt turn towards the end. With some questions unanswered, it seems the makers have left the door open for season 2.

Apart from the story, action, screenplay, acting, dialogues etc are good and worth watching. One time watch, if you have nothing more interesting to Another thing, too many unnecessary abuses. In order to add reality and credibility to the story, the writer has added many abuses at different places. Some seemed forced. The message would've been conveyed without them.

Intersting and intense story and acting. But the end is very illogical and incomplete. There are examples of good ending on one series with offering continuity ... It seems series is relies without completing with end episode due to some issues in production. Acting is very good by everyone. Build up of story episode by episode in very good so one keep continuing watching episode by episode but feels cheated with incomplete series end which is frustrating that why have I watched it till end .... Just like bus dropped you before your destination stop and asking to wait for next bus without schedule , no information when and where to get next bus ....

Dabba Cartel has a good plot but could have been executed in a much better way. Some scenes felt forced, and profanity was excessively used, making it seem unnecessary. The background score was a major letdown, why turn it into a rap when a more intense, gripping score could have elevated the tension?

That said, the series isn't all bad. The performances are top-notch, with Jyotika and Gajraj Rao delivering compelling acts.

The narrative focused more on the personal lives of five women rather than the pharmaceutical company, which, while unexpected, was the only element that kept me hooked. The show had potential but missed the mark in execution.

From a Western woman's perspective, and as an American who spent time in India 20 years ago, I REALLY enjoyed this series. It reminded me of Breaking Bad, but not quite of course. I thought the acting was excellent and the story-line shocking and compelling. I loved the female cast. Highly recommend. I can't wait for season 2!

I think this series presents a window into Indian life and culture that Westerners will find intriguing. I especially enjoyed the mother-in-law's character. Although there is some violence and sexual innuendo, it is not as much as seen in Western shows which I really appreciate.

Web Series: the new incarnation in the realm of Celluloid art provides larger opportunity to narrate a story in detail. However, the objective should be exploring new ideas. But if filmmakers feel that the length of a Web Series provides leverage to test the patience of the viewers, it is nothing but barking at the wrong trees.

Under this light, the new Bollywood Web Series Dabba Cartel released on 28th February, 2025 can be discussed. The Web Series certainly has some good important points. But this is also true that the Web Series is unnecessarily lenghy and at certain points looks dull andmonotonous. With 7 Episodes, its length is more than 6 hours. The duration could have been minimized.

Anyway, the story deals with both need and aspirations of 5 women belonging to different socio-economic category of urban India. Actually, 2 main plots run together here. One is about home delivery of food by three women initially. Another one is: the pharma business run by their male counterparts. But as greed begins to take them in grip, they begin narcotic production and sale. Thus all take the path of sin and get accustomed with committing crime. The story also narrates another plot; strives of one female police officer and a senior official of the narcotic control to crack the crime and bring them to justice. This is really appreciating that the story ends with a sense of nihilism when all 3 plots get mingled and proves that crime never pays.

The Web Series uses a brilliant metaphor at the end. Here blood and bloodsoaked hands and clothes and the frustration while cleansing them by all the women is really brilliant. It refers many things; bloodsoaked hands of Macbeth, holy blood, foetus and others manifesting creation and destruction.

The direction is good. The casting is really good. Shabana Azmi is brilliant as always. Jyothika, Shalini, Nimisha, Gajraj Rao and Jishu Sengupta, all have performed really well. A must watch Web Series. But have patience to enjoy it.

Dubba Cartel is an absolute gem! The directorship is top-notch, keeping us hooked every second. The story flows seamlessly, making us feel like we're living in its world.

What truly stands out is the cast-the characters feel so authentic that I almost forgot their real identities. Some of the actors are raw, fresh talents, delivering performances so powerful that they blur the line between fiction and reality.

It's rare to see a Series where the entire team excels, but Dubba Cartel achieves this effortlessly. A surreal yet realistic experience-unlike anything from the Indian film and Series industry before. Must-watch! 🎬🔥

Anwar Says: Dabba Cartel,Crime centred around women, an intriguing subject , and of course with manipulative partners. Here you'll watch desperation and frustration and hardly any violence. Web-series is good in parts and at some stages looks unnecessarily dragged .

All the women characters have given stellar performances and Shabana Azmi is the coolest. Gajrao Rao as honest Government Officer is excellent, Sunil Grover is visible in the last episode. Technically, the series is solid , particularly the cinematography. Creators Shibani Akhtar and Gaurav Kapur have been able to run two parallel stories together and making them meet as and when needed.

Another story has been built up for a second season and hope it would be more gripping.

Watch this season for Shabana and Gajraj Rao.

#Netflix #anwarsays #womenoriented #CriminalWomen #ShabanaAzmi #GajrajRao #ShibaniAkhtar #mithai #Drugtrafficking #dabbawala.

Totally addictive storyline with all female lead. First of its kind.

Theme is old with all the new ways of drug selling. Slightly inspired from Breaking Bad. But the narration is good and kudos to the actors for their fabulous work. Specially Shabana Azmi once again proved what class of acting she was known for.

Like every good series, each episode's ending makes you want to know about the next moment as the story keeps you glued to the screen while maintaining the suspense.

The web series masterfully blends vintage theme with modern twist, creating a gripping narrative that's both nostalgic and fresh. While the Breaking Bad inspiration is evident, the show's unique voice and perspective shine through. The cast delivers outstanding performances, but Shabana Azmi steals the show with her incredible range and depth. Her presence elevates every scene, and her character's complexities are a joy to watch.

The pacing is expertly handled, with each episode ending on a cliffhanger that leaves you craving more. The suspense is skillfully maintained, keeping you on the edge of your seat as the story unfolds. The PLOT TWISTS!

Overall, this web series is a MUST WATCH for fans of crime dramas and suspenseful storytelling. With its talented cast, clever writing, and addictive pacing, it's a wild ride that'll keep you hooked until the very end!

Okay, so Dabba Cartel was one of those shows I started watching with literally zero expectations. Like, the name sounded quirky and kinda domestic - I thought it was going to be about cute aunties running a lunchbox service and maybe gossiping about their husbands or something. But surprise, surprise - it was actually a gritty, slow-burn crime drama with some solid feminist undertones, complex female leads, and a LOT of metaphors. Definitely not your average dabba story.

The premise is intriguing: five women from different walks of life come together to run a lunchbox delivery business... which eventually spirals into a full-blown drug cartel. Yep, from chapatis to cocaine. The narrative splits between their journey into the underworld and the parallel investigation led by a female cop and a narcotics officer. There's also the whole metaphorical blood-on-your-hands arc that's super Shakespearean and honestly kind of brilliant. The final scene where the women are scrubbing off blood from their skin and clothes? It gave major Lady Macbeth-meets-matriarch vibes. Loved that visual metaphor even more than I expected.

Performance-wise, Shabana Azmi is an absolute queen. She brought such gravity to her role and was the backbone of every scene she was in. Jyothika was lovely and handled her Hindi well. Gajraj Rao as the upright officer was great casting, and Nimisha and Shalini added their own spice to the plot. But unfortunately, not all characters got the depth they deserved. One of the female leads was randomly killed off without enough narrative weight, and the introduction of Sunil Grover's character towards the end felt like the writers were trying to plug a pacing hole and hoped we wouldn't notice. (Spoiler: we noticed.)

Now, let's talk about the structure. Seven episodes. Over six hours. And honestly? It didn't need to be that long. The show had a solid core story - the descent of ordinary women into crime, driven by aspiration and desperation - but the screenplay often meandered. Some episodes were tight and gripping; others felt stretched and a bit repetitive. The pace picked up toward the second half, but you definitely needed patience to stick with it.

Cinematography, however, was totally on point. The visuals had a grainy, real-world charm that matched the tone perfectly. The direction was decent and made sure the emotions didn't feel hollow - even when the pacing faltered. What annoyed me, though? The rap music in the background. Like... why? It didn't match the tone at all and took me out of the mood several times. The sound design overall was hit or miss. Sometimes it worked. Sometimes it felt like a Spotify playlist on shuffle.

There are some powerful themes explored here: the idea of moral erosion, the cost of ambition, and how ordinary women can be pushed to extremes by circumstances. There's also this subtle commentary on how crime creeps in through economic vulnerability and how the façade of domesticity can hide a thousand secrets. Unfortunately, these themes weren't always explored deeply. It was like the show kept skimming the surface of its own brilliance but never took the dive.

Still, I appreciated the attempt. It was refreshing to see a crime series led by older, nuanced female characters who weren't glamorized or tokenized. They were messy, ambitious, conflicted - and that was honestly a breath of fresh air. Also, the show was clearly inspired by Breaking Bad, but instead of meth labs and Heisenberg hats, we got tiffin boxes and sarees. Which, not gonna lie, was kind of iconic.

Would I recommend it? Yes, with caveats. Don't go in expecting edge-of-your-seat thrills. Go in for the performances, the metaphors, and the quiet power of women reclaiming their narrative - even if it's one soaked in blood and betrayal. It's a good effort that could've been great with tighter writing and better pacing. Definitely one of the more thoughtful Indian OTT releases this year, even if it didn't completely stick the landing.

Rating: 6/10.

Good cast, good screenplay, everyone playing their part to a tee, good background score, all the ingredients needed for any good series or good movie, I initially started watching thinking will this be a Narcos / The Godfather rip off, definitely there are many scenes which will remind you of both and even sometimes Breaking Bad but The Dabba Cartel is more like a tribute to all of these than a rip off and having watched season 1 especially the cliffhanger season finale ending, I will definitely watch season 2 whenever it comes out and hopefully it continues the same momentum as season 1, for Dabba Cartel to work all the ingredients that was needed had to be in the right mix and yes it definitely was. Do check it out whenever you get a chance. Recommended 👍🏾

Hitesh Bhatia's Dabba Cartel delves into the lives of five middle-class women whose modest dabba service unexpectedly spirals into a high-stakes venture. The show has all the right ingredients-an intriguing setup, a l solid concept, and a talented ensemble-yet the final product, while good, isn't as flavorful or gripping as it could have been. Though it largely holds interest, barring a few stretched subplots, the execution doesn't quite hit the right pitch to make for a thoroughly engrossing watch.

The cast, featuring stalwarts like Shabana Azmi, Jisshu Sengupta, Gajraj Rao, Shalini Pandey, Nimisha Sajayan, Anjali Anand, Bhupendra Jadawat, Sai Tamhankar, and Jyotika, delivers commendable performances, but the emotional impact falls short, especially given the talent involved. The locations and setting add authenticity, though the background score, aiming for a trendy vibe, works only in parts. The backstory feels rushed, and while the twists are serviceable, the show does redeem itself with a strong finale, building anticipation for the next season.

Dabba Cartel makes for an interesting watch but ultimately leaves one wishing for a more refined execution.

OVERALL - 6/10.

What a rubbish and illogical plot. A middle class house wife running a daaba service along with her maid becomes a drug peddler and is joined by other women in the process as if they are joining some papad business. The real estate sales girl rents out an apartment without letting her office know. New people keep on joining as if it is some networking business. In the process they also start making their own drug and they run the drug business thru dabba service without anyone noticing it. They glorify extremely dangerous drug like Fentanyl as if it is some vitamin tablet. Shame on the makers.

Dabba cartel is good thriller series. But lot of scenes we know what Next.. so screenplay gripp ness is missing. Otherwise very good entertainment series. Unexpected climax & not upto mark. Shabana Azmi & Nimisha sajayan acting performance so good. His character very good exposes. And next Shalini Pandey doing his role superb. Jyothika & Anjali are doing supporting role very good. Constable sai tamhankar & Gajraj rao prominent his roles. Other characters are not impressive only this characters using to story tellers. Cinematography good..music is ok.. and songs are ok only..

Overall my rating 6/10.

Netflix's Dabba Kartal brings an engaging crime drama that revolves around the resurgence of a drug cartel in India, led by a former mafia kingpin's manager who resurfaces after decades in hiding. The storyline is intriguing, and the execution is commendable, though it has some rough edges.

The casting is spot-on, with every actor fitting their roles well. The standout performances come from the lead actors, especially Shalini Pandey, who delivers a powerful and memorable act. While the actor playing Kashi Bhai does a phenomenal job, one can't help but imagine how incredible Dimple Kapadia would have been in the role.

One of the series' strong points is its fresh take on drug trafficking-using the Dabba (lunchbox) concept for smuggling. However, the way it's handled lacks the finesse seen in other crime sagas like Narcos. The amateurish approach of the main characters makes sense in context, but at times, it feels too casual, reducing the tension that such a series should carry.

Despite its minor flaws, Dabba Kartal is a gripping watch, well-directed, and entertaining throughout. A one-time must-watch for crime drama lovers!

Dabba Cartel - Netflix really said "What if aunties cooked more than just food?"

Okay but listen:

Bro. Shabana Azmi and Lilette Dubey pulled up like, "Acting? Oh you mean breathing?" Legends didn't even break a sweat. They were out here solving midlife crises and trafficking whatever the hell that powder was-probably MDMA but homemade.

And the rest of the cast? Not a single flop. Everyone showed up like it was their Oscars. Not a single "TV serial" vibe in sight, just straight-up cinema.

Screenplay? Clean. Direction? Crisp. Character building? OOF.

They actually built the girl bosses. No lazy "yas queen" edits. Nah, they said "let me show you why aunty's the plug now." I swear Shahida had me scared and inspired at the same time. Respect.

Mid-tier Takes (Neutral zone but not Switzerland):

It's giving... Breaking Bad but with steel tiffins and family WhatsApp groups.

It's giving... "Walter White but in a saree."

And weirdly? It works. Like it shouldn't work but it slaps harder than maa ka thappad during board exam season.

And now the tea-spilling section (Negatives):

Okay bro hear me out, while girl bossing is elite and I'm all in, this was like... girlboss overload. I needed just one dude to walk in and be like "hello ma'am I'll just cry in the corner respectfully." Balance, y'know?

Netflix also went full "diversity checklist speedrun any%" with Preeti. Like bro... why she gotta be a lesbian rookie cop? We already had cartel aunties, sugar smugglers, and sass everywhere-this subplot felt like the intern wrote it while on kombucha.

Give me a beaten-up male rookie cop who simps for Shahida. I would've felt that. Preeti just felt like a TikTok character in an otherwise gritty show.

Final Thoughts:

The biryani was cooked, the spice was balanced, but then Netflix added avocado for no reason. Still ate though. Just... maybe hold the side of forced rainbow next time, chef.

Dabba cartel is well made series on drug cartel business in Mumbai. All the main characters are perfectly blended for the roles they were choosen. Screenplay and bgm are major assets for this series and the director made sure to stick to the core point and made a series which is worth of binge watch on one of our lazy weekend. I think season 1 is just a trailer to season 2 as it ended on a high note am expecting the season 2 will be bigger and better drama . On the flip side some episodes have been little lagged but it's fine since overall series will give you a good entertainment. I would suggest if you're fan of crime drama mixed with investigation drama and thriller then this series will definitely a good one to watch.

This is a good series and felt fresh in its execution. The story is captivating and moves at a fast pace.

Everyone acts very well with Nimisha probably leading the way with a delightful performance. Hopefully we can see her in more Hindi stuff - she is already made her name in Malayalam movies.

Shabana shows great poise and is in a role unlike anything seen till now from her..the character building is quite subtle, gradual and nice. I just loved the way she say Chavvann...but alas after the first few episodes it becomes Chavan and THAT was not ok. These are important things which obviously got missed at the studio.

Also there are some scenes which are a stretch of the imagination and that was a downer im parts. Anjali is very good in her role and you take to her quickly. Gajraj ji 🙏🙏🙏 needless to mention is just unbelievably superb. I wouldn't mind a whole series only with him😀

Quite surprisingly and sadly Sunil Grover is very underwhelming..he just doesn't have it in him in this role and to think he will have as it looks like, a very important part in the next edition of this series.

Overall this series is surely worth a watch.

Rating - 4.5/5

A gripping web series on how the Dabbawala from behind the kitchen doors shake the corporate Pharma syndicate.

The story revolves around how a small Dabba business run by few inhouse society ladies in Mumbai turns out to be a headache for the Pharma Corporates,Drug regulators and the cops forms the nutshell of the story.

Exceptional writing by Vishnu Menon & Bhavna Kher connecting and interlinking the sequences in top notch perfection leaving no loose ends showing both the organised and funded culture as well as the undercover setups. The writers has taken earnest efforts in building deep character arcs and layers for each characters which is highly evident through the screenplay. The filmmakers has blended family drama,relationship traumas,friendship,struggles,hardships and insecurities in proportion without deviating from the core storyline. Hitesh Bhatia has executed the screenplay exceptionally well into the screen maintaining the tempo hooking the audience in the right notes.

Hats off to the filmmakers for the brilliant casting in the series. Kickass performance by Nimisha,Sai Tamhankar & Anjali Anand who just blew up the audience with their performance. Nimisha's character although hits differently with the styling given. Poised performance by Gajraj Rao as a veteran Public servant portrayed effortlessly through his body mannerisms and Shabana Azmi has given an impeccable performance showing the variance in character having an unsettled fire burning inside. Jyotika & Shalini Pandey has pulled off the character dynamics having high emotional variations splendidly.

Good shots by Eeshit Narain capturing the Mumbai streets and its pace in true essence maintaining the lighting and colour tone and the editors for perfectly aligning and trimming the series deserves appreciation.

A must watch web series well curated by Hitesh Bhatia that definitely deserves a single non stop viewing for an intriguing experience.

Dabba Cartel is a gripping, engaging, and at times sensationally heart throbbing Hindi thriller series. A fun immersive watch. Electrical performances, modern day India and the current fentanyl issues makes this a cross between Narcos and Breaking Bad. From humble beginnings to accidentally getting involved, to becoming a part of the vicious cycle are everyday realities excellently portrayed in this mini series. There are business tips to portraying failing businesses dos and don'ts those make it interesting to all kinds of viewers. It is a must see from drugs enforcement to a regular movies goer. A short series of only 7 episodes make this a great weekend delight.

I'm not sure why "Dabba Cartel" has received such low ratings on IMDb. In my opinion, the show deserves more recognition. I've rated it a 10 to boost it, but honestly, my rating is closer to an 8/10. That said, I'm hopeful the second season will improve, based on where the story seems to be headed.

If you're into crime dramas or shows about drug cartels, "Dabba Cartel" is definitely worth watching. The series delves into the underground world of crime, money, and power, with enough twists and turns to keep you hooked. It has a gritty, intense atmosphere and stays grounded, avoiding the typical flashy stereotypes that often dominate this genre.

What stands out most for me is the character development. The pacing might feel slow at times, but it allows the audience to connect with the characters and understand their motivations. The gradual build-up of tension is engaging, and it's easy to get drawn into the slow-burn suspense.

The performances are another highlight. The cast does a great job of portraying multi-dimensional characters who aren't just generic criminals but individuals with personal struggles and ambitions. This depth makes the characters feel real and relatable, which adds a lot to the show's appeal.

While the show does a good job of showcasing the inner workings of the cartel world, there are moments where the pacing slows down a bit, especially in the middle of the season. However, these minor issues don't overshadow the show's potential. The first season sets a strong foundation, and I believe the second season will take it to the next level.

In conclusion, "Dabba Cartel" is a solid crime drama, and while it's not perfect, it's definitely worth watching. If you're a fan of the genre, don't let the low ratings deter you. I'm confident that with the next season, the show will only improve and become something really special.

Same Old Story, No Innovation

One of the biggest disappointments of Dabba Cartel is its storyline. Crime thrillers revolving around secret cartels and mafia dealings have been done countless times before. However, a good show can still stand out with a fresh take, unique characters, or unpredictable twists. Unfortunately, Dabba Cartel offers none of these.

The story follows the same beaten-down path of secret dealings, betrayals, and personal struggles, without adding anything new. The predictable screenplay makes it easy to guess what will happen next, eliminating any suspense or excitement. There are no shocking twists, no nail-biting moments, and nothing that makes the viewer eagerly wait for the next episode.

While the series attempts to mix crime with themes of empowerment and camaraderie, it does so in the most stereotypical way possible. The struggles of women in the 1960s are presented superficially, without depth or genuine emotional impact. It feels like the creators were simply ticking boxes rather than telling a meaningful story.

By the end it felt like i was in it. I was at the edge of my seat. Never watched such show. Loved it. Im eagerly waiting for second season. I wonder when will it come out ?

Everyone acted so so perfectly. Especially sheela. And the last episode was so emotional.

I would definetely recommend it. I barely watch alot of indian series or movies but this one felt different and interesting. No regrets !! Really enjoyed every bit of it. Only cringey part was about shabana and preeti. How the LGBTQ part was forced. That was really cringey ngl. Wasnt needed atall. They could have just been really good friends but what can i say. Idea was maybe to make this stuff common.

I wouldn't call it one of the finest or most gripping web series in recent years, but I still watched the entire first season-thanks to the impeccable Shabana Azmi. Wow, what an actor she is! It's a shame we see so little of her due to the lack of suitable scripts.

Forget everything else-watch this series just for her powerful performance. The story moves at a slow pace, but most actors have delivered well. I hope the second season improves in terms of storyline and pacing to keep the audience engaged.

Shabana, as a former aide to a mafia don, truly shines and carries the story on her shoulders. However, I was disappointed by the excessive emotional drama and the lack of action sequences in what was supposed to be a cat-and-mouse thriller. 10 rating is for Shabana Ji. Story and rest of the script 6/10.