Those who have viewed the trailer for Dabba Cartel can confirm that it serves as a perfect addition to Shabana Azmi's impressive portfolio, which is characterized by powerful performances. However, the actress humorously notes that she felt obligated to take on the upcoming crime drama. With her daughter-in-law, Shibani Akhtar, as the writer and her son, Farhan Akhtar, as the producer, she found it impossible to refuse the opportunity.

Storyline of Dabba Cartel

This Netflix series, set in Mumbai, focuses on five housewives who operate a narcotics network, with Azmi's character, Sheelaben, serving as the unofficial leader. In a conversation with Mid Day, she remarked that, despite the humor, she recognized that Sheelaben possesses multiple layers, emphasizing that actors are drawn to roles featuring complex characters. Sheelaben is an ordinary individual navigating her life, yet unforeseen circumstances compel her to confront a past she left behind three decades ago. With the taste of blood now in her mouth, she begins to embrace the danger.

Comparing Dabba Cartel to Godmother

The veteran actress's compelling portrayal of a gang leader in Godmother (1999) earned her a sixth National Award over 25 years ago. When asked about the primary distinctions between her role as Rambhi in Godmother and her ruthless character Sheelaben, Azmi explained that the challenge in Dabba Cartel lay in presenting her character in a fresh light. Sheelaben is markedly different, requiring her to resist the temptation to conform to familiar patterns. Every aspect of her—her manner of speaking, body language, and the setting she inhabits—contrasts sharply with that of Rambhi.

Diverse ensemble cast

The experience was further enhanced by the presence of a diverse group of actors, including Jyotika, Sai Tamhankar, Nimisha Sajayan, Shalini Pandey, and Anjali Anand. Dabba Cartel confronts conventional gender stereotypes by showcasing women as leaders within a drug trafficking organization. Conversely, Azmi offers a different perspective, suggesting that Dabba Cartel provides an intriguing exploration of humanity as a whole, transcending gender distinctions. The female characters play crucial roles, making decisions in a system that often overlooks their contributions. They are not merely seen as objects of desire for criminals or their accomplices. These women uniquely navigate a treacherous environment.

For the senior actor, this crime drama marks her inaugural collaboration with Shibani, imbuing the project with special significance. Their bond is robust, characterized by a strong friendship. The production team capitalized on her tendency to acquiesce whenever Shibani made a request.

Dabba Cartel is set to premiere on Netflix on February 28, 2025.

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