In the series, Jyotika's character refers to the all-female drug empire as 'Narcos Thane' in a dismissive manner. Netflix's latest offering, Dabba Cartel, positions itself as an underdog narrative within the realm of narcotics. While it draws more inspiration from Breaking Bad, it also prominently features themes of female empowerment. Despite the excitement it generates and the intriguing premise it presents, Dabba Cartel maintains a steady pace, neither reaching a climactic explosion nor losing momentum. The viewing experience is enhanced by the remarkable performances of its cast, elevating the show beyond its inherent qualities.

What is Dabba Cartel about

Dabba Cartel narrates the tale of Raji (Shalini Pandey), a homemaker residing in Thane who operates a tiffin service alongside her domestic aide, Mala (Nimisha Sajayan). When Mala's boyfriend persuades her to conceal marijuana within the tiffin boxes for delivery, the two women find themselves entangled in the drug trade. As circumstances spiral out of control, Raji's mother-in-law, Sheela (Shabana Azmi), intervenes to assist them, though her unpredictable nature is shaped by a tumultuous past. Concurrently, Varuna (Jyotika), a former corporate executive turned salon owner, grapples with her own financial difficulties and a crumbling marriage. Their lives intersect, presenting the women with a precarious opportunity involving illicit drugs. However, the question remains: will this lead to their redemption, or will it drag them further into chaos?

What works and what doesn't

Dabba Cartel, conceived by Shibani Akhtar and Gaurav Kapur, embodies a distinctly desi and earthy essence. The series features intriguing characters that may resonate with viewers. Enhanced by commendable performances and polished cinematography that vividly portrays Thane, the show offers an enjoyable viewing experience. However, focusing solely on the first episode, as the narrative unfolds, it begins to lose its momentum. The storyline quickly descends into predictability, diminishing the excitement. In contrast, series such as Breaking Bad, Narcos, and Weeds—particularly the latter, which shares thematic similarities—thrive on the cleverness with which their characters navigate challenges. The writing in those shows ensures that the audience is consistently taken by surprise with unexpected developments, a quality that Dabba Cartel unfortunately lacks.

One aspect that succeeds in Dabba Cartel is its ability to render the premise credible. The portrayal of middle-class women grappling with the complexities of drug trafficking, while attempting to project an image of toughness, is convincingly executed. The dynamic background score and accompanying songs serve as an effective enhancement, establishing an appropriate atmosphere. Nevertheless, the impact is somewhat undermined by superficial writing.

The standout feature of the series is undoubtedly the performances, particularly that of the formidable Shabana Azmi. Even after five decades in the industry, she continues to captivate audiences, evoking memories of her earlier roles as she embodies the complex character of Sheela with remarkable finesse. Nimisha Sajayan also shines, infusing her character with a blend of innocent vulnerability and resilience, making her instantly relatable. Jyotika delivers a commendable performance as well, reminding viewers of her enduring talent and presence in the industry, which remains formidable even after two decades.

Shalini Pandey makes a sincere effort; however, she is constrained by a character that permits her to do little more than appear vulnerable. Similarly, Sai Tamhankar and Gajraj Rao are encumbered by roles that fail to showcase their true abilities. Anjali Anand contributes positively and seeks to captivate the audience with her authentic performance, yet her opportunities within the script are limited.

Dabba Cartel represents a narrative filled with unrealized potential. The series attempts to explore a niche that is rarely ventured into by Indian productions, yet it leans more heavily on star appeal and style rather than genuine depth. This reliance ultimately leads to its downfall.

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