Dabba Cartel Review: Narrative: Raji (Shalini Pandey) operates a tiffin service alongside her housekeeper and friend, Mala (Nimisha Sajayan). One day, Mala falls victim to her boyfriend's deceit, leading him to blackmail her into distributing marijuana through their food delivery service. This initial foray into drugs spirals, resulting in the cartel enlisting additional women—Shaheeda (Anjali Anand), Varuna (Jyothika), and Sheela (Shabana Azmi). As the network expands and the drug trade becomes increasingly precarious, the women face mounting challenges and must strive to survive while growing their enterprise. Will they prevail, or will they falter? Watch Dabba Cartel on Netflix after perusing this review.

Dabba Cartel: Review

In the current landscape of streaming content, a series centered on a drug cartel operating from a kitchen may not seem particularly captivating. We have encountered numerous similar concepts that lose their appeal by the time they are presented to audiences, leading to lowered expectations. Furthermore, the prevalence of violence—both physical and ideological—has begun to alienate many viewers. With the release of Dabba Cartel, featuring the esteemed Shabana Azmi in a leading role, the question arises: can it persuade audiences that it diverges from the typical narrative and offers something unique? Let us explore further.

Compile a list of five television shows that explore themes of drugs, cartels, and the chaos that ensues from these elements. Subsequently, categorize them into two groups: one that highlights common themes and another that showcases unique characteristics. The latter group will invariably be smaller, as there are limited narratives that resonate with the preferences of the streaming audience, as noted by numerous creators. Among these narratives is a series that adopts a stylized approach, featuring characters reminiscent of those from a Quentin Tarantino film, who strive to make their drug cartel successful while being pursued by an equally stylish law enforcement officer. However, this narrative centers on ordinary individuals—those who are fearful, cautious, and wary of the system, much like ourselves—endeavoring to navigate the underworld due to circumstances beyond their control. They may find themselves cleaning coriander on the same surface where they previously handled marijuana, as both tasks are deemed essential in their lives.

Dabba Cartel, created by Shibani Akhtar, Vishnu Menon, Gaurav Kapoor, and Akanksha Seda, written by Bhavna Kera, and directed by Hitesh Bhatia, captures its essence in the reality that these women, despite their inclination to confront the world, were never meant to inhabit this realm. Even Baa, portrayed by the remarkable Shabana Azmi, who once dominated this world in her youth, finds herself ensnared in this situation against her will. She only learned to navigate these treacherous waters when thrust into the depths of despair. Thus, there are no triumphs—only a relentless struggle to keep the men who seek to dominate them at bay, to advocate for their community, and to foster the spirit of sisterhood.

The narrative delves into the lives of women with a discerning perspective. It does not suggest that all is well within the female experience; rather, it highlights their collective struggle for justice. Sheela Baa remains somber, having endured profound suffering that has rendered her incapable of experiencing joy. Her existence resembles that of a hardened individual navigating a household that includes her son and daughter-in-law. The daughter-in-law, Raji, engages in various schemes to earn extra income, yet she could never have envisioned resorting to drug sales. Her companion, Mala, is typically regarded as a common domestic worker, receiving only the respect that Raji chooses to extend, which is all she desires. When financial resources are abundant, Mala feels empowered, equating this with her sense of authority. Varuna, on the other hand, has been relegated to the status of mere decor in her own home by her husband, who perceives her as a threat to his professional standing due to her superior capabilities.

Shaheeda encounters a multitude of challenges just as she sheds her image as the compliant woman in the realm of real estate. In the background is Preeti (Sai Tamhankar), a woman reconciling with her sexuality while striving to navigate a workplace where male colleagues consistently undermine her, as they believe a female police officer is not to be taken seriously. To them, she serves merely as a source of amusement at the police station. Hitesh, Vishnu, and their team construct the Dabba Cartel, portraying women who are fiercely resisting the male-dominated world. The series, at its finest, evokes memories of Asim Abbasi’s acclaimed Pakistani drama Churails, which centered on women challenging oppression and standing up against patriarchal structures.

Season 1 of Dabba Cartel lays the groundwork for a narrative clearly intended to unfold over multiple seasons. It chronicles the journey of these women as they gradually succumb to their darker instincts, with each drug lord they encounter pushing them further into moral ambiguity. This initial season portrays a tightening grip around them, leaving no room for retreat. Dabba Cartel narrates the experiences of individuals akin to ourselves, thrust into dire situations with no avenue for redemption.

The performances are exceptional, with Shalini Pandey and Nimisha Sajayan embodying the emotional core of this drama. Sajayan, in particular, adeptly conveys the desperation of a woman from a disadvantaged background seeking dignity, even if it necessitates engaging in illicit activities.

Although the world-building in the first two episodes may appear somewhat unstable, Dabba Cartel swiftly establishes its pace and transforms into a captivating narrative. The series lays a robust groundwork for its subsequent seasons. It stands out as one of the most meticulously crafted shows in recent memory, with all aspects—from direction to cinematography—functioning in harmony. The concluding scene is haunting, setting the stage for a riveting performance by Shalini Pandey in Season 2, should it materialize, which is highly anticipated.

Furthermore, it would be wonderful to witness more of Shabana Azmi asserting her authority over ill-mannered men with her intense gaze and powerful dialogue delivery. This is the type of content that truly captivates me! A legendary figure marks 50 years in the industry with remarkable flair! Dabba Cartel is supported by an exceptional technical team that skillfully navigates the delicate balance between excess and moderation, resulting in a well-crafted and coherent narrative.

Dabba Cartel Review: Final Verdict

Dabba Cartel transcends the typical stylized underworld drama; it presents a raw, character-driven story about women from our communities who are thrust into darkness and must struggle to survive. Netflix’s latest release showcases Shabana Azmi at her finest, and that alone justifies your subscription fee.

Dabba Cartel will premiere on Netflix on February 28, 2025. Stay connected with OTTplay for further updates on this and all things related to streaming and cinema.

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